Evie Summers
Newborns have different sleep patterns and needs. While some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day, others may start to sleep for longer stretches of 5-6 hours at a time by 2-3 months of age. Newborns tend to fall asleep after eating, and it is natural for them to do so. However, some sources suggest that feeding a baby right before sleep can cause them to associate feeding with falling asleep, which may not always be desirable. It is recommended that parents ensure their baby is fully fed not long before putting them down to sleep, with a separation of 10-30 minutes between feeding and sleep.
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What You'll Learn
It's natural for newborns to sleep after eating
Newborns have their own schedule and it's natural for them to sleep after eating. They sleep around the clock, and because their tiny stomachs don't hold enough breast milk or formula to keep them satisfied for long, they wake up frequently to eat. Newborns should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18–19 hours a day. They wake up every couple of hours to eat—breastfed babies feed about every 2–3 hours, while bottle-fed babies tend to feed every 3–4 hours.
The first few months of a baby's life can be challenging for parents, who often have to get up multiple times during the night to tend to their baby. Each baby has a unique sleep pattern, and some start to sleep "through the night" (for 5–6 hours at a time) by 2–3 months of age, while others don't.
While there is advice about the ideal timing of meals and sleep, it's important to follow your baby's cues. Some sources suggest that feeding right before sleep is ideal, while others recommend completing the feed 10-30 minutes prior to sleep to avoid the baby associating feeding with falling asleep. However, many parents find that their babies fall asleep right after feeding and choose to go with the flow rather than following a strict schedule.
Additionally, it's important to keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Keeping the lights low and avoiding playing or talking with the baby can help send the message that nighttime is for sleeping.
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The pros and cons of letting newborns sleep immediately after eating
Newborns tend to sleep around the clock, waking up every couple of hours to feed. They should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with some newborns sleeping up to 18–19 hours a day.
There are various schools of thought on the ideal amount of time to wait between feeding a newborn and putting them to sleep. One source suggests that it is ideal to feed a baby right before sleep, with some families choosing to complete the feed 10-30 minutes prior. The aim is to avoid the baby forming an association between feeding and falling asleep, which can happen if they are always fed to sleep. However, feeding generally relaxes babies and helps them fall asleep, and it ensures their bellies are full before going down for the night.
Other sources suggest that timing meals in relation to sleep matters, as the digestion process can interfere with sleep quality. When food hits the stomach, the body releases hormones that tell the colon to contract to move food through the colon and out of the body, making room for more food. This is called the gastrocolic reflex and it is a normal reaction the body has to eating food. However, once the digestion process has started, the body warms up, while sleep requires the internal body temperature to cool down. Therefore, eating a large meal right before sleep can lead to discomfort and interfere with sleep quality.
Some parents opt for an "eat, play, sleep" cycle, but this can be difficult to follow if the baby gets sleepy after eating. Many parents choose to let their baby sleep after eating if they fall asleep, and this is biologically normal.
Pros
- Feeding relaxes babies and helps them fall asleep, and it ensures their bellies are full for the night.
- Newborns follow their own schedule, and it is biologically normal for them to fall asleep after feeding.
Cons
- Babies may form an association between feeding and falling asleep, which can become a requirement for them to fall asleep.
- The digestion process can interfere with sleep quality, as the body warms up during digestion, while sleep requires the internal body temperature to cool down.
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The ideal time to put a newborn to sleep after feeding
Newborns tend to sleep around the clock, and as their tiny stomachs don't hold enough breast milk or formula to keep them satisfied for long, they wake up frequently to eat. Breastfed babies feed often, about every 2-3 hours, while bottle-fed babies tend to feed less often, about every 3-4 hours. Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed. Wake your baby every 3-4 hours to eat until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first couple of weeks. After that, it's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night.
On the other hand, some parents prefer to allow a gap between feeding and bedtime. This is based on the understanding that digestion can take up to 72 hours to complete, and the body warms up during this process. Allowing time for the body to "cool down" after eating can result in better sleep quality and prevent discomfort in the belly. For example, if your child's nap time is around 12:30 PM, starting lunch by 11:30 AM and finishing by noon can improve their sleep. Similarly, for adults, cutting off eating 1-2 hours before sleep can enhance sleep quality.
Ultimately, the decision on the ideal time to put a newborn to sleep after feeding depends on the baby's and family's preferences and what works best for them. Some babies may fall asleep right after feeding, and it is generally recommended to follow the baby's cues and not force them to stay awake if they are tired.
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How to establish a bedtime routine for newborns
Newborns don't have a sense of day and night and will sleep around the clock, waking every few hours to feed. They should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with some newborns sleeping up to 18-19 hours a day.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to establishing a bedtime routine for newborns, and it's important to follow your baby's cues. However, here are some tips to help you establish a bedtime routine:
- During the first few weeks, it's normal for your newborn to sleep whenever and wherever they want. You can start to establish a bedtime routine once they are around 2-3 months old and sleeping for longer stretches at night.
- Create a nightly routine that includes feeding, bathing, and changing your baby into sleepwear. White noise, such as a fan or air purifier, can also help signal to your baby that it's time to sleep.
- Aim to feed your baby right before bedtime. This will ensure their belly is full, and the relaxation associated with feeding may help them fall asleep more easily. However, avoid creating an association between feeding and sleeping, as this can become a requirement for your baby to fall asleep.
- If your baby has reflux or other medical concerns, speak to your paediatrician about the best sleep and feeding timing.
- In the early weeks, keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Avoid playing with or talking to your baby, as this will signal that nighttime is for sleeping.
- Room-sharing, where your baby sleeps in the same room as you in a crib or bassinet, is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This facilitates feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night while keeping your baby safe.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, and use a firm, flat sleep surface with a snugly fitting sheet. Keep the room dark and avoid overheating.
- Swaddling your baby can help soothe them and make them feel secure. However, once they start trying to roll over, it's time to stop swaddling.
- Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed every 3-4 hours until they show good weight gain, usually within the first couple of weeks. After that, it's okay to let them sleep for longer periods at night.
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Exceptions to the rule of not feeding newborns right before sleep
While it is generally recommended to separate feeding and sleep time for newborns, there are some exceptions where feeding your baby right before sleep may be unavoidable or even necessary. Here are some scenarios where it may be appropriate or necessary to feed your newborn right before bedtime:
- Reflux: If your baby has significant reflux issues that are worsened by feeding just before sleep, you may need to adjust the timing. In such cases, it is important to keep your baby upright for a period of time before putting them down on their backs. The timing will depend on their reflux levels, so it's important to pay close attention to their individual needs.
- Medical Concerns: Other medical conditions, such as apnea or aspiration, may require specific feeding and sleep timing advice from your paediatrician. It's important to consult your baby's doctor to determine the best approach for your child's unique needs.
- Newborn Stage: During the first few weeks of life, it is crucial to ensure your newborn is feeding regularly and gaining weight. For the first one to two weeks, or until your baby regains their birth weight, it is important to wake them up to feed every two to three hours. After this initial period, as long as they are growing and feeding well, it is generally not necessary to wake them up solely for feeding.
- Premature Babies: If your baby was born prematurely, they may have unique nutritional needs and may not show typical hunger signs like crying. In such cases, it's important to consult your baby's doctor for guidance on their feeding schedule and sleep patterns.
- Weight Gain Concerns: If your baby hasn't surpassed their birth weight or is not growing as expected, you may need to wake them up to feed if they sleep for more than four hours straight. Consult your baby's doctor if you have concerns about their weight gain or feeding patterns.
Remember, every baby is unique, and it's always best to follow your baby's cues and seek professional advice from your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about their feeding and sleep schedule.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns follow their own schedule and it is normal for them to fall asleep after eating. However, it is not necessary for them to sleep immediately and waiting 10-30 minutes after feeding before putting them to bed is ideal.
Newborns should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period and wake up every couple of hours to eat.
It is recommended to finish feeding 10-30 minutes before putting your newborn to bed. This helps to avoid them always needing to be fed to sleep and gives them time to relax.
Newborns take a few weeks to learn the difference between night and day. Keeping things quiet and calm during nighttime feedings and diaper changes can help them understand that nighttime is for sleeping. It is also beneficial to let your newborn fall asleep in their crib at night so they associate it with sleep.
