Night wakes and night feeding

In the first months, night feeds are mandatory — a newborn's stomach can't hold enough for long stretches, and cluster feeding at night is how they gain weight. Feed on cue and keep the room dim and quiet so cues stay night-time-only. By 4–6 months, many healthy babies can sleep 6–8 hours without eating, but this is genetic, not a rule. Your pediatrician can help you decide when weaning night feeds is appropriate for your baby. To trim a night feed gently, shorten it by a minute (or drop half an ounce) every couple of nights, then eliminate it. Continue with the remaining feeds until you're down to zero. Sudden drops rarely work well and cause several rough nights.