How Formula Feeding Affects your Baby’s Sleep Patterns

As a new parent, sleep—or the lack thereof—is probably a hot topic in your household. It seems like everyone has advice on how to get your baby to sleep longer, including whether feeding them formula might make a difference. You might have heard that breastfed or formula-fed babies sleep longer or vice versa, which could give your baby—and you—those precious extra hours of shut-eye. But is that really the case? Could dream feeding or combination feeding help? Let’s explore how formula feeding might impact your baby’s sleep and what it means for your nighttime routine.

Can formula feeding affect my baby’s sleep?

In short, there is no clear answer. Some research suggests that exclusively breastfed infants tend to experience longer periods of nighttime sleep and overall sleep compared to those fed formula. Plus, breast milk contains melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. 

However, a 2017 study found that while three-month-old breastfed infants slept more at night than formula-fed infants, they experienced more difficulty sleeping than their formula-fed peers by six months of age.

Does breast milk digest faster than formula?

Yes. Breast milk digests more quickly than formula, which means that breastfed babies may feel hungry again after 2 to 3 hours. Formula is digested slower, so babies may feel fuller for more extended periods and typically feed every 3 to 4 hours. So, from a digestion perspective, some might believe formula feeding contributes to fewer nighttime awakenings since a baby may stay satiated a bit longer. 

But here’s the kicker—babies are notoriously unpredictable! One baby might sleep soundly after breastfeeding, while another baby who is formula-fed might wake up frequently. Sleep is influenced by a whole mix of factors, including your little one’s temperament, developmental stage, and the sleep environment. 

Will I get more sleep if I formula feed?

Again, there are no conclusive answers. However, you may get more rest if you use formula and share nighttime feedings with a partner or caregiver. If someone else handles the 2 a.m. bottle, you can catch a few extra Z’s.

However, keep in mind that babies wake up for reasons beyond hunger. They might need soothing, have a wet diaper, or simply want to be near you. Plus, if your baby associates feeding with comfort, they might still wake up looking for that bottle or breast, even if they’re not hungry.

How often do formula-fed babies wake up at night?

In the early weeks, all babies—whether breastfed or formula-fed—will wake up frequently. Newborns typically need to eat every 2-3 hours, which means you’re in for a lot of late-night snuggles. As your baby grows and their stomach gets bigger, they’ll be able to consume more at each feeding and start to sleep for longer intervals. For formula-fed babies, you might notice that they begin to stretch out those nighttime feeds a little sooner. 

But remember, every baby is different. Some babies might still wake up multiple times a night, regardless of how they’re fed. And that’s okay! Just be sure to reach out to your doctor if you have any concerns. 

What is dream feeding?

If you haven’t heard of dream feeding, it’s a technique that can be a helpful strategy in the battle for more sleep. The idea is simple: you feed your baby while they’re still half-asleep, usually right before you go to bed. The hope is that this extra feeding will fill their tummy and help them sleep longer into the night, giving you a chance to get a decent stretch of sleep before the next wake-up call.

Dream feeding can work with both breastfed and formula-fed babies. It’s especially useful if your baby tends to wake up shortly after you’ve settled into bed—because let’s face it, it’s a little frustrating to drift off to sleep only to be woken up 30 minutes later! Not every baby will take to it, but many parents swear by this method as a way to gain an extra hour or two of sleep. It might take a little practice to get the timing just right, but when it works, it can be, well, a dream.

Baby sleep patterns

Babies typically need around 12 to 16 hours of sleep per day during their first year. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, they do not have regular sleep schedules until they are about four to six months old. And even then, sleep patterns can vary greatly between babies. That said, here’s a rough idea of what you might expect during the first nine months.

• Newborns (0-2 months): Your baby will sleep a lot, but in short bursts—typically waking every 2 to 3 hours for feedings. That tiny tummy needs frequent nourishment! Day and night might blur together as you adjust to their frequent waking and feeding cycle. 
• 3-4 months: Around this age, babies might sleep as much as 6 to 8 hours at a stretch. They might take 3 or 4 naps during the day. At night they may wake 1 or 2 times to eat. 

Around month four, give or take a month, some babies may experience sleep regression. This is typically associated with developmental changes and characterized by changes to their sleep pattern, i.e., increased fussing and waking up. Establishing a consistent sleep routine, such as giving them a warm bath, a feeding, and lots of cuddles before bed may help you manage this temporary, but not unexpected, phase. 

• 5-6 months: Many babies begin to establish a more predictable sleep routine by this age. You might see a pattern of 2 to 3 naps during the day and longer stretches of sleep at night. 
• 7-9 months: At this stage, some babies might start sleeping through the night or waking just once for a feeding. Naps might drop to 2 per day, with a longer sleep duration at night.

Remember, these are just general guidelines. Your baby’s sleep schedule will depend on their individual needs. Plus, as your little one begins to incorporate solid foods into their diet, they will likely sleep longer. If you ever have any questions about your baby’s sleep patterns, talk to your pediatrician. 

Can you breastfeed during the day and formula-feed at night?

Yes. Many parents choose to breastfeed during the day and switch to formula at night. This combination feeding approach offers the benefits of breastfeeding while allowing for more flexibility at night.

If you’re considering this, it’s important to introduce formula gradually so your baby has time to adjust. Some babies take to mixed feeding easily, while others might need a bit of time to get used to the different feeding methods. It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor for personalized guidance.

Also, keep in mind that your milk supply is largely based on demand. If you reduce the number of nighttime breastfeeds, your milk supply might decrease. But with careful planning, many parents find that this approach works well for their family.

From feedings to snoozes, every baby is unique

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to baby sleep. Formula feeding might help your baby sleep for a slightly longer stretch of time, but it’s not guaranteed. The key is to find a sleep routine that works for your baby and your family, whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or combination feeding. Every baby is unique, and discovering what’s best for your little one is all part of the dreamy adventure.