Growth Spurts, and Shifting Feeds from Night to Day

Growth spurts

• Often around 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. For 2-3 days a baby may feed far more often, cluster feed in the evening, and be fussier or sleep differently.
• Follow hunger cues: frequent breastfeeding builds supply; with bottles, offer a little more if still hungry. Lower the bar for these days.
• Worry if there are fewer wet diapers, or fussiness comes with fever, vomiting or poor feeding.

In the newborn weeks

• Full, unhurried feeds every 2-3 hours by day (8-12 in 24 hours).
• Don't stretch, skip or water down night feeds; newborns need them for growth and blood sugar.
• Keep night feeds dark, quiet and brief, and day feeds bright and social. That builds the habit without cutting anything.

Once back to birth weight and gaining well (often 2-6 weeks)

If the pediatrician agrees, parents can let the baby wake them at night instead of setting alarms. Don't add ounces just to make a baby sleep.

Around 3-4 months and later, with the pediatrician's OK

• Nudge ounces into the day: about 0.5-1 oz more in a few day bottles, or an extra late-afternoon feed. A dream feed around 10-11 p.m. can lengthen the first stretch.
• Some babies drop night feeds between 4 and 6 months; many still need one or two until 6-9 months.
• Ask before night weaning a baby who was early, small at birth, or slow to gain.