How long do newborns need night feeds?
Newborn feeding needs vary. Don’t stretch gaps between feeds based on a sleep goal or an app reminder.
The short answer
Many newborns need feeds during the night, and there is no single age when every baby can safely stop. Follow your care team's advice about waking, feeding intervals and weight checks for your baby.
Newborns feed around the clock
Newborns have small stomachs and often feed frequently in the first weeks. NHS breastfeeding guidance describes at least eight to twelve feeds or more in 24 hours as a rough guide for the first weeks. The pattern can vary with age, feeding method and health.
A long stretch of sleep doesn’t by itself show that it is safe to delay a feed. Some babies need to be woken according to a care plan, particularly while feeding and weight gain are being checked.
Ask before changing night feeds
Ask your midwife, doctor or health visitor whether to wake your baby, what signs to watch for and when the plan can change. Follow their advice if your baby was born early, has jaundice, has a medical condition or is being monitored for weight.
Don’t use a sleep tracker, clock interval or app notification to decide that a baby can go longer between feeds. If your baby is difficult to wake or not feeding, contact your health service promptly.
Share the work without changing the plan
A second caregiver can help by bringing the baby, water or supplies, changing a nappy, settling the room or recording a feed when asked. Agree on a clear handoff so both caregivers know what the doctor advised.
For ideas about night support while breastfeeding, see how a partner can help at night.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.