This is one of the most common questions I hear from parents – the relationship between breastfeeding and sleep. 

There are so many myths out there, and I hope this helps bring a bit of clarity and reassurance.

Some common concerns I hear are:


• “Breastfed babies don’t sleep well.”


• “If you give a formula bottle at night, your baby will sleep longer.”


• “I feel like a human dummy — it’s the only way they’ll settle!”

If you can relate you are not alone, and thankfully, there’s a little more to it than that.

You absolutely can have a breastfed baby who sleeps well.

In fact, many of the families I’ve supported continue their breastfeeding journey and have little ones who sleep long stretches or even through the night.

The key often lies in when your baby feeds during the bedtime routine.

Feeding to sleep can work beautifully for some babies and if it’s working for you and your little one is getting the rest they need, that’s great!
There’s no need to change anything.

However, if your baby is waking frequently (perhaps hourly), the only way they’ll go back to sleep is by feeding, you’re feeling utterly exhausted, and you’re the only one who can settle them — then it may be time to gently shift how they fall asleep.

Breaking the Feed-to-Sleep Cycle (If You Want To)

Babies who rely on feeding to fall asleep often need that same support every time they transition between sleep cycles.

To help them learn to settle in other ways, I usually recommend a gentle, step-by-step approach:


• Start by moving the feed slightly earlier in the bedtime routine


• Then try rocking or cuddling to sleep


• Later, you might move toward stroking their head or shushing them while they’re lying in the cot

And just to be clear, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t feed your baby overnight.

If your baby still needs night feeds, please continue to feed them. But by separating feeding and falling asleep many families find their little one begins to sleep for longer stretches.

The Split Feed Tip

Another strategy that can help is a “split feed.”
This means offering a main feed earlier in the bedtime routine — for example, before bath time followed by a short “top-up” feed afterwards, just before story time and settling down to sleep.

Why does this help?
• It can break the strong link between falling asleep whilst feeding
• Your baby may feed more effectively when they’re less tired
• It still offers the comfort and connection of a bedtime feed
• It gently encourages settling in other ways

This small shift can make a big difference.

When Feeding Discomfort Is the Issue

If your little one is unsettled after feeds or shows signs of colic or reflux, it’s really important to explore this before working on sleep.
Addressing discomfort or underlying feeding issues can often lead to better sleep without needing to change anything about how your baby falls asleep.

You can get support from your midwife, health visitor, or GP. If you’re still unsure, there are some excellent infant feeding specialists available — feel free to contact me, and I’d be happy to point you in the right direction.

You Don’t Have to Choose Between Feeding or Sleep — You Can Have Both

Just remember, motherhood is hard work, and you are doing an amazing job.

If you're still feeling stuck, head to my Instagram @tothestarsandbacksleep and drop me a follow, or pop me a message… my inbox is always open for a chat.

Written by Zoe - Infant and Toddler Sleep Consultant, Registered Paediatric Nurse and founder of @tothestarsandbacksleep