How Long Should Infants Go Without Food at Night?

A newborn's stomach is about the size of a golf ball, according to the Maine Division of Local Public Health, so infants can only eat small amounts at each feeding. This means infants need to eat frequently to gain weight and develop properly. The length of time an infant should go between feedings at night depends on his age, development and other factors.

  1. How Often Infants Eat

    • Younger infants need to be fed more frequently than older infants. In their first two months, most infants wake up twice a night to eat, according to Dr. Barton D. Schmitt, in an article published by the Children's Physician Network. Premature babies may need to feed even more frequently, according to Lucile Packard Children̵7;s Hospital. By age 2 to 3 months, infants usually only eat once during the night. Infants age 4 to 5 months can usually sleep through the night without needing to be fed.

    When to Feed Your Infant

    • In most cases, you can follow your infant's cues for when to feed at night rather than setting a strict schedule. Most infants will wake you up every few hours when they become hungry. You shouldn't have to wake your baby at night for a feeding unless your doctor recommends it, according to Lucile Packard Children̵7;s Hospital. However, newborns shouldn't be allowed to sleep longer than five hours in the first five to six weeks.

    Encouraging Healthy Sleep Habits

    • Building healthy sleep habits not only keeps your infant safe but also helps him learn to fall asleep. Don't put your infant to bed with a bottle; this can cause ear infections, choking and tooth decay. In addition, put him to bed when he's sleepy and relaxed rather than letting him fall asleep in your arms. This helps infants learn to put themselves to sleep. It's safest for infants to sleep on their back on a firm mattress with no pillows, toys or other items, according to Lucile Packard Children̵7;s Hospital.

    Signs of a Problem

    • Many parents worry that their infant isn't getting enough nutrition, but most infants eat as much as they need. Babies who are getting enough to eat sleep well, gain weight, have regular bowel movements and produce six to eight wet diapers a day, according to KidsHealth.org. Keeping a diary of your infant's eating patterns can also help you monitor whether your infant is getting enough milk, recommends Sutter Health. Talk to your doctor if your infant does not seem satisfied after feeding or is fussing or crying.

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