The Confident Motherhood Podcast

Sleep & Nutrition: Is Wake, Eat, Play,Sleep right for my Baby?

Anne Carlucci Season 2 Episode 4

Is your baby’s sleep struggle linked to how and when they’re fed?

You’ve probably heard the advice to feed your baby upon waking rather than before sleep. But does it actually make a difference? And is feeding your baby to sleep really a bad habit? If you’re dealing with short naps, constant night wakings, or difficulty getting your little one to sleep, it may be time to rethink how feeding fits into your baby’s sleep routine.

The problem isn’t necessarily the feed-sleep association itself—it’s what happens next. Feeding at the wrong times can interfere with sleep pressure, lead to snack feeding patterns, and even contribute to discomfort in babies with reflux. But don’t worry—there’s a simple shift that can help!

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

  • Why feeding upon waking supports efficient daytime feeding (and why snacking might be hurting your baby’s sleep)
  • How feeding before sleep can lead to drowsiness and disrupt sleep pressure
  • Why babies with reflux benefit from separating feeds from sleep
  • How to transition to a wake-feed-play-sleep schedule—without disrupting your baby’s nutrition or comfort

If you’ve ever worried about breaking “bad sleep habits” or felt confused by conflicting advice, this episode will give you clarity and confidence.

Ready to make baby sleep easier? Let’s dive in!

Free Sleep Resource: 3 Steps to Stress-Free Sleep Infant & Toddler Guide Download Here

Free Pregnancy Resource: 10 Steps for a Confident & Calm Pregnancy Guide Download Here

Ready to get some sleep? Book a free sleep call

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Background music credit: Shebloom Instagram

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