What is 'reverse cycling'?
Reverse cycling in babies is where babies feed more often at night and less during the day. This then becomes a cycle where the baby learns to take in more calories at night, therefore needing less during the day, and then needing more at night again... And so it continues. This can lead to tiredness, irritability and difficulty sleeping for both parents and baby. It's common and can happen several times in the first year, sometimes until they are a bit older. It's important to note that babies under 4 months aren't displaying reverse cycling, they're just feeding like a new-born! Fortunately, reverse cycling can be fixed with simple sleep coaching and sleep training techniques.
The first step is to make sure your baby is getting enough calories during the day. Many parents tend to focus solely on night-time feeds, but it is important to make sure your baby is getting enough food during the day as well. Feeding your baby at regular intervals throughout the day—every 2-3 hours—will help ensure they are getting the nutrition they need and stop them from feeling hungry at night. This is a useful sleep training tip for all ages.
Next, if possible, daytime feeds should take place in a quiet, low-light, low-distraction environment. Reverse cycling often happens because a baby is too distracted to feed properly during the day, so only takes quick feeds therefore not getting the calories they need. If you need to be out and about, perhaps use a nursing cover to take away any external distractions whilst they feed, or use a feeding room if there's one available. If you're at home and have other siblings to entertain, a useful sleep training tip is to try having a 'special box' of toys and activities for them that require minimal input from you, and only come out during baby's feeds.
The third step is to develop a consistent bedtime routine for your baby that starts around the same time each night. This is one of the pillars of sleep coaching and sleep training - a simple bedtime routine. This could involve feeding your baby, giving them a bath, reading a story together, singing a lullaby, and then bed. If they wake up at night, avoid immediately offering a feed to put them back to sleep, try to use other methods first, such as shushing and patting. This is not easy to do at 3 am when you’re in survival mode and just need sleep, which is where the support of a professional sleep coach can come in handy!
In addition to these steps, there are some general sleep training tips you can use to help avoid reverse cycling in babies. For example, try not to feed your baby right before they go to sleep, as this could encourage them to want extra feeds during the night. You should also avoid overstimulating your baby throughout the day with too much activity or loud noises, which can interfere with their ability to relax and get ready for bedtime. Finally, make sure that wherever your baby sleeps is comfortable, dark and has a consistent environment—this will ensure they fall asleep quickly and stay asleep longer.
By following these simple strategies and maintaining consistency in your little one’s feeding and sleeping habits, you should see a correction in the reverse cycling pattern quickly, usually within a week. If you remain worried about your baby's feeding or health, always seek advice from a qualified health professional, in this instance most likely your paediatrician or a lactation consultant. If they are happy with your baby and have no concerns, then a consultation with a sleep coach or sleep consultant would be your next step to restore peaceful nights to your household!
Important information
There is constant research in this field to ensure the safety of our children and guidelines and recommendations are updated regularly. Please remember that this article is a summary only of current guidance and check the links listed for more in-depth information. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list, only to be used as guidance. Your own country may also have their own guidance. If in any doubt about any aspect of your baby/child's care, please consult with your paediatrician.