I have been hearing and reading (everywhere it seems) that after 6 months, babies don't need to feed overnight for nutrition. That if the mum/parent is happy to continue overnight feeds, then it's ok but otherwise they can be phased out.
Just wondering if this is still true for BLS? We're doing BLS with DS and only just started a week and a half ago. I'm assuming the 'don't need to feed overnight' advice is for babies who are being spoon fed a certain amount of food during the day but does it also apply for BLS?
As you know we're doing BLS too Kaz and DD sounds the same as J, she definitely still likes her feedS over night. I would have no hope of getting rid of them. I'm trying to restrict it to 2 though.
If only babies would read those books that "we see everywhere" The truth is, babies are individuals just like us. Most of us wake several times a night - it might be to get a drink, go to the toilet etc. Whether you spoonfeed a baby or allow them to feed themselves - it is nigh impossible to get *a certain amount* in a baby. And what if you did know the quantity that your baby got? You still wouldn't know what your baby wanted or needed, or how their body would deal with that food - they are individuals.
Most mothers find it easier to tune in to their baby's needs than to go by a pre-ordained routine in a book.
OK - to summarise - the "don't need feeds overnight" stuff is spurious at best - go with your baby's needs
In my experience nearly all babies need to feed overnight beyond 6 months - even those like my DS2 who are great solids eaters. As Barb said, they are all individuals and there is no magic cut-off time when they can suddenly get through the night. And even when they do start to sleep through, mostly they start night waking again at some stage as they go through a growth or development spurt.
Thanks for your replies. We're having problems with afternoon sleeping atm which often flows into night time sleeps because he's overtired and I'm not coping that great with the ongoing unsettled behaviour and lack of sleep (he seems to be in the same pattern he was as a newborn and is actually feeding more frequently each day now than he was then) so I'm just trying to work out a feasible feeding/sleeping plan to start aiming for. I did think it was a bit strange to say that suddenly, at the age of 6 months they no longer need to fill their little tummies regularly but thought it would be good to check because no one that I have spoken to IRL has even heard of BLS, let alone knows much about it. I am really happy with BLS so far and find I am quite relaxed about how much he's eating (which is a nice change for me!). I am happy to continue feeding him overnight. Hopefully if I can sort out what's happening with sleeps in the afternoon it will flow into the nights as well.
Kaz, it's on the young side for transitioning to one day sleep, but that could be it. Some mums find that it can help to make the morning sleep a little later to see what happens. Another idea is to try alternating - one sleep one day and two sleep the next. Sometime babies seem to need this before they are ready for one sleep all the time.
I hope you work it out soon. Tired, cranky babies are really hard work.
Reply With Quote
Registered User
BLS and overnight feeds
Bookmarks