Babies born~September 16th-30th 2010 #1

[CatherineL]

Thanks girls. But understand, it's nothing that any of you have said - I just remember what it was like to be a first time mum and the last thing a new mum needs is to feel as though they should routine because it's working so well for someone else.

Connie, are you swaddling George? Some babies hate it, but some babies seem to settle much better being swaddled especially at the end of the day when they are a bit over stimulated from the day. You know what I've even found stimulates Ava? A black and grey striped shirt I wear!! I've been wondering about George and whether because he was premie will he smile earlier than our babies or whether it will be closer to his corrected age? Does he still have a startle reflex? Sorry, I was just curious whether those were things that developed with environmental exposure or just when the brain develops with age. Don't be too concerned if every now and then you let George sleep on your chest because it's the only way to settle him. Do what works, but just remember to try to settle him in his bed next time. Since his self settling mostly during the day, it's not so much of an issue and I 'think' he'll outgrow the night tine thing (sounds like a witching hour thing maybe). I remember with Ro if she was ever a bit unsettled at bed time, I'd pat the side of the cot like a heartbeat and she'd go very quite and just listen. As long as she was tired - but not over tired - her eyes would start to flutter but I could see her fighting it trying to listen to the sound, so I'd just taper off (as quickly as I could) then leave. If any of my babies have gotten over tired (I've always tried to not let it happen too often, but it did happen) I'd have to cuddle or help them to sleep, it was impossible to get them to self settle when they are over tired... Little babies just don't seem to cope well over tired. Another thing you could try to help him settle (it'll only work if he's quiet) in his bed, starting from the crownof his head, with your finger tips brush down over his head down over his eyes, do it a couple of times. Sometimes it just relaxes them enough to help them get themselves off to sleep.

Fuzzy, I follow three hourly routine. 7, 10, 1, 4, 7 and dreamfeed. I feed if bub genuinely wants a feed before three hours, if it's close to three hours, I'll just feed that bit earlier and if there is still more than 45mins till the due feed, I'll top up at the regular feed time. I just don't let any more time pass than three hourly between feeds. Funnily enough, I didn't dreamfeed last night because Ava woke up early wanting a feed at 9pm. So I fed her and went to bed thinking I'll just let her wake up when she wants her next feed. She woke at 2 am and then I had to wake her at 7am... 2 x 5 hour stints! Think I might just see when she wakes between 7pm and 7am for a few nights!

Well I stayed up thinking Ava would feed soon, but she hasn't woken since her 7pm feed. Think I might just go to bed and see when she decides to wake. Hope your all enjoying your beautiful babies.

Btw, Deanna - you can get different flow teats. I think there is one for thicker formula. I've heard of a fast flow teat for thick reflux formula.