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Infant feeding

Is it ok to night wean 10 month old?

10 replies

mmelody · 09/05/2008 13:22

Title says it all really. My DS is a complete boobaholic. he has never slept through the night (or anything even close to it) and wakes usually between 4-6 times. He is unable to self settle and I normally always have to BF him in order for him to go back to sleep. I have posted on sleep section as we plan to do 'something' about his sleep.

He has 3 good meals a day plus snacks and between 4-6 BF a day. His is on 2nd centile and is completely active all day. He has been crawling since 7 months.

Is it ok to reduce/stop the night feeds? Should I offer EBM from a cup?

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daydreambeliever · 09/05/2008 13:27

You poor thing, you must be exhausted!

I weaned my DD at 10 months lately, the nights were the bit I most worried about, I thought she'd really create at getting a cup, but no, she is fine with it, I just heat up a cup of formula, get in bed with her and give her a cuddle and she drinks it. She was feeding once or twice at night before, now often not at all. She would never take a bottle at all, but got the hang of cups fine. TBH I would be giving formula as expressing is such a hassle! Good luck with it!

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mmelody · 09/05/2008 13:33

Thanks.. Yup I am completely on my knees and the time has come to try and change things. I have been really lucky as DP works from home a lot.. so he is able to let me sleep in the mornings a bit... but he has been out of the house lately and its an absolute killer and has made me realise that we have to help him learn to sleep without boob.

I shall try the cup tonight.

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luvaduck · 09/05/2008 13:37

we have just started to night wean at 8 months and it has made a massive difference to sleep, and how much he eats in the day.

the key question is he hungry or using the boob to settle?

if he just sucks for a few mins and then falls to sleep its a settling thing, whereas if he feeds longer he may just be consuming his calroes at night. the latter is easier it think to deal with.

there are different solutions for each so wonder what it is? or both?

feel for you though we were up 3 times till recently, now just once.

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EffiePerine · 09/05/2008 13:37

Actually, 10 months seems to be a good window to try this - but bear in mind things might regress again at about 12/13 months when there's another big growth spurt

I did this at 15 months and we had a few mights of tears then nothing - if it's a good time for you it will hopefully work reasonably quickly

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thelittlestbadger · 09/05/2008 13:38

I would second Daydream and if your DS is waking up a lot through the night you could also try giving water for some of the feeds. Best to do it on nights when DH is around though!

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EffiePerine · 09/05/2008 13:45

In facrt, best option is for DH to take over completely for a few nights (plus you get some sleep it )

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mmelody · 09/05/2008 13:45

Its tricky to know if he is hungry or just comforting as he does seem to be taking a fair quantity of milk each time and I always take him off the breast before he falls back to sleep.

I don't think there are enough hours in the day to be able to get him to consume more calories... He NEVER refuses food/BF and eats a considerable amount at each sitting as well as snacks. luvaduck I think it is a combination of needing a bit extra but mainly comfort.. He certainy cannot settle without the boob.

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mmelody · 09/05/2008 13:47

Effieperine.. lo would and does scream blue murder if DP tries to do anything with him at night. He is fine during the day but only wants me at night.

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Tapster · 09/05/2008 18:40

Sorry but if you want a full nights sleep QUICKLY it will involve screaming blue murder for a couple of nights at this age but then it all stops and you all sleep - worth it, its hard. I give my DD another snack before bedtime - she has her tea early at 4.30pm and has another snack at 6pm and that made a big difference. Pasta/bananas are sleep inducing so serve those for dinner.

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rosyrabbit · 09/05/2008 22:05

I am in the same situation. DD is 10months, bf alot day and night (i dont mind night time tho). But she will not take a bottle or cup with any kind of milk in it. She will only have a few sips of water or juice.

I can not really help but thought it may help to let you know you are not alone.

I am so drained with my dd who needs me constantly, I think it is time for me to try the cry it out option. Just going to look for more advice on how it works.

Please keep us updated as would love to know your progress (maybe I can steal some of your tips)

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