Night feeds (5 month old)

[Worrier28]

My DS is not taking much milk during the day (or sleep for that matter), he still wakes up every 2-3 hours for a feed, is that normal? Trouble is he always falls asleep and hard to wind or doesn't fall asleep and hard to wind!

I've tried increasing his daily feeds but he won't take it. Just started him on a little baby rice (tried last week but think I made it too thick and was gripping his stomach).

Who knew you could survive on so little sleep!

[cyteen]

It sounds pretty normal to me...my DS went through an awful phase around that time of waking up every two hours, feeding constantly and hardly sleeping in the day. I was a complete zombie. It did pass though and he is now a much better sleeper, as are we all

It seemed to me that he was going through such a massive developmental spurt, becoming really aware of and interested in his surroundings, trying to do new things like sit up, making loads of new sounds...which all meant he (a) needed loads of milk to keep up with his growing, (b) was mega-distracted during the day and (c) was processing all through the night and waking up because of it.

That's just my experience though. How do you feel generally - is he happy, alert, comfortable in himself?

[Worrier28]

That is so reasuring, he is a happy baby, almost smug some might say, ha, ha. Teething as well which looks like a bit of a nightmare for him, he's also acting like he's just found his voice - will need earplugs soon.

Thanks

[NotEvenTheTrees]

In case you need the reassurance I can also tell you that this is normal and due to the combination of factors cyteen describes. It's developmental. Your DS needs the milk and it's easier to take it at night. It'll get better. And quickly. I'd just go with it and not bother with the baby rice which is frankly, vile and not necessary at all.

[brewsterbear]

I'm glad I found this thread makes me realise I'm not alone-
My dd has been the same for about a month now- feeding quickly throughout the day and then up every 1.5/2hours throughout the night, napping has also been a nightmare because she is just so interested in everything.
She has been a bit better lately gradually reducing her feeds in the night.

One thing I found which helped was making sure her first night feed was a full one- I was finding because I was so tired I would feed her quickly and settle her but since I have been giving her a bigger feed initially shes been sleeping a bit longer.