Tiktok or others - how long can a 5 month go without feeds as a one off? Christmas "Do"!

[LittleWaveyLines]

Tiktok said a 6 week can go for a couple of hours if mum is not there - so how long could I leave my (by then) 5 month old?

She refuses a cup and bottle. We've tried. And I really want one night off to go to my works do....

After bath and bed and feed, normally she will sleep an hour then wake for a feed, then sleep 2 or 3 hours before wanting another feed.

So if I do bath and bed early, if she wakes for that next feed but doesn't get it, how long do people think she will hold out?

(Thinking of cancelling party - but I've only left her for an hour at a time for medical appointments since she was born... surely she's old enough to be left with dad for a bit longer now.)

I'd have some milk ready just in case she does take it when you're not there. If she wakes for a feed after an hour it sounds like she's not hungry but needs help to get back to sleep - DS did this. We'd and settle without feeding (DH did it).

She could go a few hours I'm sure - but it's not always food, boob gives comfort too. You should get your DH or partner to settle her so she gets used to both (DS was used to DH and we'd know about it if boob was required!)

But consider whether you'd be able to relax knowing she could be awake and needing you. Although she may well surprise you - DS's sleep patterns changed a lot 4-6 months!

I left DD2 with my MIL at 6 months - like your DD she wouldn't take a bottle.

I fed her at about 6pm before I left, she was then happy to be put to bed without a feed at 7.30pm, and I woke her and fed her when I came in at 11.30ish.

I'm hoping to be gone between 7.30 and 11 ish....

Thanks for the answers so far.... getting more hopeful!

I put my four month old down each night at 7 then wake him for a dream feed at 11. Doctor has said he should be getting ready to sleep through (I think it'll be a while though).
I tend to meet friends for dinner at 8ish then get home for the 11 feed as mine also won't take a bottle.

Well I've never had to wake her for a feed! Tried last night to leave her - I actually went downstairs (!) to watch some TV once she was asleep - she woke up within 5 mins most upset demanding feeding. Tried again - same thing happened..... she just will not let me out of reach in the evening...

Sounds strange but have you tried a slightly earlier bedtime - even half an hour can help. When we started this (feeding by 6), he fell asleep quicker and was less likely to wake after 45 mins or so. Also do you wind her? That would also cause him to wake quickly.

Hmmm I can try it Iggly, but she just doesn't seem tired before 7pm...

Following with interest!

Ps racking my brain for u but my ds will take a bottle ok. ? Lots of rocking, singing, distraction by dp? And have ebm on standby in case dc cracks and takes one in your absence???

(Must turn this damn thing off and go to sleep soon - she's actually been asleep for 2 hours now! With me beside her of course )

She won't take a bottle although we are trying again this weekend with me leaving the house while DP offers it - EBM of course... I think I'll just cancel.

Well I bathed and fed her as soon as I'd posted above - and she didn't fall asleep til 8pm, but will try early again tomorrow....

Just bumping for u in case anyone else can help

Thanks but I think I'm just going to cancel - part of having a high need baby! Although it would be interesting to know how long a 5 month old "should" be able to go between feeds after bedtime...