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We just started solids/ How often should I nurse?

Amy - posted on 10/20/2009 ( 6 moms have responded )

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My son is 6 months old and we started solids. He loves them and can't get enough of the cereal and home made veggies. He eats two solid meals a day and nurses only four to five times. He used to sleep through the night and is now waking up one more time than usual. This is the opposite of everyone else who just got their babies to sleep through the night.

He usually wakes up at 7:30 I nurse and give solids at 8 or 8:30am. He nurses again at 11:30 or 12:30, at 3:30 or 4pm and gets solids at 5pm and nurses at 7pm before bed. Sometimes he gets up at 1pm to nurse again. Do you think he is getting enough milk? I try to offer it two additional times but he refuses. I always mix the cereal with milk. Help PLEASE!!!

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Kendra - posted on 12/07/2010

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The introduction of solids too early can cause children to sleep less at night and wake more often. Their bodies are trying to make sense of this new thing that is there and sometimes, they just aren't quite ready for it.

Breastmilk should be his number ONE source of nutrition all through the first year. Nurse BEFORE any amount of solids... don't even think solids until he has nursed REALLY well. Solids are dessert while breastmilk is main course. He should nurse 6 times during 24 hours though... at least!

Lydia - posted on 12/07/2010

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same thing here. so annoying the night waking.

Sarah - posted on 12/07/2010

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sometimes it takes a while for their bodies to get used to processing the solids. I know when my DD started solids she always woke an extra time at night until her body got used to them, I hope it fixes itself soon x

Chasity - posted on 10/20/2009

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My son is 10 1/2 months and he has been on solids since he was 6 months.. i nurse whenever he needs it. He still wakes up 1-4 times throughout the night to nurse.. he co sleeps with me so it makes it real easy to nurse.

Minnie - posted on 10/20/2009

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Nurse whenever baby wants- and offer solids only AFTER he has nursed. You don't want to be replacing feedings with solids- you'll end up on the road to early weaning that way.

It's a complete myth that introduction to solids/weaning results in baby sleeping longer. A baby puts himself back to sleep when he wakes when he's developmentally ready to. Don't compare your child's ability to put himself back to sleep a few months ago to what he can do now. He's more aware of his surroundings and needs you right now when he wakes.

Still nursing my own one year old several times a night.

Kathy - posted on 10/20/2009

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http://www.kellymom.com/newman/16startin...

This is a great article on starting solids.



All you can do is offer the breast if baby is refusing the breast there is a possibility that he is full. Don't worry another growth spurt is right around the corner and baby should be back at the breast. As long as you're consistently offering the breast and not denying the breast you are doing your duty.

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