Sleeping through the night?

Lorien - posted on 04/21/2009

I just deleted my last response - in order to make a few changes...



Julia - you have a good sleeper too, it's nice isn't it? I never thought about waking him before I go to bed to get in his last feeding. He may be a "long" sleeper but he is a light sleeper so it wouldn't take much to get him up.



Jessica - thanks for the info. I know that in most circumstances water is not a good source of anything for babies. BUT in some cases it's ok. For instance, due to health reasons I am unable to breast feed. My baby was horribly constipated being on any kind of formula - my pedi. does not like to medicate, nor do I. One of my options was to continue feeding him his normal amount of formula and then add in an ounce of water every three hours. It worked. He pooped and was much happier. He no longer requires that.

Also, thanks for calling me selfish. That was pretty awesome. Here is the part I'm changing....I don't feel I need to explain anything to you. And I don't want to start drama. I asked for opinions and I got one. Thanks for responding, the article was interesting.

Jessica - posted on 04/21/2009

Btw- Here's the link I got the information from:



http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.co...

Jessica - posted on 04/21/2009

Do not give water to your baby! You need to discuss it with your pedi first. Read this:



Giving water to baby - official recommendations

The USDA recommends discussing the introduction of water with baby's pediatrician.

The UK Department of Health recommends that parents give baby nothing but milk for the first 6 months, but advises that water may be given with solids once baby reaches 6 months of age.









Why is giving water to baby harmful before 6 months?

A baby may "fill up" on water, resulting in him taking less breastmilk or formula. This then deprives him of the nutrients essential for healthy growth and development.

Too much water can stop your young baby's body from absorbing the nutrients it needs from milk. It can also lead to an imbalance of electrolytes.

BREASTFED BABIES

If your baby is exclusively breastfed, there is simply no need to give him extra water, even in very hot conditions. It is, of course, important to increase your own water intake and to nurse your baby frequently.



Visit Exclusive Breasfeeding - The Only Water Source Young Infants Need for detailed information about breastmilk composition and the risks of giving water to baby if he is exclusively breastfed.





FORMULA FED BABIES



Formula milk is over 80% water, so again, additional water is unnecessary for the first 6 months.









Giving water to baby - 6 months+

The general consensus here seems to be that, although it is not essential, introducing a little water after 6 months of age is not harmful to your baby. Many parents like to give water after solid foods, particularly high protein foods like meat and eggs. If you are considering giving water to baby at this stage, remember to check first with his health care provider.





And honestly, it seems a little selfish for to want to do that. You are lucky that your baby only wakes up once a night for feeding. Feeding on demand means that babies eat when they are hungry, no matter what time it happens!

Julia - posted on 04/21/2009

Hi Lorien,



I don't know exactly how old your bub is but I think 5 -6 (good) breast feeds a day minimum. My wee man is 11 weeks old and he goes down at 7pm...I get him up at about 10pm ( I go to bed shortly after!) for a top up feed...then he sleeps all night till about 7am in morning. This way I don't have to get up during the night!!! He has a 7am, 10:30am, 2pm and a 6pm feed. I wouldn't drop any of the feeds yet...I will be slowly bringing the 10pm feed forward and will eventually drop that feed first...but not for a while.



Enjoy your good sleeper!!