How can I make night time better for my 4 month old

Kaycie - posted on 03/11/2009

Hi, noticed your post when I logged in so I was hoping I could help because I too was sleep deprived when my son was 4 months. And what makes things worse is when your 4 year old is up and ready to go when all you want to do is SLEEP!

I introduced cereal when my son was 4 months as well. He did pretty much the same thing as your son seems to be doing (the cluster eating). I started with cereal for breakfast around 7 am (a big bowl as much as he could eat) -  by the next day I added it for breakfast and lunch, then the next day I noticed he was still hungry and gave him 3 meals and still giving him formula every 3-4 hours until bedtime (that was the last feeding until morning). He was sleeping like a baby by the 2nd-3rd day.

As far as the teething, I spoke with my pediatrician about the teething pills vs Motrin or Tylenol. She explained to me that some teething pills have Beladona in it which can cause their little hearts to race which can also be the reason why he may be waking up too? Have you tried Infants Tylenol or Motrin? Ask your pediatrician what he/she suggests....My son popped 2 teeth at once and then the next week another 3 so I COMPLETELY understand what you're going through. He was miserable but Tylenol did the trick for me.

Hope I helped.

Carly - posted on 03/11/2009

It could be teething or a growth spurt, or possibly linked to developmental leaps at that age.  There's so much happening in that tiny body and brain, I'm not surprised they find getting back to sleep a bit of a struggle lol.  Is he seriously feeding when he wakes during the night?  Or is he just taking a few "comfort sucks" then going straight back to sleep?  If he is feeding seriously, I would say he needs it at the moment so best not to deny him that feed.  If he really isn't hungry, it might be time to try some other settling techniques, like patting and shushing.  Getting themselves back to sleep is just something babies have to learn and as with most things, some learn early and some later.

Hopefully this is just a little bump in the road and you will get some more restful nights soon.

Mary - posted on 03/11/2009

He's growing, therefore needs nourishment, and often.  Cereal sounds like an easy answer, but he needs the nourishment of breastmilk (or formula) which is the best for him nutrition-wise.  Nap when your 4 yo does if you can.  Seek relief from someone else - Grnny, neighbor, friend, Dad - if you can.  Hang in there -- this too, shall pass.

Megan - posted on 03/11/2009

When my little man wakes at night he really wants to eat. He was 6 lbs 10 oz at birth and he now weighs almost 17 lbs. He will empty one breast at each feed at night. He has a very hearty appatite, hence why we intro solids.lol

Alison - posted on 03/11/2009

i wish i could help, but im having similar issues.

Jodie - posted on 03/11/2009

The only thing I can say is when my son was 2 months old I stopped giveing him the night feeding. He was not waking up screaming or anything like that so I got him out of the routine of feeding at night. They are like alarm clocks just like us when we get up every day at a certin time your body just ends up doing it naturaly. So it might be hard but you could try getting out of the night eating routine and maybe he will sleep longer or better! Good luck momma