Hungry or dinner bell?
Babies may wake up because they are hungry – or – because they are used to eating constantly. Once again, moderation is the key. Here’s why…
More is less when it comes to feedings and sleep:
Don’t feed them too often through the night in an attempt to force them to sleep or they may learn this rhythm and wake up expecting to eat in response to the constant feedings – not because they’re hungry.
The point at which you choose to feed your baby in their nightly routine is important and can help them sleep, but extra unnecessary feedings to force them to sleep can ultimately disrupt longer periods of healthy sleep.
Just right hits the spot and promotes healthy sleep:
On the other hand, don’t try to get them to sleep through the night by not feeding them in the middle of the night.
If they wake up hungry – feed them and put them back to bed.
Pay attention to your baby’s needs and check with your health care provider to find what feeding frequency they recommend.
Crying isn’t always about being hungry:
If your baby keeps waking up and you’ve just fed them – this may be a sign that there is something else going on like painful gas, illness or colic. Check with your health care provider.
