Short naps and feeding times - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

Paet · 07-22-2006, 02:30 PM

I know, I'm complaining. I'm sorry. I do love my daughter and this is all still worth every second, but my 3 month old is feeding every 1-2 hours today (which actually isn't that unusual for her) and has been taking short 20 minute naps on and off all day. She also won't let me leave her sight and gets bored where's she's sitting after 10 mins. I give her lots of one on one cuddles and play time, so she's not being neglected! She gets up twice at night to eat, too. I know I probably posted about something similar before, but I have a bad memory and who knows, maybe someone has some new advice...either that or just tell me to shot up and stop whining.

friday13 · 07-22-2006, 02:45 PM

OH don't feel bad about complaining!! I would complain too! hee hee!

OK how much is she eating at each feeding? this will help me help you.

Paet · 07-22-2006, 04:06 PM

Anywhere from 1-3 ounces, except right now she had 4!!!
I can't force her. When she's done drinking she sticks out her tongue.

friday13 · 07-22-2006, 04:41 PM

LOL - darn babies!! yes, well that is the problem... little one is "snacking" and not taking a full feed. Maybe you can try using a pacifier to stretch her feeding - or she is going thru a growth spurt!

Usually when things are going along nicely and all of a sudden there is a disruption in the feeding / sleeping schedule its a growth spurt. If you can get her to go to 4 hours that would be great - for feedings....

My DD did 3-3.5 hours for the LONGEST time.... she is now 6 months but around 5 months she switched on her own to about 4 hours (4 bottles a day only) which is sweet. but it took a while. she did 6 ounces every 3 hours for a long time with 5 bottles a day. Now she is 7-8 ounces with 4 bottles at 4 hours... its a big help.

friday13 · 07-22-2006, 04:47 PM

OK if this is a habit ... the snacking and you want to try to stretch her... give her a bigger bottle (don't know how much - you will know what you want to do)... and give her a 10min break after she sticks her tongue out. and try again - keep trying to get a full feed in.... and then if she is about 30 min. from making your hourly goal to feed again.... and she is getting fussy try giving her a pacifier or just giving her a bath or anything to stretch the time - and again the same larger bottle... giving her a break and then at it again till she finishes.... obviously don't force feed her - LOL! that is not what I am saying...

Just enourage her with breaks.... ?? maybe that can work... ? and also at that age when my daughter would wake up she was up from 1.5 - 2 hours and I would notice her rub her eyes or yawn - and down for a nap she would go.

sometimes she fussed most of the time only for 5-10 min. and then would sleep for a good 2 hours ..... and then up again - so that would help you keep her on a schedule too - if you are able to let her nap a lot. Also, if she wakes up 20 min. after laying down - do you wait and give her another 10 min. to fall back asleep? even if she looks awake and is babbling to herself - give her a few min. and she go back to sleep...

XXOO hope this helps!
My DD does 3 naps a day still - 2 long ones and 1 short one! Lucky me I know - but I encourage her napping and eating! hee hee!