Feeding vs. Sleeping: What Matters Most for Your 3-Month-Old Baby?

For a 3-month-old infant, both feeding and sleeping are crucial for their growth and development. However, if one must prioritize, feeding is essential for providing the necessary nutrients and energy for the baby's growth, while sleep is vital for their overall development and brain maturation. Balancing both is important for the health and well-being of the infant?

Hello Doctor: My son is currently 3 months and 1 day old, weighing 6 kilograms.
I have been feeding him at five specific times: 7 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM, and 11 PM (150 cc of formula per feeding, with 160 cc before bedtime at 11 PM).
However, he has recently started to refuse some feedings, sometimes not finishing one meal but finishing the next.
Here are my questions:
1.
He often moves around and makes noises with his eyes closed while sleeping at night.
Is he actually sleeping?
2.
During his daytime naps, he sometimes cries out suddenly with his eyes closed.
What could be the reason for this?
3.
When it's time for a feeding and his eyes are still closed, should I wake him up to feed?
4.
If he oversleeps, each feeding gets delayed.
Should I try to make up for the missed milk intake for the day, or is it okay to skip a feeding?
5.
For a 3-month-old infant, which is more important: feeding or sleeping?
6.
I've heard that daytime sleep should not exceed 3 hours, as it may affect nighttime sleep duration.
Is this true?
7.
I've read that a 3-month-old baby should sleep continuously for 10 hours at night.
Is this correct? My son sleeps from around 11 or 12 PM until 6 or 7 AM for a feeding, then goes back to sleep until 11 or 12 PM.
Does this count as continuous sleep for 10 hours?
I appreciate your time in addressing these questions.
Thank you very much!

Xinshou Mami, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/17

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Hello! Your valuable questions are concerns for many parents, thank you very much!
1.
He often moves around and makes sounds with his eyes closed while sleeping at night.
Does this mean he is actually sleeping? --> Making sounds and having closed eyes often indicate dreaming or light sleep, which is normal.
2.
When he takes a nap during the day, he sometimes cries loudly with his eyes closed.
Why is this happening? --> This could be due to dreaming or rapid gastrointestinal motility.
It's also important to check for constipation or hernias.
3.
When it's time for feeding, he doesn't open his eyes.
Should I wake him up to feed? --> No, it is not necessary to wake him.
Feeding should be based on the baby's needs rather than a strict schedule.
4.
If he oversleeps, and every meal is delayed, should I make up for the missed milk intake, or is it okay to skip a meal? --> As mentioned, feeding should be based on the baby's needs, and there is no need to adhere to a strict schedule or quantity.
You can adjust meal sizes accordingly.
5.
For a 3-month-old baby, which is more important, eating or sleeping? --> Both are important.
Ensure he sleeps well before feeding, and there is no need for scheduled feedings.
6.
I have heard that daytime sleep should not exceed 3 hours, as it may affect nighttime sleep.
Is this true? --> Babies will gradually adjust their sleep patterns to align with their caregivers' schedules.
There is no theory stating that daytime sleep should not exceed three hours.
7.
I found information stating that a 3-month-old baby should sleep continuously for 10 hours at night.
Is this correct? My son sleeps from 11 or 12 at night until 6 or 7 in the morning for a feeding, then goes back to sleep until 11 or 12.
Does this count as continuous sleep for 10 hours? --> It is rare for babies to sleep for a full 10 hours continuously.
Your baby's pattern of waking up once at night for feeding is quite common.

Wishing you health and happiness! Best regards, Ren Sheng.

Reply Date: 2019/04/17

More Info

When it comes to the care of a 3-month-old baby, both feeding and sleeping are crucial components of their development. At this age, babies are rapidly growing and developing, and their needs for nutrition and rest are interconnected. Let's address your questions one by one to provide clarity on these important aspects.

1. Is my baby sleeping if he is moving and making noises?
Yes, it is normal for babies to make noises and move around while they sleep. This behavior often indicates that they are in a lighter sleep stage, which is common in infants. Babies experience different sleep cycles, including REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, where dreaming occurs, and non-REM sleep. The sounds and movements you observe could be a sign of dreaming or transitioning between sleep stages.

2. Why does my baby cry with eyes closed during daytime naps?
Crying during sleep can be attributed to several factors, including dreams, discomfort, or even gastrointestinal issues like gas. It's essential to monitor for signs of distress or discomfort, such as a hard belly or signs of constipation. If the crying persists or seems excessive, consulting a pediatrician may be beneficial to rule out any underlying issues.

3. Should I wake my baby for feeding if he doesn’t open his eyes?
It is generally not necessary to wake a sleeping baby for feeding, especially if they are gaining weight appropriately and meeting developmental milestones. Babies have varying sleep patterns, and they will wake when they are hungry. Instead of adhering strictly to a feeding schedule, it’s better to respond to your baby's hunger cues.

4. If my baby oversleeps, should I adjust the feeding schedule?
If your baby sleeps longer than usual, it's okay to adjust the feeding schedule based on their needs. Babies will naturally regulate their intake, so if they miss a feeding, they may compensate by eating more at the next feeding. It’s important to ensure that they are getting enough nutrition overall, but forcing feedings can lead to negative associations with eating.

5. Which is more important for a 3-month-old: eating or sleeping?
Both feeding and sleeping are equally important for a 3-month-old baby. Adequate nutrition supports growth and development, while sufficient sleep is crucial for brain development and overall health. A well-fed baby is more likely to sleep well, and a well-rested baby will feed better. It’s essential to maintain a balance between the two.

6. Is it true that daytime sleep should not exceed three hours?
There is no strict rule that daytime sleep should not exceed three hours. Babies will naturally adjust their sleep patterns as they grow. While some parents may find that long daytime naps can affect nighttime sleep, this varies from baby to baby. Observing your child's overall sleep patterns and adjusting as needed is key.

7. Should a 3-month-old sleep for a continuous 10 hours at night?
While some babies may sleep for longer stretches, it is not uncommon for a 3-month-old to wake for a feeding during the night. Your baby’s sleep pattern of going to bed around 11 or 12 and waking at 6 or 7 for a feeding, then going back to sleep, is typical. This does not necessarily equate to a continuous 10 hours of sleep, but it is still a healthy sleep pattern for this age.

In conclusion, both feeding and sleeping are vital for your baby's growth and development. It’s important to be flexible and responsive to your baby's needs rather than adhering strictly to a schedule. If you have ongoing concerns about your baby's feeding or sleeping habits, consulting with a pediatrician can provide personalized guidance and reassurance. Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.

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