Is It Too Long Between Night Feedings for My 4-Month-Old Baby?

Q: Is It Too Long Between Night Feedings for My 4-Month-Old Baby?

Hello： The purpose of introducing complementary foods to infants is to help them adapt and chew; it cannot yet replace the nutritional value of formula milk. <br>Your baby weighs 7 kilograms. <br>Approximately 700 to 1000 c.c. <br>of milk is needed for healthy growth. <br>You can

Is there too long of a gap between milk feedings?

Hello Doctor: My baby is currently four months old and weighs 7 kg.
Since he turned four months, I have started to wean him off nighttime feedings.
He consumes about 170-200 cc of formula milk per day, divided into four meals, with the last feeding occurring between 8:00 and 8:30 PM.
He usually falls asleep around 9:30 PM and wakes up intermittently between 2:00 and 6:00 AM, making soft noises about 3 to 4 times a night.
However, after I give him a pacifier, he can continue sleeping until 6:00 AM.
This means there is an 11-hour gap from his last feeding at 8:30 PM to his next feeding at 7:00 AM.
Is this duration too long? Is his waking up and making noises at night a sign that he is hungry? Should I shorten the weaning off nighttime feedings? Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Xiao Qing, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/06/29

Dr. Xie Degui reply Pediatrics

Hello: The purpose of introducing complementary foods to infants is to help them adapt and chew; it cannot yet replace the nutritional value of formula milk.
Your baby weighs 7 kilograms.
Approximately 700 to 1000 c.c.
of milk is needed for healthy growth.
You can feed your baby whenever they are hungry, and if you want to extend the feeding time, you can increase the milk volume.

Reply Date: 2009/06/29

More Info

When it comes to the feeding schedule of a 4-month-old baby, it's important to consider both the baby's nutritional needs and their developmental stage. At this age, babies typically require about 700 to 1000 cc of formula or breast milk per day, which is generally divided into several feedings. In your case, your baby is consuming around 170 to 200 cc per feeding, which may be on the lower side for a baby of 7 kg, especially if they are only having four feedings a day.

You mentioned that your baby is going from their last feeding at around 8:30 PM to the next feeding at 7:00 AM, which is an 11-hour gap. While some babies can sleep for extended periods without needing to feed, it is essential to ensure that they are getting enough nutrition throughout the day. If your baby is waking up several times during the night and making noises, it could be a sign of hunger, discomfort, or simply a need for reassurance.
It's also worth noting that babies at this age often have varying sleep patterns and may wake up for reasons other than hunger, such as needing comfort or experiencing developmental milestones. If your baby is able to settle back to sleep with a pacifier, it may indicate that they are not necessarily hungry but rather seeking comfort.
If you are concerned about the long gap between feedings, you might consider adjusting the feeding schedule. You could try to increase the amount of formula given during the day to ensure that your baby is getting enough calories, which may help them sleep longer at night without waking up. Additionally, if your baby is showing signs of hunger during the night, it may be beneficial to offer a small feeding rather than allowing them to go for such an extended period without nourishment.

In summary, while some babies can sleep through the night without feeding, it is crucial to ensure that they are meeting their nutritional needs during the day. If your baby continues to wake frequently at night, it may be worth consulting with a pediatrician to assess their growth and feeding patterns. They can provide personalized guidance based on your baby's specific needs and help you determine the best approach to night weaning while ensuring your baby remains healthy and well-nourished.

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