Sleep & Feed Myths

As parents we are often given ‘free advice.’ Our friends and family will often tell us what worked for them, suggesting we should do the same. The internet provides us with so much information at our fingertips, which can cause more confusion. There’s SO much information out there that isn’t always right. So as parents, we’re often left confused and doubting what is right and what is wrong. One reoccurring topic is feeds and sleep. There are many myths out there on how to get your child sleeping through the night better, and what must be changed in their eating habits in order to get better sleep.

5 commons myths:

1. Formula-fed baby will sleep through the night, not a breastfed baby: This is far beyond the truth. A breastfed baby can sleep just as much as a formula fed baby. You don't *HAVE* to give your child formula to get her sleeping through the night. You do you.  Remember: fed is best.

2. Breastfeeding: Some will say you even need to stop breastfeeding all together, however, this is not true. You absolutely can continue breastfeeding your baby before bed. What you want to make sure you do is not breastfeed TO sleep. So you can feed, unlatch the baby, read some books, and then put down awake; rather than feed to sleep. Here your little one will be able to breastfeed and you will be able to put her down awake, so she can put herself to sleep without relying on nursing to sleep.

3. Load the bottle with cereal: This is the most common myth of them all; load the bottle with cereal to make the milk thicker and she'll feel fuller and sleep longer. This can actually have a reverse affect and cause bloating and discomfort on your baby. This is *not* suggested unless they have bad reflux and can't keep their milk down. Consult a physician before doing this.

4. To “sleep train” means to remove all night feeds: This is NOT true. You can absolutely keep night feeds and teach your child how to self-soothe and sleep and keep any night feeds she still may need. Most babies under the age of 6 months still need 0-2 feeds a night. At around 6 months, babies will start to reduce their night feeds.

 5. Start solids early: Many parents think that starting solids before the 6-month mark will get their baby sleeping through the night. The problem is that most babies so young aren’t ready for food. They are still so young at 4 months, their tummies are still small, and feeding them fruits and veggies can have an opposite affect and cause discomfort.