Re:Four Month Old Only Wants to Nurse at Night
If he’s not eating very much during the day, do you think it may be because he’s distracted by lights, TV, people and other things to look at? Try mimicking your night feedings during the day (alone in a quiet, dark room or even lying down in your bed). Maybe he is too intrigued by the world around him during the daylight hours to focus on the task at hand.
If he is eating fine during the day and using you as a soothing pacifier, if you will, at night, then you’ve got a decision to make. Is it okay with you for him to find comfort in nursing? From your question, my guess is that it’s not okay with you if he is getting adequate nutrition otherwise. In that case, you might want to try letting him cry a bit. He is on the cusp of being old enough to sleep through the night. Most babies can do it between four and six months. If you’re not convinced that he can make it the full night, try to wean him down to one or two feedings. Feed him just before bedtime, perform a consistent bedtime routine, put him to bed drowsy but awake, darken the room and play some soft music or white noise. When he wakes up in two hours to eat, go in, leave the lights off, don’t make too much noise, rub his tummy to assure him that you’re there. Then leave. If he cries, let him cry for a few minutes before you go back in. Repeat your previous actions. Let him cry for a few more minutes. And so on.
|
