A great place to start Disorder information source Rated and Reviewed Sleep Links Entrance to all monitored Sleep Forums Search all of Sleepnet.com


Infant Sleep
Forum Posting


Archived Infant Sleep Forum4 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Infant Forum Homepage.

Re: Help, 6mo. old sleep habit

Posted by Stephanie on November 06, 2001 at 19:50:15:

In Reply to: Help, 6mo. old sleep habit posted by tired in nm on November 06, 2001 at 08:38:56:

Contrary to your husband's idea of this being a bad habit that needs to be broken, night nursing is actually very healthy for babies, even at this age. Short of being a bit inconvenient, it is not a bad thing at all, or at least it doesn't have to be. My daughter nursed like a newborn at night during several periods, including around six months, but also whenever she was fighting an ear infection (which was frequently for the first year or so!) or other illness, or when she was under stress, or when she was going through a growth spurt, or a developmental milestone... in other words, A LOT!!! While this is not common, it is still well within the range of normal for some babies. While your doctor is right that many babies have phased night feedings out by this age, I am convinced this is a case of cause and effect. Parents are conditioned to believe that because babies CAN be night weaned, they SHOULD be. Many babies night nurse well into their second year and beyond. My daughter night nursed until she was weaned at 2 1/2!!! There are so many benefits associated with nursing, and especially night nursing, that they far outweigh the temporary inconvenience it causes. Did you know that babies can get up to 1/3 of their nutritional intake from night nursing??? Not to mention the wonderful cuddling time that night nursing brings. I have had five babies, and I miss those night nursing times, they have made some of my most cherished memories of spending time with my babies. You don't have to give up night nursing. It won't hurt your baby, and there are so many good things about it. The time you have to do this is so short, believe me! It gets shorter with each child. One day you will wake up and realize that your baby slept through the night without nursing. It is a bitter-sweet feeling. Why not let your baby tell you when he doesn't need to eat at night? If he is truly hungry, which is entirely possible, then it would not be wise to deprive him of food at this age of rapid growth. Please make sure you consider what you would be giving up before you make your decision to night wean. (night weaning can also lead to complete weaning, so be careful if you do not want to totally wean your baby yet)

Stephanie, missing those night nursing moments...sigh!

Follow Ups:


Archived Infant Sleep Forum4 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Infant Forum Homepage.
  • IMPORTANT : Information not intended as medical advice. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder you should seek care from a qualified professional. Read Terms of Use.
  • The Sleep Forums are not to be used for commercial purposes.
  • Commercial products and services are not endorsed by Sleepnet.com.
  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


Copyright ©1995-2005 Sleepnet.com., All rights reserved