How do I get DD to stop "snacking" all day?

TKx2

For the past few days, DD has been eating 2 ounces every 1 1/2 - 2 hours.  This wouldn't be a huge problem except it is messing up her naps.  She used to sleep for 2 - 2 1/2 hours.  Now she is only sleeping for about 45 minutes because she is waking up to eat so often.  This is causing her to be very cranky in the evening.  I know I can't force her to eat, but is there anything I can do to encourage her to get back to eating a 4-5 ounces at a time?

stressdbride2b

My 6 week old started that this week. so after falling asleep after just 2 oz instead of laying her down for a nap, i kept on me or propped in her boppy where she wouldn't sleep as well and she'd wake up before an hour so i'd give her the rest of the bottle.

AlbanyBride33

Just don't feed her.  I had a similar problem a few weeks ago.  My DS was rooting around constantly, wanting to feed for long periods of time, and then about 45 min. later he'd be doing the same thing.  When my pedi told me to just not feed him, I was thinking how hard it was going to be with him crying all the time wanting to eat.  People on here told me to just feed him.  Ultimately though it took a day or two and he was right back on schedule.  I think the both of us are a lot happier now.

 I would think in your case, letting her wait it out for the full 2-3 hours would make her more hungry and drink more at the next feeding, consequently going longer between feedings and getting back on schedule.

 She

AlbanyBride33

Just don't feed her.  I had a similar problem a few weeks ago.  My DS was rooting around constantly, wanting to feed for long periods of time, and then about 45 min. later he'd be doing the same thing.  When my pedi told me to just not feed him, I was thinking how hard it was going to be with him crying all the time wanting to eat.  People on here told me to just feed him.  Ultimately though it took a day or two and he was right back on schedule.  I think the both of us are a lot happier now.

 I would think in your case, letting her wait it out for the full 2-3 hours would make her more hungry and drink more at the next feeding, consequently going longer between feedings and getting back on schedule. She

AlbanyBride33

Just don't feed her.  I had a similar problem a few weeks ago.  My DS was rooting around constantly, wanting to feed for long periods of time, and then about 45 min. later he'd be doing the same thing.  When my pedi told me to just not feed him, I was thinking how hard it was going to be with him crying all the time wanting to eat.  People on here told me to just feed him.  Ultimately though it took a day or two and he was right back on schedule.  I think the both of us are a lot happier now.

 I would think in your case, letting her wait it out for the full 2-3 hours would make her more hungry and drink more at the next feeding, consequently going longer between feedings and getting back on schedule. She

may

AlbanyBride33

Whoops!  How annoying am I?  Sorry about those multiple posts.  I guess I got a little send happy.

OUMedBride

AlbanyBride33:

Just don't feed her.  I had a similar problem a few weeks ago.  My DS was rooting around constantly, wanting to feed for long periods of time, and then about 45 min. later he'd be doing the same thing.  When my pedi told me to just not feed him, I was thinking how hard it was going to be with him crying all the time wanting to eat.  People on here told me to just feed him.  Ultimately though it took a day or two and he was right back on schedule.  I think the both of us are a lot happier now.

 I would think in your case, letting her wait it out for the full 2-3 hours would make her more hungry and drink more at the next feeding, consequently going longer between feedings and getting back on schedule. She

may

I agree with this.  When my DD was doing this, I would always start with a full feeding in the morning, which she wouldn't balk at because she's starving.  Then if she started "acting hungry" before it had been 2-3 hours, I would play with her or change her or do something else to distract her.  Then by the time 2-3 hours rolled around if she was still showing hunger signs I would feed her a whole bottle, and she would take it by then.  45 minutes after a full meal, your baby will not starve if they don't eat.  And it worked out much better for everyone when she was taking a full bottle every 3 hours instead of an ounce or two every hour.

lucyjeanne

My dd does this also.  She only eats for 5-10 minutes (bf) and falls asleep.  I usually cannot wake her back up.  I feel if I were to wait the full 3 hours after then I would be starving her   Does this tactic apply to my dd also?  She is not sleeping good or eating well so we need something to change.