Why is the answer always solids?!

rica21483 · December 2012

This is sort of s vent. My DD is almost 5 months. She was sleeping 7 or 8 hours straight up until 6 weeks ago. Now, she's up 3-4 times a night, not counting the 2-6 times she wakes up within the first 2 hrs of putting her down. When she wakes up, she isn't always hungry. I can normally push her feedings to 4 or 5 hrs apart, and she eats every 2 or 3 hrs during the day. Whenever anyone asks about her sleeping (my mom, friends with kids), they always say she is waking because she is hungry. If I try to feed her if she isn't hungry, she either will eat then throw up, or refuse the breast. I guess my question is, why does everyone think solids are the answer? I'm not starting until 6 mos. I should probably start lying to people so I don't have to hear it anymore.

bfstacy · December 2012

I hear you!! starting solids is going to be a terrible battle with us too! It seems like everyone starts at 3-4mo so they push it onto you that you need to do it...like if you do the same as them, it validates their motherly choices. But they don't want to respect your decision! And if you try to bring up reasons why...it's almost like you're telling them that their choice to start feeding LO early was a poor choice. UGH! It's frustrating! lol

We're going to be lying to others as well...lol....but we're going to use our doctor and say that it was his recommendation for our LO.

jdp · December 2012

It's probably a growth spurt or teething! As long as you feel comfortable that she isn't hungry, go with your gut!

jennygirlmt · December 2012

I've read that solids don't change a babies sleep, ie keeps them more full than milk. And many babies just lick or play with solids for awhile, or my DD never ate them. So how would that help? Do what you know is right for LO and don't listen to others!

lisac1017 · December 2012

theresat858:
I'm not sure but fwiw my LO sleeps less well on the night she has solids at dinner.

especially on days when we try a new food. He sleeps like crap!

rica21483 · December 2012

Thanks for making me feel better! People have made me doubt my decisions, though. I think, "maybe it would be better with solids." I know there's no proof that solids make babies sleep better, but everyone else thinks they do. I'm going to BF until DD doesn't want to anymore, and let her have fun with food until 1. Wait til people hear about THAT decision!

Rynna · December 2012

People jump to solids because they don't know the answer. Many babies tend to start sleeping longer at night around the same age that they are developmentally ready for solids, so solids are often equated to helping babies sleep longer, but it just isn't true. Babies sleep longer when they're ready. You're doing a great job.

Jenny952 · December 2012

Ha, I hear you! I used to get it at lot, especially from my MIL who started giving DH rice in his bottles at 3 months b/c he was hungry. I asked if it helped and she said no! WTF?! Anyway, she's probably going through the 4-month wakeful period, so she's much more aware of the world, and she also wakes up at night to practice all the things she's learned. I would keep doing what you're doing. Solids aren't always the answer and it sounds like your DD isn't hungry... she just needs a little bit of extra lovin at night. Don't worry it will pass and she'll be back sleeping through the night soon.

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