When do we switch to 3 daytime feeds??

[Lilasmom]

DS is 9.5months old and nurses 4 x's during the day (only for a few minutes each feed as he gets so distracted) but still wakes at night to nurse 1-2x's.  If I remember correctly, DD dropped to 3 nursing sessions between 9.5-10months BUT she was sleeping through the night.  So, my question is when is the best time to drop to 3 feedings???  Does it depend on if the baby is STTN or is it believed that the baby will make up for losing the 4th feed, but eatting more during the 3 feeds???  Also, should I start offering snacks inbetween meals when we drop to 3 feeds???  Thanks!!!

[lisi's mum]

At 9.5 mo with a couple night feeds you could drop down to 3 during the day. Milk is meant to be the main source of nutrition up to 12 mo, but what many find is that dropping 1 feed doesn't mean their LOs reduce their milk intake. However, I wouldn't go below 3 feeds during the day until 12 mo. If there's one feed your LO really isn't interested in you could drop it.

I kept to 4 daytime feeds until beyond 12 months as they fitted in nicely as a snack between meal times. If you drop a feed, offer a snack and a glass of water instead.