Hot weather and dehydration

[mcarolyn]

I've just started EASY on my 4 month old. We're on day 4 and each day actually seems to be a little worse, rather then getting better like I expected. It's been really warm lately and I'm worried 4 hours between feedings might be too long, and he needs to eat more often to avoid dehydration. Would a 3 or 3.5 hour EASY be ok for a 4 month old, just in hot weather?

[Shiv52]

Some BF babies find it hard to make it 4 hours between feeds even without hot weather.  3 hours is probably too close to get in proper full feeds but 3.5 hours can work well.  maybe give that a go?   

[gyorgyi]

Hi!

My DD never went to 4 hours. 3.5 was to longest but usually 3.
I would feed my DD more often in hot weather. Can you imagine going for 4 hours without water?

[Papaya]

I let my LO lead the way more with frequency of feeds in our hot season - she was still on a 3-3.5hr EASY when it was hottest anyway (around 3.5months), but if it was really hot and she was sweating I would offer her a small feed before naps (not feeding to sleep). Sometimes she would take it, sometimes not - it never became a problem. Keep an eye on the number of wet nappies, and certainly offer more frequently if you're concerned.

[nona]

I live in the south. We have a/c but very hot here. It is really hard for my 4 mo 3 wk old to go 4 hours btwn feeds - but nap wise she does do every 4. I'm trying to figure out how to make it work.

[shivi]

I remember this well with O as he was a big 4mth old in August when a baby and we had had a really hot summer. His main feeds were at 4 hrly mark more or less but I would offer before naps as well so he had something at the 2 hr mark also. He was well able to go 4 hrs (I really think one of the main reasons they can't is due to distraction and small feeds starting at this age) and had finally settled on 2 hr naps...despite the weather!

Emma was easier as she was well over 6mths when it was really hot and was sipping on water with solids.

S x

[mcarolyn]

Thanks for the help! Giving him a little before naps seems to have done the trick, he's now napping 1-1.5 hours and isn't as fussy when he does wake up during a nap.

[shivi]

great news! Make sure to get your own fluids upped as well!!!

[Shiv52]

Great news!