To DF or not??

[tysonbing]

So we usually don't DF and our 3mo son goes to bed around 7-7:30pm, wakes b/n 3-4:30 and then wakes for the day b/n 7-7:30.  Last night we did a DF with the bottle before we went to bed (he was down at 7:15 and the DF was about 10:30) and he slept till 6:50am. 

So what's the difference?  I didn't do the DF with DS1 and he eventually by 4 months dropped the 3am feeding and slept straight through.  How do you know when you can drop the DF once you start it in a routine?  I don't want to create a feeding if it's not needed, KWIM?  What are the advantages other than I get a straight night sleep?

[Bryony]

Well the advantage is that you get to sleep from 11pm till 7am with any luck     Most people drop the dream feed around 7 months - you then move it earlier and earlier and give less and less (if you are bottle feeding - reduce to one breast if you are breast feeding) until you stop it completely. Tracey explains it in her second book I think.

Four months old is pretty early to drop all night feeds - your DS1 did really well! 

But yes the disadvantage is that you may be giving it longer than you need to - which would have been the case for your first son.

Like all things it's a gamble I guess!!

Bryony

[momofclaire]

It sounds like you guys are doing great!  I would imagine that if you keep going as you are, and don't start a df you will probably have less hassle as you won't have to get rid of it.  Be prepared for a 4 month growth spurt and then if all goes well you might find yourself (and baby) sleeping like logs all night long! 

[carly-g]

The DF didn't work for us.  I tried to do it for a week, and it actually caused him to wake more!  So instead of waking once at 4, he woke every 2-3 hours, at 1, 4, & 7!  If what you are doing works, I wouldn't change!

[tysonbing]

Thanks!  I think I'll just stick to what we are doing.  Last night we went from 7pm till 4am with no DF, so that's cool with me!