Do I Add DF to Transition to 4 Hr?

[CrystalW]

I am in the process of transitioning to a 4 hr. EASY.  We have been on a 3.5 hour EASY for awhile, but I realized on vacation that LO could handle 2 hr A time.  When we got back, I started adjusting his schedule. The last few days have been going well, but I can't figure out how to fit all his feedings in.  Our old schedule had 5 feeding per day, totalling 40-42 ounces.  (He's 16 weeks and a big boy!!!) With 4 hour EASY I don't know how to get that 5th feeding in without doing a DF which we have never done (he's slept through the night since 8 weeks- we're very lucky!)

Here is what his routine used to look like (times varied greatly, he's not a consistent waker, but he always gets 14-15 hours of sleep, despite 45 min. naps that drive me nuts!)

E 7:00
A 7:30
S 8:30
E 10:30
A 11:00
S 12:00
A 12:45
E 2:00
A 2:30
S 3:30
A 4:15
E 5:30
A 6:00
(Sometimes take a catnap, but usually not)
E 7:30
S 8:00 asleep until next day

That was working really well, but LO needs longer A times, also wasn't eating well or finishing bottles anymore.  He eats much better with a 4hr EASY but how do I fit in calories?  Should I cluster feed again? Here's what today looked like, but hes 6 oz short and I don't want him to wake in the night.  Should I do a DF tonight?

E 7:30
A 8:00
S 9:30
E 11:30
A 12:00
S 1:30
A 2:15
E 3:30
A 4:00
S 4:30
A 5:15
E 7:30
S 8:00

Should I continue to do a 5:30 feeding as well?  Or a DF Any ideas are much appreciated!

[mommy2mason]

Looks like you have a great routine! Congrats! Have you tried adding more oz. to his bottles? Will he drink more at one sitting to help get all of the oz. in? That's the only thing I can think of to help get them in. I wouldn't think you should start a DF now. He sleeps great for you at night and a DF may start causing night problems for you.

Ahh, you are blessed with the 45 minute naps as well?! My LO was the same...slept great at night but had 45 minute naps. Thankfully he outgrew them right when he turned 6 months!

[momtonb&ab]

i'd try adding a bit to the 4 bottles as well, don't add a dream feed.  he'll let you know if he is hungry.  we did 4 feeds at 16 weeks as well and did about 4 8oz bottles for dd and 4 8 or 9 oz bottles for ds.  turns out that ds wanted more so at just about 5 months we offered some cereal and he did really well that way.  it was so much better than adding a feedign when they were sleeping 12 hours!  i think your routine looks fantastic!

[CrystalW]

Thanks ladies!  I tried a DF last night at 10pm- I'm awful at it!!  He only ate 2.5 oz and then he woke up when I tried to fix his swaddle.  Then he woke up at 1am.  He went back down pretty easily, but still, he never gets up at that time.  So, I definately think you're right to not add a DF.  He already gets 9 or 10 oz in a bottle, it just seems like so much.  So I guess I'll try offering 11oz, because he just drained 10 oz.  I hate to start adding cereal because I'm going back to work next week and I don't want to change too many things at once, NWIM?  I do think he's going to love solids, he watches us eat and moves his mouth, I don't think I'll be able to hold him off until 6 mos! Thanks again, I'll keep you posted...