Dream feed

[alex and danny]

Hi!  I need some help with stopping the dream feed.  My lo is alsmost 7 months, has been on solids since he was 5 months... I tried once before, but once I got to 4 oz at 8:30 pm - he began waking up at night... so I reverted back to the df.  I bf during the day and give him formula for the df.  I don't know how to tell if he is getting enough during the day - what I mean is, I don't know how to ensure that I am giving him the oz I am taking away at night    Besides offering both breast at each feeding, how can I make sure to give him the calories?  I hope someone can help... Maybe I should wait a few weeks more?  OH!  I'm so unsure and confused about this df.  Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks   

[daisymelan]

My lo is about 7 and 1/2 months so I can relate to you wanting to drop the df.  Currently, we have not tried and I don't plan on trying for a little bit longer.  I think in your case, the biggest sign that your lo is ready to drop the df is by how many ozs they are drinking for their df.  If they are still taking a full bottle, they may not be ready.  Most mamas I know that bottlefeed have waited until they see a decrease in the df.  I know this is going to be our plan... and last night he only took 3.5oz!  wooohoo

As you mentioned, you can always cut the df back an oz every few days and see if he still makes it through the night.  I think that is the best way and you seem to want to try it that way which is great.  Eventually, the solids will take over the ozs in the df bottle, so I don't think it's a matter of replacing during the day like when they were younger and you wanted them to get through the night.  But I may be wrong on this.

I'm not sure if that's the answer you wanted to hear, but I think it's best to follow your los cues. 

HTH

I'd be interested in hearing what other mamas have to say, as I have not gone through with the process yet.

[alex and danny]

Thanks Jodi - Jacob still drinks a 7oz bottle without difficulty, so I think I'll wait... although it seems he is eating so much these days (with bf and solids)?  I'll give it a couple of weeks and see how it goes; or maybe I'll get courageous again and try?!    I am curious to know how it goes for you, if and when you try it!  Take care, Alex

[Samuel's mum]

I actually would recommend keeping the df until he's a little older. Some people wait until nearer 12 months. Later on, the solids intake will be more significant. Nearer 12 months milk and solids start to take equal status in their diet. Milk is still by far more significant at 7 months. Even after 2 months of solids the baby's system is still getting much more nutrition and satisfaction from the milk portion of the diet. If you're desperate to drop it then you could cut back amounts slowly by shortening the breastfeed and breaking off sooner but this could mean the end of the feed isn't a satisfying one. Some people who feed with both sides only offer one to reduce amounts.