Dropping daytime feeds - what is my goal?

[Sharon P]

Hi,

Wondering if you could help me with some sense of what I am aiming for. DS is almost 11 mths old and has started to show signs of dropping his daytime feeds over the last few weeks. I have tried going from 4 feeds a day to 3 feeds a day, but he doesn't seem to want the breast most of the time, during the daytime. He is still bfing well at 6am and 7pm. I am fine to drop the day feeds I just don't know how to go about things from here. 

I understand that I should give him a snack when he wakes from his first nap and again one after his 2nd nap. What I am not sure about is when I should offer milk. Is milk his snack, or do I offer milk with lunch or after lunch etc?

I have tried him on cows milk from a sippy cup today nd he took 30 mls first time and 40mls second time. So I think I can skip formular and go with the milk. I just don't know when I should offer it and how much I should expect him to drink. Also, is there any benefit of offering it in a bottle (he does take one, so may drink more that way, I'm not sure) for me to consider. I remember my sister kids curling up on the couch with a bottle before bed until 2 years or so.

Thanks in advance,

Sharon. 

 

[Erin (redstarfalling)]

Hi Sharon - could you post your schedule too, with about how much solids you offer, just to see if anything else comes up?

I'll take a whirl at your questions though:
If he drops the daytime bfs, you have to make sure that he's getting enough fluids and nutrients through either solids and/or milk/formula.  You said you're okay skipping formula and going straight to cows milk. Some countries recommend waiting until 12 months to introduce cow's milk because the proteins in it can be hard on a baby's tummy and there is small risk of anemia.  That said, 12 months isn't a "magical" number, and as you get closer to that age, it gets *safer* IYKWIM.  Also, recommendations vary from country to country (some say it's okay by 9 months).  This is when info and mommy instincts come together to make your decision!

I personally used to bf or offer milk as a snack after naps - still do, actually and she's over 2!  You could do that and a small solid snack....I'd check the solids board for suggestions.

And as for a bottle vs sippy - it's up to you.  Might be easier to just stick with a sippy at this point...  As for amounts - I think the bottle feeding board has recommendations for how much milk your lo should be getting...here it is:
https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=67569.0

HTH a bit!

[Sharon P]

Thanks Erin,

I will post our routine, but it is a bit variable right now (develpmental milestones looming, teething, starting childcare etc) so here is yesterday which is about average.

6.10am wake and BF
7.10 bfast - 1 wheatbix, tub of pureed fruit mix together and little added water for right consistency.
8am Bit of Toast from Daddy's plate
9.45 Sleep (1.25hrs)
10.30 snack - 60 ml tub of yoghart, 30 mls cows milk from sippy cup, piece of cheese
12pm lunch - tuna/pasta bake - homemade so don't know qty, but good size serve, 1/3 vegemite sandwich
1.50 Sleep (1.75hrs)
3.40 snack - Soft cheese triangle, 40 mls milk milk from sippy cup
5.30pm - tinned spaghetti (only thing he would eat - teeth bothering him, usually would have 1 vegies 1 protein/carb meal bw lunch and dinner)
7pm BF and sleep

He drinks water with all of his meals. I am comfortable with how much he eats and drinks and am sure he gets a good balance of nutrients. He is not fussy, has some hungry/less hungry days, but that is normal.

I don't care about the 12 month thing for cows milk, I hear mixed perspectives and he is close enough in my mind. I am still BF so with the 2 feeds a day plus solids I feel nutritionally he will be getting what he needs. As far as protein and the tummy I am watching closely and so far no real concern.

So, I will go with the sippy cup.

Do I understand correctly that as long as he is getting enough liquids/ nutrition I don't have to introduce a cup of milk per say at some time of the day?  At least until such time that we stopp the morning and night feeds?

Is the main idea of solids to replace the BFg?

If that is the case do I just need to ensure he is getting a balanced diet and that high calcium should be a focus?

I offered milk today with snacks and he took a little but not a huge amount. I assume as he gets used to the flavour this will improve, but could cut the snack part back if the milk is more improtant. I am trying to make the snack calcium based to ensure he is getting that, whether it is milk, yogart, cheese etc.

Thanks again,

Sharon.

[Shellha]

Sharon - as you know, we are 'trying' to drop feeds so I thought I would check out what everyone has to say here too - hope that is OK! We can muddle thru this together :-) I too offer a snack after he wakes from both naps (he still BF before his 2nd nap), the first I usually give a couple of rice crackers with cream cheese on them, or he eats a banana with me. Second one I usually give a yoghurt (100ml) which tides him over till dinner time.

Looking forward to hearing everyone's responses to your questions

Shell x

[Sylvia.]

can i join you girls? sharon your question are the question i also have, great thread, do we have to replace the dropped bf with milk in a sippy cup, shell i am doing similar to you only that our bf is after the 2nd nap

[Sharon P]

It is great to all be going through the same stuff at the same time. That's what I love about BW and our birth club in particular. And better still, if we all join in then the mods or other insightful people don't have to repeat their answers!!

[Erin (redstarfalling)]

You actually never *have* to give your child cow's milk - as long as the nutrients and liquids are provided elsewhere - it's just often easier for people to do it through cow's milk.  Looks like your lo has lots of yogurt and cheese too though as well as bf, so I would suspect that he's getting what he needs (although I'm not a nutritionist - just another mom!  ).  If you were really concerned, talk to your doc, but looks pretty good to me!

Solids aren't only to replace the bf -they are also to introduce different textures and flavours, and they'll provide other nutrients that may become lacking in bm - like iron for instance.  It's a package deal really - but there are lots of ways to wrap the package!   Definitely make sure calcium is focused and that your child is also getting Vit D - either from the sun exposure or milk or supplement.

Hope I answered your questions.

[Sylvia.]

sounds good to me, i appreciate your time, sylvia

[Sharon P]

Thanks heaps Erin, you really have cleared things up for me. He does love his diary so for the moment I have no trouble getting the calcium side of things. I now at least know where I'm heading and feel better about not stressing if he doesn't take much milk from a sippy cup. It will all fall together.

Cheers, Sharon.

[Erin (redstarfalling)]