How do I increase the time between feeds?

For the past 6 weeks our girls have been eating every 2.5 hours (sometimes even less). At first we thought it was a growth spurt but that obviously isn't the case because it has been going on too long. We have tried feeding them more at each feed so they will be filled up longer but that doesn't work. Sometimes they will only eat 3oz and there is no way they will take anymore. Other times they will eat 5oz. There is absolutely no schedule with our feeds. Sometimes they eat 2.5oz, sometimes they eat 5.5oz, sometimes they want to eat after 2hrs15min, sometimes we can hold them off to 2hrs 40min.

Our semi-schedule consists of eat, play, sleep, eat, play, sleep etc. They generally take about 25-35min to eat then they play for about 1hr-1.5hrs, then they nap for about 20-30minutes then they wake up and want to eat.

Any suggestions on how to increase the time between feeds?

 

whenever I wanted to switch our schedules a bit I would just add another hour in between feeding. Go from 3-4 hrs. I would give 5-6 oz. That might help or at least its something to think about.

 

At that age we were going 3.5-4 hours between feeds and doing 5-6 oz. per feed. Our pedi has told us from the beginning that feeding less than 3 hours apart could give them belly aches. It was hard for us because our girls get hungry after about 3 hours so we do all we can to distract them which isn't always easy. Once we get them back on the 3.5-4 hour stretch, everyone is happier. So I guess the answer is to just hold them off. That may mean some crying or some extra walking, bouncing or even tv. Anything to get their mind off of it.

 

Mine were like yours . . . they only drank what they wanted to. My DD was extremely inconsistent. I think you need to gradually increase the time. Try 15 minutes and then 15 more and on and on.
Hopefully they'll become more inconsistent soon!

 

20-30 minute naps after being up for more than 2 hours seems too short for me. Maybe they're just tired / fussy and not necessarily hungry?

 

Thanks for your replies.

Yes, a 20-30 minute nap is short but that is all my girls ever do. They never nap longer than that - they just have cat naps.

I tried holding them off today between the two most recent feeds without much luck. This is what it was like:
12:45pm - both girls ate
1:05 pm - finished eating, played on activity mat, bouncy chairs, I read to them etc
2:05 pm - both started fussing, rubbing their eyes etc so they had a nap
2:45 pm - both woke up after only napping 30minutes and they both woke up crying wanting food. I picked them both up tried to play with them, cuddle them or anything to hold them off feeding seeing as it had only been TWO hours
3:05 pm - finally had to give in and give them food! Babies are very happy now.

My DH is taking a week off next week so I think that is going to be our main goal - to extend their feed times to 3 hours. It will be much easier with him home to help me so we can both take a baby and pre-occupy them before they feed.

Thanks!

 

Hi T!!! if they are going 2.5 hours....try holding them off for an extra 15 minutes each time. You have to be consistent. I think the reason they are not napping well is that they are not full enough. Also, a baby naturally has 40-45 minute sleep cycle, so when mine wake up after about that I give them a dummy and put their ocean aquariums back on and tuck them back in. They usually sleep for another hour after that. Have you tried changing the nipple, perhaps they are ready for a faster flow...right now, they might be getting too tired to eat more than 3oz at a time. Also, if they only eat 3oz, wait about 10 mins or so and theny try again. My DD likes to have a bit of a break and will usually eat her whole bottle if I let her.

PM if you need anything else!!!

Kerry