Okay to Give Water at Night

W.,

Waking 2 to 5 times may seem like a lot, but you're little one is trying to tell you something.

If he's waking up to feed that much at night, he's probably going to bed and not had enough to eat. By substituting water, you're just going to prolong the night wakings for some kind of substance. I did this with my son, and he ended up waking up MORE because he was still hungry. After one night of eight wakings, I was over it.

I would suggest trying to give him one 8oz. bottle before bedtime with his bedtime routine, and fill it up. Let him eat as much as he will and then put him to bed. See how long he sleeps and then gauge it from there. If he's exclusively breastfed, I would check your supply or maybe think about pumping if you don't already. I started to lose my supply at around 10 mos. and even with pumping had to switch to formula.

Is your son eating solids yet, rice cereal? You might have to adjust his feedings during the day so, he sleeps longer at night. Take a look at his bedtime routine and what time you put him to sleep. Just remember to be consistent and not waiver, but if he's waking to feed he needs to be fed.

Good luck.

No, water probably won't hurt but why not try something else in the bottle at night. I would attempt breast milk or formula or something with some substance. If he really is hungry he'll get the nutrition he needs but it is probably more that he wants snuggle time with you and BFing is the most comforting thing for him.

Don't be surprised if he doesn't want the bottle at all. Most breastfed babies won't go near one unless he's already accustomed to it.

Good luck

it's actually good . Babies need to rinse their mouths accoding to my dentist with water.

yes its perfectly fine. you could even give him some formula to hold him over a little longer. the water will disscurrage him to wake up to eat. give it a try it wont hurt. good luck!

Hi W., I believe all living breathing creatures need water, I'm not sure at night is the best time, but do give your baby water. J. L

Have you tried feeding him oatmeal or rice cereal before he goes to bed? Our doc recommened we feed our daughter breastmilk and a good meal so it would carry her through the night.

If he even took the water I doubt he would take enough to drop his sodium level, that is the problem with giving water to a baby. Look at the book "Baby Whisperer" it is pretty good and helps with sleep solutions. Also, if you are not already giving your baby solids, he might be ready!
Good luck!
W.