The arrival of a baby disrupts the daily lives of adults who have become parents. While some babies sleep through the night quickly, others sometimes wake up for a long time and then ask for a bottle before going back to sleep...
But the phenomenon raises final questions:
- When to put your baby back to bed after his bottle?
- Should we extend it immediately?
- Or wait until he has digested part of the milk administered?
We will try to respond to you as best we can to alleviate your concerns.
SUMMARY :
- A different bedtime ritual depending on your baby's age
- How to convince your baby that drinking a bottle after bedtime is no longer appropriate?
- If you bottle feed at night, take some precautions to remember!
- In summary: putting baby to bed after a bottle is not risky if baby is under good supervision
A different bedtime ritual depending on your baby's age
A baby's bedtime - bottle-fed or not - depends on several factors, the most important of which is undoubtedly age...
Newborns have very different sleep needs than older babies. Generally, your toddler will need between 14 and 17 hours of sleep per day , while a six-month-old baby will need 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day.
When to put a newborn to bed after a bottle feed?
Since newborns often feed every two to three hours , it's common for them to wake up at night to ask for a bottle ... Fortunately, they also tend to go back to sleep easily after feeding.
If this is the case, you can hold him for 30 minutes to avoid any risk of reflux . The latter would require you to change your sleeping child in the middle of the night, which is anything but a walk in the park.
In general, it is important to observe your baby's behavior to best meet his needs. If the child struggles and protests, it may mean that he wants to go back to his bed... Rocking him can help calm him down. Otherwise, put him in his bed but stay next to him for half an hour as a precaution.
When to put a baby under six months to bed after a bottle feed?
If your baby is a little older and has started to space out his meals, you may want to give him some time to digest before putting him back to bed.
Here again, it is recommended to wait 30 minutes before putting a baby over three months to bed after each bottle swallowed. This allows it to digest part of the milk and minimizes the risk of regurgitation.
It's also important to note that every baby is different and some babies may have different sleep preferences. Some babies may prefer to be put down immediately after eating, while others may need a little more time to digest.
The amount of milk in the bottle can also play a role. If your baby wakes up out of habit and asks for a bottle to reassure himself (and not because he is hungry), it is best to limit the quantity of milk absorbed to prevent the appearance of possible stomach aches.
How to convince your baby that drinking a bottle after bedtime is no longer appropriate?
How good is this little warm bottle heated by mom or dad at three in the morning. The happiness of one person sometimes causes the misfortune of others... In this case, that of the parents. The first thing to do to escape this vicious circle is to clearly state the rules with your child.
If necessary, use a large whiteboard or a sheet of paper that you will magnetize on your fridge or frame directly in their room. This conversation can take place as often as necessary, so that baby understands that bottle feeding after bedtime is no longer necessary!
Of course, your child should not be hungry . Or his request will be legitimate. It is therefore important to ensure that evening meals are sufficiently substantial (and appetizing!) to limit the risk of waking up at night.
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If you bottle feed at night, take some precautions to remember!
For now and until things improve, be sure to follow these few simple (but essential) rules to ensure your baby's safety:
1. Plug in a baby monitor
The baby monitor is a useful piece of equipment for monitoring what is happening in your child's room. As a reminder, it is advisable to place the bed or cradle in your room for the first six months. But during the day, using a baby monitor will reassure you if you are in the living room during nap time.
There are connected models with a camera that will give you a view of your child directly on your phone.
The baby monitor usually consists of two units: a unit that stays in your baby's room and a portable unit that you can take with you.
Practical, isn't it?
2. Stay close
Once your baby's bottle has been completely swallowed by your little glutton, you should stay close to him after burping him. This waking time ensures that baby does not regurgitate or develop colic linked to an accumulation of air in the stomach.
For more comfort and less time , you can place a comfortable armchair not far from your child's bed. Take the opportunity to relax and read the rest of a good unfinished thriller! 🛋️
3. Lay baby flat and on his back
Pediatricians and maternity wards recommend always putting your baby on their back to minimize the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Never place your baby on your stomach or side without being present.
If, on the other hand, you find your child on his stomach after placing him on his back, make sure that his head is clear. Don't be too worried: a child who can turn in one direction while asleep will be able to return to their original position on their own. 😉
4. Clear the space around your sleeping baby
It is also important to ensure that your baby's bed is safe and that there are no objects or blankets in the bed that could obstruct your baby's airway. Avoid stuffed animals 🧸, duvets, toys until at least six months.
Don’t give in to brand marketing either!
Bed bumpers ❌ , whether flat, braided, or in the form of sausages, drastically increase the risk of SIDS. 75% of cases are also linked to the presence of soft objects in the child's bed.
5. Opt for a standard bed
The bed where you put your baby back down after each bottle must meet current standards. If you have chosen to invest directly in a bed with bars instead of a cradle, be aware that it must be equipped with bars spaced a maximum of 6.5 cm apart and meet the NF EN 716 standard.
Montessori beds can be suitable for the most precocious children in their learning from 3 months. The bases of these beds being placed at ground level, you will have to bend over more to pick up your child.
In case of frequent awakenings, this can quickly become restrictive. Conversely, your child will be able to go back to bed alone without your help as he grows up if the need to drink a bottle at night persists.
6. Choose anti-regurgitation bottles
If baby drinks at night, the risk of regurgitation is, despite all your precautions, very present. Using an anti-regurgitation bottle considerably reduces the risk of developing reflux which can be painful for baby.
Our medical grade silicone baby bottle models are healthier than most traditional baby bottles on the market because they do not generate microplastic particles. A phenomenon amplified each time you heat a bottle in the microwave or in a bay marie... In addition, 3 types of sizes are available and allow you to feed your baby until weaning!
🍒 The icing on the cake : the physiologicalteat of our baby bottles gives your child the feeling of breastfeeding , as if you were breastfeeding.
To discover our range of colorful baby bottles that are soft like your baby's skin, visit our online store !
In summary: putting baby to bed after a bottle is not risky if baby is under good supervision
- Generally speaking, bedtime varies depending on the age of the infant. But a child under six months of age who wakes up at night to drink a bottle (which is normal for all infants) will benefit from being held in your arms for about 20 minutes after drinking.
- Remember to follow the safety instructions in this article every time you put your baby down after a bottle feed.
- It happens that months pass and a child does not sleep through the night. If the bottle becomes essential to getting back to sleep, we advise you to seriously discuss it with him, without scolding, in order to help him grow. A consultation with a specialized psychologist can also be a temporary solution to improve the situation.
