Aunt Nan says: “Formula-fed babies sleep longer.”

Babies are not supposed to sleep for long periods – and certainly are not supposed to sleep through the night right away. New studies show that babies who have longer periods of deep sleep may be more at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.  There is no need to give a baby formula (or rice cereal) before bed to encourage better sleep – doing so could be harmful.

In addition, there is actually no evidence that breastfed babies don’t sleep as well as formula-fed babies.  In fact, research shows that the opposite might be true – some formula-fed babies may sleep worse!  Because formula is harder to digest than breastmilk, babies fed with formula may tend go longer between feeds, but they can get more tummy aches because their digestive system is working harder.

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For more things Aunt Nan says, go to www.ckpublichealth.com/auntnan

Useful Links: http://kellymom.com/nutrition/starting-solids/solids-sleep/