Night feedings are tiring. You have to wake up several times to feed your baby. As such, you can't sleep through the night. It may not be working for you, and you have heard that switching to baby formula can help. But how can it help, exactly? Does formula help babies sleep longer? Continue reading to find the explanation.
Does Formula Make Babies Sleep Longer than Breastmilk?
There is little evidence of babies sleeping longer thanks to formula milk. And in fact, some studies point out that breastfed babies get more sleep than formula-fed babies.
Digestion plays a big part in how frequently a baby wakes at night. A baby's stomach can digest breast milk faster than formula milk. That said, they will become hungry more often than formula-fed babies. Expectedly, they will wake up more often.
But doesn't that mean they are sleeping less? Isn't that the opposite of having longer sleep? Not really. Preparation time is often an overlooked aspect. In formula feeding, you need to prepare a bottle of formula milk first. On the other hand, breastfeeding allows you to start feeding immediately. So, it lets your baby go back to bed faster.
Yes, you can prepare formula milk in advance. Then, you can warm the bottle when you need to feed your baby. That will cut the amount of time you are awake at night. Even so, breastfeeding is still more efficient.
On top of that, breast milk contains hormones that help you and your baby go back to sleep. The absence of it in formula milk extends the time you and your baby are awake at night. In conclusion, breastfeeding provides more sleep for you and your baby.
Does Formula Fill Babies Up More?
Yes, formula fills babies more. That is because it takes longer to digest. That also means it would take a long time before the next feeding compared to when breastfeeding.
Nevertheless, breast milk is still the healthier and better option for your baby. Its nutrients can be absorbed faster and more efficiently.
Please also keep in mind that the type of formula affects satiety. Some do not contain complex carbohydrates. As such, they are not as filling as other baby formulas.
What Are the Other Differences Between Breast Milk and Formula?
Breast milk and formula milk have different compositions. Breast milk naturally contains the perfect balance of nutrients that your baby needs. It is also dynamic, changing its composition over time to adapt to your baby's developmental needs. Formula milk is designed to mimic it as closely as possible. However, it is impossible to copy this special property of breast milk.
In breastfeeding, there are things called foremilk and hindmilk. Foremilk comes at the start of the feeding session. It is watery, low-fat milk that helps quench your baby's thirst. Towards the end of the session, hindmilk comes out. It is creamier and contains more fat. It helps satisfy your baby's hunger. Formula milk does not have these.
Here is a table that compares the composition of formula milk and breast milk:
|
Formula Milk |
Breast Milk |
|
|
Carbohydrates: |
Lactose, maltodextrin, or starch |
Primarily Lactose |
|
Proteins: |
Whey and casein |
Whey and casein |
|
Vitamins & Minerals: |
● Vitamin A ● Vitamin B ● Vitamin C ● Vitamin D ● Iron ● Calcium |
● Vitamin A ● Vitamin B ● Vitamin C ● Vitamin D ● Vitamin E ● Vitamin K ● Iron ● Iodine ● Calcium ● Zinc |
|
Additional Contents: |
● Omega-3 fatty acids ● Omega-6 fatty acids ● Enzymes ● Amino acids ● Some formulas have prebiotics and probiotics |
● Different hormones ● Prebiotics ● Good bacteria ● Amino acids ● Antibodies ● Fats |
Why Do Babies Wake at Night?
Hunger. Your baby wakes up at night because they are hungry. The particularly young ones (1 - 2 months old) need to feed every 3 to 4 hours. That cycle continues even at night. You need to feed them and comfort them to soothe them back to sleep. If you have a newborn and they aren't waking on their own, you should wake them up to feed them.
After 6 months, your baby will start sleeping in long stretches. They can sleep for at least 6 hours straight. You no longer need to wake them up for feedings when you reach this point. Their daytime feedings have provided them with enough nutrients to support their growth.
How To Make My Baby Sleep Longer?
There are several things you can do to promote good sleep for your baby. We will give you some tips in this section.
Avoid Stimulation
When your baby is excited, their energy levels are high, making it difficult to fall asleep. That said, you should avoid playing with your baby before daytime. Also, everyone around should keep their voices low and soothing. Make your baby less stimulated and interested in your presence.
Dress Your Baby in Comfortable Clothes
Your baby may wake up or have trouble sleeping because of discomfort. So, control the temperature in the room. Dressing them in comfortable clothes like the Momcozy Newborn Sleepers also helps. The temperature-sensitive sticker is one of its outstanding features. It changes colors based on the temperature, letting you know if you need to adjust anything.
Use Ambient Sounds
White noise or relaxing sounds can soothe your baby and help them sleep longer. The Momcozy Baby Sound Machine allows you to bring those sounds into your room. It offers 34 high-fidelity sounds, including white noise, nature sounds, and even lullabies tailor-crafted to provide tranquility.
Another great thing is that this product is also a lamp that you can control using your mobile phone. You can increase the brightness or dim it. It is a must for promoting good sleep, not just for your baby but also for you.
Offer a Pacifier
Suppose your baby is having trouble falling asleep. Consider offering a pacifier. Pacifiers are great for calming fussy or anxious babies. It helps your baby settle down and fall back asleep. Just remember that this is not an option if you are breastfeeding and still figuring out the routine.
Should I Wake My Baby to Feed?
If your baby is a newborn (1 to 2 months old), then yes. You need to feed them every 3 to 4 hours, day in and day out. Your baby will wake up on their own when they are hungry. But if they did not, feel free to wake them up.
The good news is that you can stop doing that once your baby is 6 months old. What they eat during the day is enough to get them through the night. Let them enjoy uninterrupted sleep.
FAQs About Formula-Fed Babies Sleep Better
Here are answers to some FAQs about sleep for babies.
Does A Feeding Session Right Before Bed or During the Night Help Babies Sleep Longer?
Research on this topic has conflicting findings. A study found that frequent night feeding helps promote longer sleep. However, another study suggests that it increases the chances of waking up.
Is Formula Heavier Than Breast Milk?
Yes, infant formula is heavier than breast milk. The composition of formula milk makes it harder to digest. Its carbohydrate content is made of lactose, maltodextrin, or starch, while breast milk is mostly lactose. As such, it is more filling.
Should I Give My Baby Supplements to Help Him Sleep Better?
No, you should not. Melatonin supplements can be safe for kids and adults if it is in the correct dosage and taken as prescribed by a doctor. However, there is not enough research about its safety for babies. Therefore, you should not give your baby supplements for sleeping.
Conclusion
Does formula help babies sleep longer? Yes, it does help them sleep for longer stretches. However, breast milk helps them get more sleep. That is because breast milk contains hormones that soothe them and help them fall asleep faster. Its absence in formula milk makes it harder for babies to settle down. On top of that, formula milk requires preparation, which takes time. So, your baby will be awake for longer times.
In conclusion, while formula milk seems better for sleeping on paper, breast milk is still superior.
