Myth: Baby Cereal Will Help Your Infant Sleep Through The Night

This is an extremely common and pervasive myth that simply isn’t true. The time frame at which your child begins sleeping through the night has more to do with their development and having a steady bedtime routine to help them learn to fall asleep on their own — not how hungry or full they are. Keep in mind, as well, that many children do not begin to sleep through the night until they are about 3-4 months old.

Breast milk or formula supplies all of your baby’s nutritional needs for at least the first 4 to 6 months of life, so there is no need to be in a rush to start solid foods. Starting solids too early can, according to some studies, cause your baby to develop food allergies. Your baby’s intestinal tract is not as fully developed during the first few months and introducing solids at this time can be too much for their tiny bodies to handle. Another reason for not giving solid foods earlier than 4 to 6 months is unintentional overfeeding, since younger babies can not communicate to you when they are full, such as turning their head away or showing disinterest. A third reason for holding off on solids is your baby’s inability to swallow solids correctly before 4 to 6 months of age — this can be a potential choking hazard.

If you have any questions about your baby’s developmental stages or sleep patterns, your best bet is to contact your Cape Coral pediatrics office to ask questions or to schedule a wellness check up.


About author MacKoul Pediatrics

MacKoul Pediatrics is an amazing local pediatrics office in Cape Coral, FL where caring, compassionate doctors and nurses work with you to keep your children as healthy as possible. MacKoul cares for children from birth to college age, from Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, and beyond.