But studies have shown that this doesn t work.
Cereal in formula to help baby sleep.
A bigger meal or even the addition of formula or rice cereal will make her sleep longer.
Are not uncommon particularly if baby is younger than around 6 months.
There is no evidence that it will help.
Adding cereal to a bottle to help a baby sleep is a myth.
This turns out to be a widespread myth.
There are a few problems with this recommendation though.
Newborn babies eat frequently and sleep in short stretches because their nervous and digestive systems are developing.
Even gerber the popular baby food manufacturer recommends against putting rice cereal in your baby s bottle.
Three studies have indicated that adding solids or formula to the diet does not cause babies to sleep longer.
Studies show that there is no change in the amount of time that a baby will sleep if cereal is put into the bottle.
The presumption is that the extra calories from the cereal will help the baby feel full for a longer period of time and thus not wake up so soon to be fed.
Adding rice cereal to baby s evening bottle is a common practice by many parents who want to fill their baby s belly in the hopes it will help them sleep more.
Some babies will sleep worse due to reactions to the formula or solids tummy ache etc.
But the aap along with other feeding.
Mom s are urged to add a little rice baby cereal and formula to baby s bottle as a way to keep him full and sleep through the night.
So the reasoning goes.