My experience of increasing gaps between feeds, the amount taken and the effect on sleep patterns for a formula fed baby of 5 weeks.

I try to never let my babydrain a bottle – if he does finish one off, the next feed I make an extra ounce… he usually then takes half an ounce or so more than the last feed and stops.  I then continue to make this amount each feed until he drains the bottle again and then I add another ounce.

This is how I have progressed with him eating more.

I was worried last week that he might be eating too much, but as long as his weight gain is at it should be I am letting him guide me from now on.

I generally think the more I can get him to eat during the day, the less he will want at night and it seems to be working – we only have one night feed now!

For example, last night I fed him at 9pm, he then slept til 3am where he took 3 ounces and then through til 7:30am this morning.

As for bedtime, we have a little routine of feed (usually a large one!) cuddle time for 15 mins or so with a story, bathtime in a dim-lit room and then into his moses basket with the t-shirt I have worn that day so he has my smell next to him.

This works most of the time… sometimes we have to have some singing and rocking to send him off, but generally he does it on his own accord.

Source: Yummy Mummy Secrets.