"I've been devouring your book for the past two days and I started observing my 9 week old son for the 90 minute cycle and couldn't believe my eyes when he would dose off like a switch went off! He's not 100% consistent but I did see the pattern a few times even the 1st day. My son has been eating pretty consistently on a two hour schedule day and night, sometimes stretching to 3 hours at night. Part of the reason I think is the hypoallergenic formula he is on which is very thin and easy for him to digest. His feeding schedule is keeping him from staying asleep for very long. Any advise you could give would be appreciated. I am trying to give a larger amount of formula but he doesn't accept it most of the time and due to reflux issues, I don't want to overfeed. Thank you very much. P.S. I'm not sure it matters but Conner was born 3 weeks before his due date."

- Jamie, West Orange, NJ

Hi, Jamie!

Is Conner doing any better now?

Stick with your pediatrician's advice regarding formula and feedings. In Connor's case, his atypical feeding needs will trump any suggestions I have about sleep. Connor is still pretty new, but I think you will observe that as he grows, he will be able to ingest more with each feeding, and then the intervals between feedings will also lengthen.

When you and he are able to stretch out the interval between feedings to 3 or 4 hours (work with your pediatrician on this), you should see his sleep periods start to lengthen. I know it is hard to be patient, but you and he will be sleeping more soon.

I hope you will check back in with me and let me know how it's going.