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14 Baby Dolls For Toddlers That Aren’t Annoying Or Nightmare-Inducing
14 Baby Dolls For Toddlers That Aren’t Annoying Or Nightmare-InducingLifestyle
by Karen Belz
Updated:
Originally Published:
Amazon
Baby dolls for toddlers will always be the classic gift — regardless of whether it’s their birthday or the holidays. My daughter Charlotte was around two when I realized she suddenly had an interest in baby dolls. But there was a big problem. So many of them were scary. Or, they were interactive. I wasn’t looking for a baby doll that could walk and talk — I just wanted something she could hug at night that wouldn’t haunt me in my dreams. Baby dolls for kids vary quite a bit, but if you search long and hard, you’ll eventually find your perfect match.
For older children, it makes sense to want something that can do more. There are baby dolls that talk, baby dolls that pee (which I understand could be a potty training tool, but it still creeps me out a little) and dolls that look just like them. Finally, more companies are starting to create dolls based on realistic children. They’re often called “reborns,” and they’re wonderful for grieving parents, or children who want to experience what a newborn is like without the hassle of actually having one.
When it comes to dolls, there’s no one-size-fits-all. But there are plenty of selections that’ll make any child happy. Plus, with moms everywhere lending their opinions on what the doll was like outside the box, you’re bound to find one you’re happy to invest in.
Best Baby Dolls for Toddlers
Baby Alive Magical Mixer Baby Doll
This doll is more advanced in what she does, and comes with a ton of great accessories to do her hair and to help make a few yummy pretend smoothies.
But, she’s also a big hit with moms and kids. “My daughter is in love in with her doll and all its accessories. The material is durable. Her first baby alive the material of the whole doll was awesome.”
$42.95
Melissa & Doug's Baby Jenna
Baby Jenna currently lives at my house, and I’m her proud grandmother. My daughter was very taken with the doll, especially since Jenna can suck her thumb and eat bottles. Feeding baby Jenna is one of her favorite things to do. The product has held up, but that shouldn’t be a shock — because, parents know that Melissa & Doug are a brand they can trust.
$19.14
Nice2You Baby Doll
This doll’s got glorious hair, beautiful eyes, and a stunning wardrobe. ” I love this doll on so many levels and so does my daughter,” writes Amazon Reviewer 509ace. “The hair on it is amazing, curly yet soft and manageable enough for her to play with. Would remcommend to anyone looking for a beautiful Black doll.”
$24.99
Baby Born Bathtub Surprise Pink Swaddle Fairy w/ 20+ Surprises
Baby Born Surprise Bathtub Surprise comes with her own (glittery!) bath tub and 20 other surprises that your kid can discover when they use water.
For instance, found out Baby’s eye color by splashing them with water! They can also unwrap their swaddle to discover what kind of hair their baby doll has (and their hair changes color after bath time). Feed her, change her (yup, she pees), and more.
$30
Best Soft Body Baby Dolls
Manhattan Toy Wee Baby Stella
Looking for soft doll your kids can cuddle? Then Baby Stella may be your perfect match. Without a doubt, she’s adorable. But, she also comes with a few great accessories, like a bottle and a bedtime story book. But, what really sets Stells apart? She’s scented, and smells like lavender.
$24.99
Melissa & Doug Luke & Lucy
You’re probably familiar with Melissa and Doug. They’ve made some really fantastic toys for kids. And when you see twins Luke and Lucy, it’ll be really hard for you not to take them home. The two are both capable of sucking their thumbs, and have soft bodies that are perfect for hugs and cuddles. Each doll is 15 inches, and comes with a removable cap and pacifier.
$31.48
La Baby Boutique Soft-Body Doll
I’m not going to lie, I let out a pretty audible “aww” after seeing this cute baby doll. But, this doll isn’t just for giving women baby fever. It’s also great for toddlers to play with. While this particular doll comes with a few accessories, they’re all safely attached to avoid choking or any sort of danger. It’s officially safe for children ages one and up. Your child will love cuddling up to this doll.
$12.99
Cabbage Patch Kids Newborn
Cabbage Patch may have made your very first baby doll — so why not replicate that happy memory with your child? While Cabbage Patch Kids aren’t the “it toy” the way they were in the ’80s, they’re still very special. This doll is great since it actually promotes adoption. Every doll comes with an adoption certificate and a swaddle. Amazon Reviewer Nicole gave it five stars, saying “I had a full sized one as a kid in the ’80s. I got this newborn as a tester to see what she thought.
I handed it to her out of the box and she responded ‘Hi, baby.’ Then kisses the doll. A drop of sap melted off my cold, cynical heart.” I hear you, Nicole.
$34.90
New York Doll Collection 11 inch Soft Body Newborn
This is yet another doll that’s too cute to be true. With a bright expression and a sweet smile, this doll comes in a few different versions. “These dolls are small enough for little hands and cute enough for the older girls,” writes Amazon Reviewer Jorie D. “I was delighted when they arrived.”
$13.39
Adora Sweet Baby Boy Peanut
Peanut is a great baby doll, since he’s inexpensive yet adorable. Plus, he smells like baby powder. He’s also machine washable, which is a plus for any doll. Amazon Reviewer Nicole states, “This is such a cute little guy! My son loves it so much. He wanted Santa to bring him a baby boy like his brother and he has played with it every day. It has such a nice powder fresh smell. It’s little and easy to take with us.”
$12.
99
Dolls To Play Car Seat Set
Every mom loves dealing with a car seat — right? Of course not. Car seats can be extremely frustrating. Might as well have your kids practice early. This baby doll comes with its own car seat, and other accessories, like a rattle, bib, and two bottles. Sets like these are great for imaginative play, and your child will have everything they need to start having fun. This would be a great gift to open up on Christmas morning.
$30.95
Dream Collection Baby Doll With Unicorn
This 16” soft baby doll comes with all kinds of fun accessories: A stuffed unicorn (because why not?), bib, bottle, a cardigan, and a baby bag. The bottle is “magic” so when your toddler’s baby doll drinks, it’ll “disappear.” (Anyone else here who was totally mystified and fascinated about this in the ’90s when we had our own baby doll with a “magic” bottle?)
$22.99
Baby Dolls That Look Real
JC Toys Store Layette Baby Doll Gift Set
This 8-piece doll set comes with a life-like newborn baby doll with a diaper, bodysuit, customizable hospital bracelet, and more.
If you’re looking for a plastic baby, this one is made from non-scented, BPA free, safety tested vinyl, and it’s water-friendly in case your kid wants to give their new baby a bath.
$24.49
Reborn Sleeping Baby Girl Dol
A Reborn doll is meant to look and feel much like an actual baby, which is why they’re so good to help handle grief. But they also make for a nice doll for a toddler, especially if your toddler doesn’t destroy or manhandle toys. 77% of Amazon Reviewers gave it five stars, many mentioning how it was a wonderful gift for their daughters or granddaughters.
$59.99
Looking for more present inspo? Check out our other favorite toy picks.
SHOP THE STORY
Manhattan Toy Wee Baby Stella
Looking for soft doll your kids can cuddle? Then Baby Stella may be your perfect match. Without a doubt, she’s adorable. But, she also comes with a few great accessories, like a bottle and a bedtime story book. But, what really sets Stells apart? She’s scented, and smells like lavender.
$24.99
Baby Alive Magical Mixer Baby Doll
This doll is more advanced in what she does, and comes with a ton of great accessories to do her hair and to help make a few yummy pretend smoothies. But, she’s also a big hit with moms and kids. “My daughter is in love in with her doll and all its accessories. The material is durable. Her first baby alive the material of the whole doll was awesome.”
$42.95
Melissa & Doug Luke & Lucy
You’re probably familiar with Melissa and Doug. They’ve made some really fantastic toys for kids. And when you see twins Luke and Lucy, it’ll be really hard for you not to take them home. The two are both capable of sucking their thumbs, and have soft bodies that are perfect for hugs and cuddles. Each doll is 15 inches, and comes with a removable cap and pacifier.
$31.48
Adora Sweet Baby Boy Peanut
Peanut is a great baby doll, since he’s inexpensive yet adorable. Plus, he smells like baby powder. He’s also machine washable, which is a plus for any doll.
Amazon Reviewer Nicole states, “This is such a cute little guy! My son loves it so much. He wanted Santa to bring him a baby boy like his brother and he has played with it every day. It has such a nice powder fresh smell. It’s little and easy to take with us.”
$12.99
Dolls To Play Car Seat Set
Every mom loves dealing with a car seat — right? Of course not. Car seats can be extremely frustrating. Might as well have your kids practice early. This baby doll comes with its own car seat, and other accessories, like a rattle, bib, and two bottles. Sets like these are great for imaginative play, and your child will have everything they need to start having fun. This would be a great gift to open up on Christmas morning.
$30.95
Dream Collection Baby Doll With Unicorn
This 16” soft baby doll comes with all kinds of fun accessories: A stuffed unicorn (because why not?), bib, bottle, a cardigan, and a baby bag. The bottle is “magic” so when your toddler’s baby doll drinks, it’ll “disappear.
” (Anyone else here who was totally mystified and fascinated about this in the ’90s when we had our own baby doll with a “magic” bottle?)
$22.99
Reborn Sleeping Baby Girl Dol
A Reborn doll is meant to look and feel much like an actual baby, which is why they’re so good to help handle grief. But they also make for a nice doll for a toddler, especially if your toddler doesn’t destroy or manhandle toys. 77% of Amazon Reviewers gave it five stars, many mentioning how it was a wonderful gift for their daughters or granddaughters.
$59.99
Cabbage Patch Kids Newborn
Cabbage Patch may have made your very first baby doll — so why not replicate that happy memory with your child? While Cabbage Patch Kids aren’t the “it toy” the way they were in the ’80s, they’re still very special. This doll is great since it actually promotes adoption. Every doll comes with an adoption certificate and a swaddle. Amazon Reviewer Nicole gave it five stars, saying “I had a full sized one as a kid in the ’80s.
I got this newborn as a tester to see what she thought. I handed it to her out of the box and she responded ‘Hi, baby.’ Then kisses the doll. A drop of sap melted off my cold, cynical heart.” I hear you, Nicole.
$34.90
La Baby Boutique Soft-Body Doll
I’m not going to lie, I let out a pretty audible “aww” after seeing this cute baby doll. But, this doll isn’t just for giving women baby fever. It’s also great for toddlers to play with. While this particular doll comes with a few accessories, they’re all safely attached to avoid choking or any sort of danger. It’s officially safe for children ages one and up. Your child will love cuddling up to this doll.
$12.99
New York Doll Collection 11 inch Soft Body Newborn
This is yet another doll that’s too cute to be true. With a bright expression and a sweet smile, this doll comes in a few different versions. “These dolls are small enough for little hands and cute enough for the older girls,” writes Amazon Reviewer Jorie D.
“I was delighted when they arrived.”
$13.39
Nice2You Baby Doll
This doll’s got glorious hair, beautiful eyes, and a stunning wardrobe. ” I love this doll on so many levels and so does my daughter,” writes Amazon Reviewer 509ace. “The hair on it is amazing, curly yet soft and manageable enough for her to play with. Would remcommend to anyone looking for a beautiful Black doll.”
$24.99
Melissa & Doug's Baby Jenna
Baby Jenna currently lives at my house, and I’m her proud grandmother. My daughter was very taken with the doll, especially since Jenna can suck her thumb and eat bottles. Feeding baby Jenna is one of her favorite things to do. The product has held up, but that shouldn’t be a shock — because, parents know that Melissa & Doug are a brand they can trust.
$19.14
This article was originally published on
The 9 Best Baby Dolls of 2022
By
Julia Fields
Julia Fields
Julia is the Assistant Editor at The Spruce, covering all things toys, gifts, and holiday.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 04/05/22
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Dolls are a great way for kids to play and pretend at the same time. All children can enjoy and learn from gentle, nurturing play that teaches empathy and care.
With so many options on the market, we researched and tested the baby dolls, evaluating lifelike features, interactive elements, durability, and included doll accessories. We chose the Adora Playtime "Little Prince" doll as the best overall pick for its realistic features—like a weighted bottom and ability to suck its thumb—skin tone variation, and high quality feel.
Here are the best baby dolls of 2022.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Adora Playtime "Little Prince" at Amazon
Best Classic:
Cabbage Patch Kids Baby Doll at Cabbagepatchkids.
com
Best Realistic:
American Girl Bitty Baby Doll at Americangirl.com
Best Plush:
Manhattan Toy Wee Baby Stella Beige at Amazon
Best Interactive:
Melissa & Doug Mine to Love Baby Doll at Amazon
Best for Infants:
Creative Minds Basket of Babies Plush Dolls at Amazon
Best for Older Children:
American Girl Historical Characters at Americangirl.com
Best With Accessories:
Our Generation Dolls at Target
Best Customizable:
American Girl Create Your Own Doll at Americangirl.com
In This Article
-
Our Picks
-
What to Look For
-
Why Trust The Spruce
Courtesy of Amazon
View On Amazon View On Adora.
com
Adora PlayTime Baby Doll Review: A Charming Toy for Toddlers
What We Like
Machine washable
Eyes open and close
Interactive
What We Don't Like
What do buyers say? 84% of 500+ Amazon reviewers rated this 4 stars or above.
The Adora PlayTime Baby Doll has a weighted bottom allows your child to position the baby doll in a seated position or carry it tucked under their arm. The doll can suck its thumb and close its eyes and comes in different skin tones, genders, and outfits.
Our tester found that the doll was high-quality and soft to the touch. Also importantly, the doll is BPA- and phthalate-free, and compliant with the standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The doll even comes with a cute onesie that your child can take on and off, and our favorite feature is this baby doll is machine washable.
This ensures that the baby doll will be clean and cute for years, no matter what games your toddler wants to play. This is a 13-inch doll, so your child might outgrow its size within a couple of years. But our tester found it was perfect for toddlers, even if baby dolls aren't their usual toy of choice.
Weight: 1.3 pounds | Dimensions: 13 inches | Age Range: 1+ years | Machine Washable: Yes
What Testers Say
"Right out of the box, the Adora PlayTime Baby Doll was a huge hit with both my 3-year-old daughter and my 6-year-old son. Each thought the Little Prince version we selected was adorable and immediately went about building him his own place to sleep ... so he’d be cozy in his new home."—Nicholas McClelland, Product Tester
Courtesy of Cabbage Patch Kids
View On Cabbagepatchkids.com
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Multiple generations of children have known and loved Cabbage Patch Kids.
These dolls are “born” in Georgia and “adopted” by loving children around the world. The charm of these baby dolls comes from their elaborate backstories and the experience of adopting, rather than simply purchasing. Sizes range from 9-inch babies to 16-inch toddlers. While there are a lot of skin tones, hair colors, and eye colors, you might have to wait a while for a doll with the exact combination you want to be “born.” If you are feeling extra nostalgic, consider one of the one-of-a-kind vintage collectible dolls, which start around $250 to $300.
Weight: 1.4 to 1.7 pounds | Dimensions: 9 to 16 inches | Age Range: 3+ years | Machine Washable: Yes
Courtesy of American Girl
View On Americangirl.com
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Bitty Baby from American Girl comes in multiple skin tones, hair colors, and eye colors.
It comes already dressed in a onesie that your child can remove, but the closures might require some help from an adult. It also has realistic accessories, such as bottles, a high chair, diapers, and a stroller. This doll is expensive, but still one of the more affordable options from American Girl. It is the perfect way to allow your child to care for their very own baby right alongside you and makes a great gift for children getting ready to welcome a sibling.
Weight: 1.32 pounds | Dimensions: 15 inches | Age Range: 3+ years | Machine Washable: No
Courtesy of Amazon
View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond
What We Like
What We Don't Like
With a 100 percent plush body and head, this doll is soft enough for your little one to take to bed and snuggle. It comes with a magnetic pacifier to encourage pretend play.
The doll itself doesn’t have any special interactive features, but there are numerous accessories available separately to allow your child to care for their doll, such as feeding and sleeping. We love that the accessories also work with the 12-inch and 15-inch dolls from Manhattan Toys.
Weight: 3.8 ounces | Dimensions: 12 inches | Age Range: 12+ months | Machine Washable: Yes
The 36 Best Toys for 1-Year-Olds of 2022
Courtesy of Amazon
View On Amazon
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Not customizable
The Melissa & Doug Mine to Love babies come with a pacifier, which your child can put right in their mouth. They can also “suck” their thumb and close their eyes as your child rocks them to sleep. The separate accessories allow your child to interact with their new baby doll in a variety of realistic ways: bottles and cups with “disappearing” liquid, pretend shampoo for bath time, and doll-size toys and play mats.
One of our favorite aspects of the Melissa & Doug toys is they offer boy dolls.
Weight: 1.26 pounds | Dimensions: 12 inches | Age Range: 18+ months
Courtesy of Amazon
View On Amazon
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Basket of Babies from Creative Minds comes with six plush dolls, all nestled into a cozy plush basket. Your infant can snuggle them, stack them, change their easy-to-adjust rompers, and begin to pretend play. They aren’t the most interactive, and children might outgrow them quickly. But they're great to pass along to a new sibling. They include a variety of skin tones, which we also appreciate as a way to introduce diversity from a young age.
Weight: 10.24 ounces | Dimensions: 4.55 inches | Age Range: Newborn and up | Machine Washable: Yes
The 13 Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds of 2022
Courtesy of American Girl
View On Americangirl.
com
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Needs some upkeep
The historical character dolls from American Girl are great for getting your older children immersed in their doll's world. With 11 girls to choose from, each has its own story that describes the life of a typical girl in that time period and location. They come with six books that depict everyday life and adventures that your child can relate to and learn from. They also have realistic accessories that complement the books. These 18-inch dolls are also compatible with the modern clothes and accessories from American Girl. Even though they are a pricey investment, you can be sure that your child will get plenty of play from this purchase. To take the best care of your child’s doll, follow the care instructions or send them off to American Girl’s doll hospital for bigger repairs.
Weight: 3 to 4 pounds | Dimensions: 18 inches | Age Range: 8+ years | Machine Washable: No
Courtesy of Target
View On Target
What We Like
What We Don't Like
If your child has a special interest, chances are that Our Generation has a doll and accessories to match.
These budget-friendly dolls are comparable to American Girl in size and range but at a fraction of the cost. They have everything from career interests such as a doctor, astronaut, and teacher to hobbies such as dance and sports. They also have a lot of options for boy dolls and pet accessories. Our only wish is that they had more accessories that encouraged kids to go into fields like STEM or sports. Most of their offerings are weighed heavily toward dance, gymnastics, and other interests traditionally marketed to little girls.
Weight: 2.48 pounds | Dimensions: 18 inches | Age Range: 3+ years | Machine Washable: No
The 10 Best Baby Doll Accessories of 2022
Courtesy of American Girl
View On Americangirl.com
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Create Your Own line is the most customizable doll on the market.
You can choose skin tone, hair color, eye color, facial features, interests, and glasses. It is also one of the most inclusive doll brands and has special features, such as hearing aids and glasses, to make sure your child can customize a doll that looks just like them. These dolls are expensive though, and the additional accessories, purchased separately, can quickly add up. They make a great gift for a special birthday or celebration and can even be passed down to grandchildren one day. Giving your child a doll that looks just like them is a special moment.
Weight: 3 to 4 pounds | Dimensions: 18 inches | Age Range: 8+ years | Machine Washable: No
The 13 Best Dollhouses for Kids of 2022 | by The Spruce
Final Verdict
Our top pick are Adora Playtime dolls (view at Amazon) for their more realistic features and interactive qualities, like eyes that open and close, a weighted bottom, and the ability to suck its thumb.
If you want to invest in a top-of-the-line doll that you can pass down to future siblings or generations, opt for the American Girl Historical Character (view at American Girl) or American Girl Create Your Own Doll (view at American Girl) lines and accessorize from one of the more budget-friendly companies.
Recommended Age
Infants and younger children can get overwhelmed by too many ways to interact with a toy and will gravitate to simpler toys, such as plush dolls they can hug. Older children will appreciate baby dolls that they can care for, often mimicking their parents as they feed, dress, and put their baby dolls to sleep.
Safety
Baby dolls should be made of non-toxic materials, whether they are plush or plastic. Children will hug and kiss their baby doll, having the material close to their mouth and nose. You should also be on the lookout for small parts that might make a particular baby doll unsafe for infants and toddlers. Accessories like earrings, sports gear, or doll art supplies are better left for older kids who know not to put them in their mouths. For families with children of different ages, make sure to organize your playroom to keep the smallest pieces away from the youngest children.
Features
Some dolls have special features, such as eyes that close or sounds, that make them more realistic. Others rely on accessories to create a doll world that your child can enjoy, such as strollers, cribs, or pets. Think about how your child likes to play as you choose a baby doll with the features they will love. If your doll is a common size, such as 18 inches, you might even be able to combine dolls and accessories from two different lines for a customized play experience.
The Spruce / Nicholas McClelland
FAQ
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If you have access to the manufacturer’s instructions, start by reading and following them. Otherwise there are several popular methods for smoothing out a baby doll’s tangled, unkempt hair. These include soaking the hair in fabric softener, hair conditioner, or a mix of baby shampoo and water for 10 minutes or longer depending on the damage, then rinsing well with water and combing gently before allowing to air dry.
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Different dolls require different cleaning methods since baby dolls, unlike actual babies, are made from a variety of materials. Some dolls are machine washable, while others are too delicate and must be washed by hand. You can try cleaning a plastic baby doll by hand by removing any clothing and dipping it in a bowl of water mixed with a small amount of baking soda, gently scrubbing off any dirt, rinsing in clean water, and gently towel drying. While baking soda is a natural cleaning product, keep in mind that it is abrasive so don’t rub too hard. Plastic baby dolls can also be wiped down with a cloth dipped in warm or cool water and mild detergent, before being wiped with clean water and towel dried. You can try spot cleaning a baby doll using a soft toothbrush dipped in water and mild detergent to remove stubborn dirt from a baby doll. When in doubt, do a patch test on a small area that isn’t too visible to make sure that the cleaning method doesn’t damage or discolor doll skin.
Plush baby dolls can be washed like stuffed animal toys. -
Some baby doll bottles have “disappearing” milk that vanishes when the bottle is tipped upside down to convince little ones that their toy dolls are drinking milk. To achieve this visual illusion, baby doll bottles have a bottle within a bottle construction. Liquid “milk” is trapped between the bottles, and flows into the nipple cap of the bottle when tipped so that it appears the doll has sucked the milk down. When the bottle is returned to an upright position, the faux milk flows right back into the reservoir and the bottle is magically full so that the doll can be fed all over again.
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. For this roundup, Katie looked for features that kids would enjoy playing with and top quality that would last through years of playtime.
She also consulted a few local experts, her three young children, to see which dolls got the most hugs and made their eyes light up.
The 11 Best Teddy Bears of 2022
Breastfeeding after 1 month: what to expect
Do you know when breast milk production stabilizes? And how does the frequency and duration of feedings change as the baby grows? You will find answers to these questions in our recommendations for breastfeeding after the first month.
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Congratulations: You made it through the first month of breastfeeding. Your breast milk has reached full maturity 1 , its production stabilizes, and it leaks almost or not at all from the chest. Don't worry, it's not getting less milk, it's just that your breasts are better able to produce and store it now. 2 At the age of six weeks, your baby will begin to please you with his charming toothless smiles, and by two months you will already have 500-600 feedings behind you.
With a favorable development of events, problems with latch on by this point will already be resolved, and you can simply enjoy the convenience and benefits of breastfeeding.
When does breastfeeding decrease?
"Normal" feeding frequency for babies aged one to six months varies considerably, with some needing four feedings a day, others asking to be breastfed 13 times a day. 3
“From the age of one month, the amount of milk a baby consumes per feed increases, so that he can go without food for longer,” explains Cathy Garbin, a recognized international expert on breastfeeding, “A baby’s stomach grows, so he eat more at one time. In addition, mature milk allows him to stay full longer.”
Feeding can last from 12 minutes to one hour -
the habits of babies vary so much! 3 But if the child is gaining weight and falls within this range, there is no cause for concern.
What is most surprising, no matter how often the baby eats, he consumes approximately the same amount of milk per day - both at one month and at six, when it is time to start complementary foods with solid food.
4
“However, sometimes the baby eats more and sometimes less, especially when he is unwell. It’s better to just listen to his needs,” Katie explains.
Is breast milk enough for the first six months?
Yes. Breast milk contains everything a baby needs for the first 90,023 six months of life—exclusively breastfed babies don't even need to drink more water! 5 Until about six months of age, a child's digestive system is simply not adapted to the digestion of solid food, and he will be able to drink cow's milk only after a year.
In addition, breastfeeding during this period prepares the child for further development. It strengthens the muscles of the mouth, develops the jaw and helps straighten the teeth 6.7 . All this will come in handy when the baby begins to eat and talk. And because what you eat and drink affects how your breast milk tastes, your baby discovers new tastes even before he starts eating solid foods. 8
In addition, when your baby is sick, your body produces breast milk that is
rich in antibodies that help fight infection.
9 In other words, milk continues to protect the baby for many months as he grows and becomes more active.
Breastfeeding is also very comfortable once you get used to it. Claudia, a mother of two from the UK, notes: “No need to sterilize a mountain of bottles, prepare formula, carry it all with you, warm it up - in general, breastfeeding turned out to be very convenient, especially when my babies grew up and we began to leave the house more often. ".
At what age does a breastfed baby start sleeping through the night?
Waking up at night is normal for babies. Most babies between the ages of one and six months consume a fifth of their daily milk requirement at night, so nighttime feedings should not be neglected if you want your baby to get the required amount of calories. 3
"It really depends on what you mean by 'sleep through the night'," says Cathy. "And it's better than waking up every two hours anyway! I have met infants who, starting at six weeks old, fell asleep at 19:00 and woke up at 7:00, but most continue to wake up frequently at night after this age.
All children are different."
In Wales, a study of more than 700 infants showed that almost 80% of children aged 6 to 12 months wake up at least once a night, and 25% of them wake up three times or more. And it did not depend on what type of feeding the child is on - breastfeeding or artificial. 10
And if nighttime awakenings are unavoidable anyway, breastfeeding is at least comfortable! Maina, a mother of two from Australia, agrees: “You can even take a nap while feeding in the middle of the night - both the body and the baby do their job on autopilot. No need to plan, measure, sterilize anything - ready-made food at the right temperature is right in your chest. I think it's ideal."
My child wakes up more often. Perhaps he is hungry?
Around four months of age, a baby's sleep patterns change as they develop deep and light sleep phases like an adult. Because of this, he may wake up more often at night. “At four months, sleep is more of a problem than feeding,” Cathy admits.
“It can be exhausting, but try to adapt and be patient.”
Some call this " a four-month sleep regression ", but "progress" is more appropriate here. From the outside it may look like a step back, but in fact the child is approaching an important stage of development. He learns quickly, begins to become aware of the world around him, his perception is sharpened and, perhaps, there is anxiety about being separated from his mother. Crying when waking up and being able to eat milk cuddled up to mommy’s chest is a way for a baby to calm down. 11–13
Resist the urge to “supplement” your baby with formula or start solid foods early
in an attempt to improve his sleep. Breast milk contains
hormones that make you sleepy and help you both relax
. Research shows that breastfeeding mothers actually sleep longer at night than mothers of formula-fed or mixed-fed babies
. 14
How does teething affect breastfeeding?
Teething usually begins around four months of age.
When a baby has gum pain, he becomes restless, throws his chest and cries. All this, of course, is unpleasant.
However, breastfeeding can be an excellent sedative.
Studies have shown that babies who are breastfed
during the vaccination period cry less and forget pain more quickly. 15 Breastfeeding during teething can have the same calming effect.
An unpleasant side effect may be the child's attempts to try out his new teeth on the mother's breast. “Sometimes children flirt and bite their mother’s nipples. This can be felt in advance by how the behavior of the child changes when feeding: before biting, he removes his tongue, explains Cathy, “Usually this is not a problem and only happens a couple of times. It is enough to stop feeding, affectionately say that biting is not good, and the baby will soon leave this fun.
How to continue feeding if you have to be separated from the baby?
It happens that during the first six months, when the baby is still fully breastfed, the mother needs to be away for several hours - or even longer if she has to go to work or go away on business for a couple of days.
But this does not mean that you should stop breastfeeding. You can still feed your baby healthy breast milk - just express it and have someone give it to your baby when you're away. Here's Katie's advice:
“Start expressing milk a couple of days in advance, in small batches, 40-60 ml at a time. So you will have the necessary supply for the time of your absence, but at the same time the amount of milk produced will remain the same.
If you have to return to work, check with your employer about your daily schedule. Many mothers breastfeed their babies in the morning, evening and night, and pump milk at lunchtime to relieve discomfort and create a reserve for the next day.
This usually turns out to be much easier than one might think, and today many companies are well placed to do this, notes Cathy. “Breast pumps make it easy to solve this problem.”
Natalie, mother from the USA, shares her experience: “I feed Dylan as soon as he wakes up, and sometimes again before leaving for work, in order to maintain milk production and not lose contact with the child.
At work, I pump twice the next day (in my absence, he eats two bottles of breast milk), and after work I rush home for the evening feed. I don't pump on the weekends - we resume regular breastfeeding."
Can breastfeeding continue after the introduction of solid foods?
When your baby begins to show interest in food and can sit up on his own - usually around six months of age - it's time to start solid foods. However, it is not necessary to stop breastfeeding, Cathy explains: “A baby’s iron stores during pregnancy are depleted by six months, so he needs additional sources of this element.
Start complementary foods with solid foods, but remember that breast milk remains a more important source of calories and nutrients until the baby is eight to nine months old. By this time, he will be eating much more solid food, but he will still need to breastfeed four to five times a day. By 12 months, the frequency of feeding may be two to six times a day. All babies are different, and many of them at this age are still getting half their daily calorie intake from breast milk.
”
Don't forget that breast milk can be added to solid foods, such as cereals and purees, so that the baby can taste the familiar taste. If possible, use milk expressed just before feeding (not thawed) and add just before serving to keep bacteria and nutrients alive. 16
You may be pressured by others to stop breastfeeding when your baby is six months old, but the longer you breastfeed or pump, the better for you and your baby.
How long can I continue breastfeeding?
“The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding along with solid foods until at least two years of age because it plays an important role in supporting immunity,” says Cathy. feels bad".
At eight months, the baby sometimes breastfeeds four times a day, but by one year old, the frequency of feedings can be reduced to two times a day. You yourself will understand which feeding regimen is more suitable for you and your baby. For example, Jane, a mother of two from the US, breastfed until the age of two: “I breastfed when I was at home - in the evenings and on weekends, when the children wanted to be close to me,” says Jane, “It helped a lot when they were sick .
Breastfeeding has become my favorite form of comfort."
“When my son got a little older and bolder, he still often asked me to breastfeed him - as if to calm down and gain strength,” recalls Amy, a mother of two children from Canada, “When he happened to hit or skin his knee , breastfeeding was a wonderful way to comfort him.”
If your baby is over a year old and you are still breastfeeding, people around you will probably tell you that this way he will never wean. But if children are not pressured, they usually refuse to breastfeed themselves between the ages of two and four. 17
“I didn’t intend to breastfeed for so long, but as a result, I still breastfeed my four-year-old daughter and 22-month-old son,” says Suzanne, mother of two from the UK, “I breastfeed my youngest before and after work, and in I express milk on business trips. The eldest daughter likes to breastfeed a little before bed or when she is upset - this is a great way to make contact.
When I get tired of it, I remind myself what great benefit and comfort it brings them. I now plan to pursue a baby-initiated end breastfeeding strategy — let them decide when to stop.”
For more information on what to expect and lots of tips and tricks, see our guide Breastfeeding Problems After the First Month.
Literature
1 Ballard O, Morrow AL. Human milk composition: nutrients and bioactive factors. Pediatr Clin North Am . 2013;60(1):49-74. - Ballard O., Morrow A.L., "Composition of breast milk: nutrients and biologically active factors." Pediatrician Clean North Am. 2013;60(1):49-74.
2 Kent JC et al. Principles for maintaining or increasing breast milk production. J 2012;41(1):114-21. - Kent J.S. et al., "Principles for Maintaining and Increasing Milk Production". J Obstet Ginecol and Neonatal Nurse. 2012;41(1):114-121.
3 Kent JC Volume and frequency of breastfeedings and fat content of breast milk throughout the day. Pediatrics. 2006;117(3): e 387-395. - Kent J.S. et al., "Amount and frequency of breastfeeding and fat content of breast milk during the day." Pediatrix (Pediatrics). 2006;117(3):e387-95.
4 Kent JC et al. Longitudinal changes in breastfeeding patterns from 1 to 6 months of lactation. Breast Med . 2013;8(4):401-407. - Kent J.S. et al., Longitudinal changes in breastfeeding patterns from 1 to 6 months of lactation. Brest Med. 2013;8(4):401-407.
5 Almroth S, Bidinger PD. No need for water supplementation for exclusively breast-fed infants under hot and arid conditions. Trans R Soc 1990;84(4):602-604. - Elmroth S., Bidinger P.D.
, "No need for supplementation of exclusively breastfed infants in hot, dry conditions." Trans R Sots Trop Med Hyg. 1990;84(4):602-604.
6 Victora CG et al . Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. Lancet. 2016;387(10017):475-490. - Victor S.J. et al., "Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms and long-term effects". Lancet 2016;387(10017):475-490.
7 Peres KG et al. Effect of breastfeeding on malocclusions: a systematic review and meta - analysis. Acta Paediatr. 2015;104( S 467):54-61. - Perez K.G. et al., "The impact of breastfeeding on malocclusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis". Akta Pediatr. 2015;104(S467):54-61.
8 Mennella JA, Beauchamp GK. Maternal diet alters the sensory qualities of human milk and the nursling's behavior.
Pediatrics. 1991;88(4):737-744. - Mennella, JA, Beauchamp, GK, "Maternal nutrition influences the organoleptic properties of breast milk and infant behavior." Pediatrix (Pediatrics). 1991;88(4):737-744.
9 Hassiotou F et al. Maternal and infant infections stimulate a rapid leukocyte response in breastmilk. Clin Transl immunology. 2013;2(4). - Hassiot F. et al., "Infectious diseases of the mother and child stimulate a rapid leukocyte reaction in breast milk." Clean Transl Immunology. 2013;2(4).
10 Brown A, Harries V. Infant sleep and night feeding patterns during later infancy: Association with breastfeeding frequency, daytime complementary food intake, and infant weight. Breast Med . 2015;10(5):246-252. - Brown A., Harris W., "Night feedings and infant sleep in the first year of life and their association with feeding frequency, daytime supplementation, and infant weight.
" Brest Med (Breastfeeding Medicine). 2015;10(5):246-252.
11 Infant sleep information source. [Internet]. Normal Infant Sleep Development; December 2017 [cited 2018 Feb] - All about baby sleep. [Internet] "The development of normal sleep in a child", December 2017 [cited February 2018].
12 Baby sleep science. [Internet]. The-Four-Month-Sleep-Regression-What-is-it-and-What-can-be-Done-About-it. March 2014 [ cited 2018 Feb ] - The science of baby sleep. [Internet], "Four-month sleep regression: what it is and what to do about it." March 2014 [cited February 2018].
13 The Myth Of Baby Sleep Regressions – What’s Really Happening To Your Baby’s Sleep? [Internet]. Pinky Mckay ; December 2017 [ cited 2018 Feb ] - "The Myth of Baby Sleep Regression - What's Really Happening to Your Baby?" [Internet].
Pinky McKay, December 2017 [cited February 2018].
14 Kendall - Tackett K ET Al . The effect of feeding method on sleep duration, maternal well-being, and postpartum depression. Clinical Lactation . 2011;2(2):22-26. - Kendall-Tuckett K. et al., "Influence of feeding pattern on sleep duration, maternal well-being and the development of postpartum depression." Clinical Lactation. 2011;2(2):22-26.
15) Harrison D et al. Breastfeeding for procedural pain in infants beyond the neonatal period. Cochrane Database Syst Rev . 2014;10. — Harrison D. et al., "Breastfeeding for Relief of Medical Pain in the Neonatal Period." Cochrane Database of System Rev. 2014;10:CD11248
16 Czank C et al.
Retention of the immunological proteins of pasteurized human milk in relation to pasteurizer design and practice. Pediatr Res . 2009;66(4):374. - Zhank S. et al., "Retention of immunological proteins in pasteurized milk depending on the technique and practice of pasteurization". Pediatrician Res. 2009;66(4):374.
17 Weaning from the breast. (2004). Paediatr Child Health, 9(4):249–253. - "Weaning from the breast" (2004). Pediatrician Child Health, 9(4):249–253.
Psychological benefits of breastfeeding
| “Everything beautiful in a person is |
The WHO principles of feeding involve obtaining mother's milk directly from the breast. This aspect is very important because it affects the emotional contact between mother and child.
What is the benefit of breastfeeding a baby?
| Tale, Sergey Alekseev "Bakes": "Like all military children, I have almost three years old and well remembered the taste of milk. But it was not just a sense of taste, like the taste of bread or the taste of cow's milk; I felt that a tight jet of heat and light was entering me, and I was warming up and filled with this warmth and light and some other - that exultant state, which cannot be called a rude word at all - satiety. I well remembered my attitude to the mother's breast at that time: it seemed that it was a part of myself, that I could not live without this source, just as I could not live without a head or a body...” |
1. A breastfed baby learns to express his desires faster.
Breast sucking not only satisfies hunger, but also soothes the baby, helps him fall asleep.
2. Breastfeeding allows mother and baby to develop a close, sensitive relationship with each other, which is a guarantee that the child will subsequently have positive contacts with other people. A child who has not received maternal tenderness will demand it for the rest of his life - crying over trifles, attracting attention to himself in incorrect ways.
3. If a mother tenderly and affectionately cares for the baby, appears immediately, responding to his call, gives a breast in response to his characteristic turn of the head, then the whole world is perceived by him as benevolent. Thus, the relationship of the child with the outside world is laid.
4. Being face to face with mother, hearing her heartbeat and feeling many other, imperceptible mood components, the child learns joy and sadness, fun and anger (emotional reactions). Reflecting mother's reactions, the baby smiles or frowns.
Why is breastfeeding good for a mother?
| “… The very composition of human milk also plays a big role in regulating the development of the child. In addition to the well-known biologically active factors in its composition, it should be noted recently discovered - in particular, opioids (Gryuntal N.A., 1997), which are directly related to the behavior and intellectual activity of the child, and “nerve growth factors” in the regulatory proteins of milk, which carry out interneuronal communication between the peripheral and central nervous system (Mikheeva I.G., et al., 2003). "Breastfeeding and the psychological unity of "Mother and Child": A manual for medical. staff of obstetric and childhood institutions / E.M. Fateeva, Zh.V. Tsaregradskaya. — M.: Agar, 2000 |
1. Stress resistance develops.
Hormones that are produced during lactation cause a feeling of satisfaction and reduce anxiety. Therefore, a nursing mother has enough mental strength to overcome everyday "troubles", and chronic "lack of sleep" is much easier for her to endure. She is much less likely to experience a problem such as postpartum depression.
2. "Maternal intuition" develops. Nursing mothers quickly begin to understand the needs of the baby.
3. The foundations of education are being laid. When breastfeeding, the child learns the first life prohibitions. For example: "you can not bite the chest."
5. Mothers feel a sense of pride that they have breastfed their child, embodying their “feminine essence” and giving their baby all the best that was intended by nature.
In conclusion, a few lines from “The Song of a Woman” by Sergei Ostrovoy:
“There is a holy and prophetic sign in nature,
Brightly marked for centuries!
The most beautiful of women -
A woman with a child in her arms.
