My baby eats very small amounts at meal times Do you think that the reason for this be because she breast feeds during the night as well as during the day? She has hardly increased in weight since she was 12 months and clothes are fitting her for ages so she doesn't appear to be getting taller either. She loves her breast feeds and I'm not sure what to do for the best?

A The average weight gain for babies 18 months – two years is about 4 – 8 oz's a month. Since you do not mention her weight or height it is impossible to judge whether she is thriving or not. At 20 months I would expect her to be taking three meals a day, a snack and two to three breast feeds at the most during the day. If you are feeding her during the night she will not be hungry enough for food during the day. I suggest that you stop the night feeding. This can be done gradually feed by feed. It will not be easy and may take a week or so. It is a good idea to start the process at a weekend, the first night will be the worst but is you resist the temptation to feed and try and settle her back to sleep instead the second night will be slightly better. Of course she loves her feeds from you and if her weight gain is good and she is enjoying an adequate amount of nutritious food you can continue breastfeeding for as long as you and she want.

health visitor