How often should I feed my baby?
If you’re breastfeeding you can expect to feed your baby 10-12 times across a 24-hour period in his first two to three months – his tummy is very tiny and he can’t take in too much milk at a feed so he’ll need small, frequent feeds.
You can ensure he feeds efficiently and avoid sore nipples by positioning him correctly. Because breast milk is produced on a supply and demand basis, this pattern of frequent feeds will stimulate your breasts to produce more milk, which is vital in the early weeks when you’re getting breastfeeding established.
Once your baby is around three months old, you’ll likely have fallen in to an ‘on demand’ feeding pattern – latching him on when he decides he needs to eat – and your supply of milk will regulate itself to his needs accordingly. If your baby is feeding less than every four hours during the day, try to move him towards this routine, as he’s more likely to establish good sleep patterns at night if he has filled up on enough milk during the day.
At around four and six months, babies go through growth spurts and you may find your baby wants to feed for longer or wants an extra feed at these times. Follow his hunger cues (especially around four months, when he won’t yet be taking solids) and increase the frequency of his feeds as necessary – otherwise you’ll have a hungry, cranky baby to deal with!
Speak to other parents on this subject by going to the feeding and food area of our chat forum and starting up a discussion on this or any other issues that may be concerning you.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 18/06/2007
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