Baby Feeding Patterns

Newborn Baby Feeding Patterns

In the past, many pediatricians recommended that parents feed their babies every three to four hours only. If a baby was hungry before that time, parents were told to encourage the use of a pacifier. Today, most pediatricians recognize that babies need to feed on demand. When your baby is hungry, you need to respond to that need.

Breastfed babies typically need to eat every two hours or so. That doesn't mean that you should make your baby hold out if she becomes hungry after an hour and a half, however. She may not have eaten as much in a prior feeding, so go ahead and nurse her again.

Bottle fed babies may not need to eat but every three to four hours. However, your baby may become hungry after a couple of hours have gone by. This is perfectly fine. No matter how you feed your baby, though, you should not introduce cow's milk until your baby has reached one year of age.

Three to Four Months

As your she continues to grow, her baby feeding patterns will grow. You'll begin to notice that the time span between feedings as grown longer. Your baby is becoming much more adept at eating quickly and vigorously. Don't worry if your baby appears to drop a feeding. Before long, you'll be introducing solid foods, which will supplement the breast milk or formula you give her.

Four to Six Months

Today, pediatricians recommend introducing solid foods between the ages of four and six months of age. You can look for signs that your child is ready for solids, including the following:

1. Baby can sit up with support.
2. Baby has good head and neck support.
3. Baby watches you and other family members as you eat.
4. Baby is able to swallow soft baby cereal without pushing it back out of her mouth.

As you begin introducing solid foods, keep in mind that this food will supplement not replace breast milk or formula. You may find, however, that your child will drop a breast or bottle feeding or two after you have instituted a couple of solid food feedings during the day. Your child still needs plenty of breastmilk or formula, however.

Six to Eight Months

By the time your baby has reached six to eight months of age, she may only be nursing or taking a bottle four to six times a day. You should continue to introduce new baby foods, but be sure you introduce only one new food at a time to rule out any food allergies.

Eight to Twelve Months

As your child's appetite for solid foods increases, her need for breast milk or formula decreases. She may only be nursing or taking a bottle three or four times a day, and she should be eating a variety of solid foods, including fruits, vegetables, and soft meats.

One Year Olds

Once your baby reaches his first birthday, you can switch from breast milk or formula to whole cow's milk. If you want to continue breastfeeding, however, that is perfectly fine. Your child should be eating three meals a day with a couple of nutritious snacks in between. He will get the majority of his nutrients from a good variety of foods.

Baby feeding patterns don't have to be confusing. You will learn what your baby needs, and you'll know how to respond to those needs. When your child is hungry, feed her. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your pediatrician.

Related Baby Links

• Baby Feeding Schedule
• Feeding Baby Formula
• Starting Baby on Solid Foods
• Breastfeeding Basics
• Baby Development Stage for the First Six Months
• Baby Development Stage for Ages Seven Through Twelve Months
• Baby Development Stage for Ages Twelve to Twenty-four Months