How to Get a Baby On Feeding Schedule

Your baby will be happy on a schedule and that includes a feeding schedule. Is it easy to do? No, but paying attention to your baby's natural patterns from the time he is a newborn until he is one year old will help with a schedule. Also, you have to realize that the schedule will naturally change and adapt to the way your child grows--almost every month will bring a new change to the schedule. But all in all, getting a baby on a feeding schedule is important and beneficial to your baby's health and happiness.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Pencil
• Bottles/formula or breast milk
• Baby food or cereal (depending on age of baby)
• clock

How to Get a Baby on a Feeding Schedule

1. Watch your baby closely every two to three hours for early signs of hunger. These signs could look like stirring, stretching, sucking, putting hand in the mouth, or moving lips. Each baby is different, but with observation, you will see what your baby does when he starts to get hungry. Note the time on a piece of paper, and feed your baby. Write down how much you think your baby drank or how long he breast fed.

2. Observe your baby again two to three hours from the time you STARTED feeding her the last time. If your baby is older, such as four to five months, your baby may want to eat more ounces every three to four hours instead of fewer every two to three hours. Again, watch your baby at two hours. If your baby is playing or sleeping happily, then do not disturb her to eat. It may take a few days being in tune to your baby and recording times and amounts to figure out a feeding schedule.

3. Burp your baby if he stops feeding and you feel like he didn't get enough or as much milk as normal. After a short break, continue feeding. Babies go through growth spurts where they eat a lot, and then they may slow down again. Remember, adults are hungrier on some days than others, and so are babies. Try to stick to the schedule you and your baby are on, but you may have to be flexible on some days.

4. Add cereal to your baby's diet when she is five to six months old. Always talk with your doctor first, and discuss your child's eating habits with the professional. Most babies are ready to start solid food around this time, but some are earlier, and some are later. Work the solid food into your baby's drinking schedule. For example, you may give your baby the first bottle at 5 a.m., and then usually your baby would be ready for another bottle at 8 a.m. Try feeding your baby cereal in between around 6:30 a.m. This may push the second bottle back a little to 8:30. Some babies will still drink their bottles three hours apart when cereal is added. Some will have longer times between their bottles. Again pay attention to your baby's natural signs.

Tips & Warnings

• When your baby is a newborn, you may wake him to eat. Your baby should eat every two to four hours until he has gained back the weight he lost when he came home from the hospital. When he shows he is gaining an ounce a day, then you do not have to wake your baby as often or maybe not at all. He will start waking naturally for feedings, especially if he is on a schedule.
• Every cry does not mean your baby is hungry. Be careful to avoid "snacking," which can develop if you give your baby a bottle every time she cries.

Resources

• Margo Dill's website