How often will my baby feed?
6 things you need to know about feeding your baby in their first six months.
1. Expect day-to-day changes
Every baby is unique and what is typical one day may be different the next. Babies will feed as often as they are hungry. There is no exact set number of times each day.
2. No need for a schedule
As a mom you will quickly learn your baby’s signs of hunger, and these should be your cues as to when to feed. While feeding frequency may decrease as your baby gets older, he still may not feed to a schedule. Always feed your baby when he shows he’s hungry and stop at signs he’s full. During the first month, you should wake your baby for a feeding if it has been more than four hours since he last fed. In the following five months, feed only when baby shows signs of hunger.
3. Let your baby decide
Studies show that breastfed babies feed more often in their first few weeks of life. As they get older the number of feedings each day may decrease. In general, they will still consume about the same amount of breast milk each day, although in fewer feedings.
4. Trust your baby’s instincts
5. Avoid any pressure
If you are feeding expressed breast milk in a bottle, do not pressure your baby to finish the bottle. Remember, babies are designed to know how much they need to drink.
6. Start small
Start with the smallest bottle size and if your baby still seems hungry, add a little more to the bottle. This will reduce the chances of overfeeding your baby – and you’ll waste less too!
Sources
Kent JC, Hepworth AR, Sherriff JL et al. Longitudinal changes in breastfeeding patterns from 1 to 6 months of lactation. Breastfeeding Med 2013; 8(4):401-7.
Kent JC, Mitoulas LR, Cregan MD et al. Volume and frequency of breastfeedings and fat content of breast milk throughout the day. Pediatrics 2006; 117(3): e387-95.
Nielsen SB, Reilly JJ, Fewtrell MS et al. Adequacy of milk intake during exclusive breastfeeding: a longitudinal study. Pediatrics 2011; 128 (4):e907-14.
Reilly J, Ashworth S, Wells J. Metabolisable energy consumption in the exclusively breast-fed infant aged 3-6 months from the developed world: a systematic review. Br J Nutr 2005; 94(1):56-63.
American Academy of Pediatrics Bright Futures 3rd edition 2011
Related articles
Breastfeeding for beginners: Get comfortable
Check out these four tried-and-tested breastfeeding holds that help you both relax and encourage your baby to latch on well. Which one works best for you?
2 mins to read
Baby’s first “superfood”
Breast milk is nature’s perfection. Find out about four breast milk ingredients with special powers that do more than just feed your little one.
1 min to read
How to pump your breast milk
Everything you need to know about expressing your breast milk and choosing the most suitable breast pump for you.
1 min to read
What your baby is telling you
Did you know? Your baby was born with the natural ability to eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’re full.
2 mins to read
Breastfeeding for beginners: Get confident
Now you’ve mastered breastfeeding in the comfort of your own home, it’s time to get out and about!
3 mins to read
Baby hunger cues
Depending on their level of hunger, your baby’s cues may become very obvious to you.
2 mins to read
Your breastfeeding FAQs
The most common breastfeeding concerns, answered by a Nestlé lactation specialist.
4 mins to read
The truth about breastfeeding
With so much information on breastfeeding out there, can you separate the fact from the fiction? Put your knowledge to the test with our quick quiz.
1 min to read
You can do it!
Did you know? Your breasts make just the right amount of breast milk for your baby.
2 mins to read
Are they hungry? How to read your baby’s hunger cues
When it comes to feeding your baby, how will you know when to start and when to stop? Simple—they’ll tell you.
3 mins to read
How to support your baby’s growth and health
Breast milk contains the right quantity and quality of proteins to boost your baby’s growth and health—both now and in the future.
2 mins to read
Did you know?
Breast milk is the best start for babies.
1 min to read
Breastfeeding for beginners: 4 steps for a successful start
Everything you need to know about breastfeeding in four steps.
1 min to read
Your baby knows how much they need
Did you know? Nursing—feeding your baby directly from your breast—helps to protect her ability to drink only as much as she needs.
2 mins to read
Protein: the right amount for baby?
Meeting your baby’s protein needs in the crucial first 1000 days is important. Fortunately, breast milk has the right amount of protein for your baby.
2 mins to read
Breastfeeding for beginners: Get started
Like any new skill, breastfeeding can take practice and perseverance to master. Follow these simple steps for a smoother journey and it’ll feel like second nature in no time.
5 mins to read
Responsive feeding: Learn about how to feed your baby
Can you identify which of these responsive feeding principles are fact and which ones are fiction?
2 mins to read
Understanding mastitis and breast pain
Did you know? Up to one in three moms who breastfeed may experience a painful condition called mastitis.
2 mins to read
Breastfeeding for beginners: Get a good latch
Breastfeeding has lifelong health benefits for your baby. Take the time to learn about these latching techniques now, so you'll have an easier time later.
4 mins to read
