At what age should on demand feeding be replaced by scheduled feedings?

Understanding Feeding Practices for Infants
The transition from on-demand feeding to scheduled feedings is a significant decision for new parents, often influenced by various factors including the baby’s age, growth patterns, and individual family circumstances.
On-Demand Feeding: The Early Days
In the initial weeks after birth, on-demand feeding is widely recommended. This approach allows infants to feed whenever they show signs of hunger, which is crucial for establishing a mother’s milk supply and ensuring that the baby receives adequate nutrition. According to experts, feeding on demand helps to create a natural rhythm for both the mother and the baby, allowing the infant to regulate their own hunger cues effectively.
During this period, which typically lasts for the first two to three months, parents should focus on responding to their baby’s needs rather than adhering to a strict schedule. This flexibility is essential as newborns often feed frequently, sometimes every 1.5 to 3 hours, and their feeding patterns can vary significantly.
Transitioning to Scheduled Feedings
As babies grow, usually around three to four months of age, many parents begin to notice a more predictable feeding pattern emerging. At this stage, some families may consider transitioning to scheduled feedings. This shift can help establish a routine that may be beneficial for both the baby and the parents. Scheduled feedings can also assist in managing the family’s daily activities and ensuring that the baby is receiving consistent nutrition.
However, the decision to switch to a schedule is not universally agreed upon. Some pediatricians and parenting experts suggest that while a loose schedule can be beneficial, it is essential to remain flexible and responsive to the baby’s needs. For instance, if a baby is going through a growth spurt, they may require more frequent feedings, regardless of the established schedule.
Factors Influencing the Decision
Several factors can influence when to transition from on-demand to scheduled feedings:
1. Baby’s Growth and Development: If a baby is gaining weight appropriately and meeting developmental milestones, parents may feel more comfortable implementing a feeding schedule.

2. Parental Lifestyle: Families with specific routines or commitments may find that a scheduled feeding approach works better for their lifestyle, allowing for more predictability in daily activities.
3. Feeding Method: The choice between breastfeeding and formula feeding can also impact this decision. For instance, formula-fed babies may adapt to a schedule more easily, as formula can be measured and prepared in advance.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the transition from on-demand to scheduled feedings is a personal decision that should be made based on the baby’s needs and the family’s circumstances. While many experts recommend starting with on-demand feeding in the early months, moving to a schedule around three to four months can provide structure without compromising the baby’s nutritional needs. Parents are encouraged to remain attentive to their baby’s hunger cues and to consult with healthcare providers to determine the best approach for their unique situation.

When can babies go 4 hours between feedings?

By the end of the first month, most babies consume at least 3 or 4 ounces per feeding, about every 3 to 4 hours. By 6 months old, they may take in 6 to 8 ounces at each of 4 or 5 feedings in 24 hours. Also at about 6 months old, solid foods should start to be added to a baby’s diet.

Is it better to feed on demand or schedule?

Health professionals recommend “responsive” or “on demand” feeding – this means following your baby’s cues and feeding them when they are hungry. Although most babies gradually settle into a feeding routine, they vary in how often they want to feed. Feed your baby when they show signs that they are hungry.

How do I wean my on demand breastfed baby?

Start weaning by replacing one breast milk feeding a day with a bottle of infant formula (for your child younger than 12 months old) or with a cup of plain whole cow’s milk or fortified unsweetened soy beverage (for your child 12 months or older). Continue to replace more breast milk feedings over time.

Can I put my 3 month old on a feeding schedule?

According to doctors at Johns Hopkins Medicine [1], most 3 – 4 month old babies should still be fed based on their hunger and fullness cues (“on demand”) rather than required to eat on a schedule. However, at this age, your baby may naturally start following a more regular schedule for eating, sleeping, and playing.

What age should I put my baby on a schedule?

By 2 months old, many babies will benefit from short pre-sleep routines. Introducing a consistent routine before naps and bedtime can help cue that it’s time to sleep and make the transition to sleep easier.

Should I feed on demand or on schedule?

You do not need a feeding schedule. Health professionals recommend “responsive” or “on demand” feeding – this means following your baby’s cues and feeding them when they are hungry. Although most babies gradually settle into a feeding routine, they vary in how often they want to feed.

At what age do you stop breastfeeding on demand?

Breastmilk in the first year
Your baby should still breastfeed on demand, as your breastmilk is their primary source of nutrition until closer to the end of their first year. Babies weaned from breastmilk prior to their first birthday will need to be given infant formula.

At what age do you put a baby on a feeding schedule?

By 2 months, most babies have a set feeding routine. But your baby’s routine may change at times, such as during growth spurts when your baby may be hungry more often. At around 3 months of age, your baby may feed less often. That’s because your baby is able to drink more milk at one time.

When should you stop feeding a baby on demand?

It is recommended that the best time to switch from on-demand to scheduled feeding is when you introduce your baby to solid baby foods (earliest 6 months of age). This is because when your baby starts on solid foods, many families begin to have their baby join them at their own mealtimes.

How long should you demand feed a baby?

In the first few weeks of life, breastfeeding should be “on demand” (when your baby is hungry), which is about every 1-1/2 to 3 hours. As newborns get older, they’ll nurse less often, and may have a more predictable schedule. Some might feed every 90 minutes, whereas others might go 2–3 hours between feedings.