How long do breastfed babies go between feeds?

Understanding Feeding Patterns in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of infant care, providing not only nutrition but also comfort and bonding between mother and child. One of the most common questions new parents have is about how often breastfed babies should feed.
Feeding Frequency in the Early Weeks
In the initial weeks after birth, breastfed babies typically feed 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period. This translates to feeding approximately every 2 to 3 hours. The frequency can vary based on the baby’s age, appetite, and individual needs. Some babies may even go longer between feeds, with stretches of up to 5 hours being possible for infants under 6 weeks old.
Signs of Hunger
It’s crucial for parents to recognize that babies will often show signs of hunger before they reach the two-hour mark. If a baby is crying, sucking on their hands, or displaying other cues of hunger, it is perfectly acceptable to breastfeed them sooner, even if they were just fed. This responsiveness helps ensure that the baby receives adequate nutrition and supports the mother’s milk supply.
Growth Spurts and Feeding Changes
As babies grow, their feeding patterns may change. Around the 4 to 6 month mark, many infants become more curious about their surroundings, which can affect their feeding frequency. During growth spurts, which can occur at various stages, babies may also demand more frequent feeds.
Longer Intervals with Age
As babies transition to solid foods and grow older, the intervals between feeds may lengthen. By the time they reach 9 to 12 months, many children will naturally start to reduce their breastfeeding frequency as they begin to consume more solid foods.
Conclusion
In summary, while the general guideline for breastfeeding frequency is every 2 to 3 hours in the early weeks, it’s essential for parents to be attentive to their baby’s individual needs and cues. This approach not only supports the baby’s nutritional requirements but also fosters a nurturing and responsive feeding relationship.

When can I stop feeding my baby every 3 hours?

Most babies usually feel hungry every 3 hours until about 2 months of age and need 4-5 ounces per feeding. As the capacity of their abdomen increases, they go longer between feedings. At 4 months, babies may take up to 6 ounces per feeding and at 6 months, babies might need 8 ounces every 4-5 hours.

When can breastfed babies go 4 hours between feedings?

Babywise says that baby’s between 3-6 months old will be ready for the 4 hour feeding schedule.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

As you may have read in my other blog about a baby’s breastfeeding crisis, a breastfeeding crisis, sometimes called a growth spurt, is a common phrase used to describe a phase where mothers may encounter significant breastfeeding challenges, typically related to an increase in milk demand from the baby.

What is the 5-5-5 rule breastfeeding?

The Centers for Disease Control recently updated their recommendations on breast milk storage. Previously, many people followed the 5-5-5 rule: storing breast milk for five hours at room temperature, five days in the refrigerator, and five months in the freezer.

What is a good breastfeeding schedule?

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.

What happens if I breastfeed after 3 drinks?

The baby might seem drowsy and weak and have unhealthy weight gain. Alcohol also can affect the ability to safely care for a baby. Over time, drinking too much might cause the body to make less breast milk. Delay pumping or breastfeeding your baby two hours for each alcoholic drink you consume.

What is the rule of 3 breastfeeding?

Content after feeding for at least three hours: After a satisfying feeding session, a well-fed baby should appear content and satisfied for about three hours before showing signs of hunger again.

Will baby unlatch when breast is empty?

For many babies, being close to mom is a comfort and the motion of sucking is soothing, so they may not unlatch when the breast is empty. If they’re comfortable, they may even fall asleep. If that happens, mom can put a clean finger gently inside the baby’s mouth to break the suction before pulling them away.

What is the timeline for breastfeeding?

Experts recommend that babies be breastfed exclusively (without formula, water, juice, non–breast milk, or food) for the first 6 months. Then, they recommend continuing to breastfeed for 2 years (and beyond) if it works for you and your baby. Any length of time your baby can be breastfed is beneficial.

How long should a breastfed newborn go between feeds?

It could be every hour in the first few days. Feed your baby as often as they want and for as long as they want. They’ll begin to have fewer, but longer feeds after a few days. As a very rough guide, your baby should feed at least 8 to 12 times, or more, every 24 hours during the first few weeks.