2006-07-05 14:51:10 · 16 answers · asked by rcruz1001 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Yes, as long as it's the *baby* who makes the schedule. It is never okay to put a young baby onto an artificial schedule, as this would almost always guarantee she/he isn't going to get enough to eat and drink.
Babies need to be fed when they exhibit increased wakefulness, turning the head from side to side, or sucking. Crying is a *late* indicator of hunger according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (see sources section below); if your baby cries to be fed, it means you missed the early cues. If this happens occasionally, it won't harm the child, but if it is normal for your baby, you need to pay closer attention.
A breastfed baby may want to nurse every hour or even every half hour sometimes. This is normal. It is not a sign of a problem. On average, a breastfed baby will nurse about 12 times in 24 hours.
2006-07-05 20:18:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
No. If you feed the baby when she asks for it (cries), it helps foster a trust relationship with her. By 6-8 weeks, there will be a schedule, but the baby will come up with it. Some babies feed every 3 hours, some "cluster feed" and then have long sleep periods, learn about your baby. Once the baby is a couple months old and has a routine, it is OK to tweak it a bit to your convenience. For example, baby normally wants to eat at 10 but I'm tired so I'm going to feed him at 9:30 and go to bed now.
2006-07-05 18:43:29 · answer #2 · answered by Sylvia M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends...
Is the baby formula fed or breastfed? It's safe for a formula fed baby to be on a schedule. It is UNsafe for a breastfed baby to be on a feeding schedule. Breastfeeding is a supply and demand relationship - the more a baby nurses, the more milk his/her mommy will make. Ignoring a baby's feeding cues can therefore cause a drop in the mom's milk supply which is harmful for the baby. Also, breastmilk changes in composition through-out the day based on the baby's needs. Ignoring a baby's feeding cues could mean that he/she wouldn't get optimal nutrition.
2006-07-05 17:54:21 · answer #3 · answered by frogmommy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes and no. Newborns will tell when their hungry so if they're hungry now but your schedule says it's not until half hour later, well then... you'll have a very unhappy vocal baby.
I think a general feeding schedule is fine if you're afraid you may not know if baby is hungry. Just keep tweaking it as needed and be very flexible.
Keep in mind that babies who are breastfed feed more frequently than formula fed babies. Momma's milk is easier to digest so babies get hungry frequently.
2006-07-06 03:14:50 · answer #4 · answered by mrs.izabel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course a man would say "yes." A newborn feeds "as needed" for the first few months or so. They will gorge themselves at times and then they will hardly seem like they're interested. Every 2 hours seemed to be the norm for my son but if there is any advice I can give you it's this: Don't WAKE a sleeping baby up to eat. It's a lose/lose situation.
2006-07-05 15:00:18 · answer #5 · answered by nu_shashita 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the schedule is every 2-3 hours.
2006-07-05 15:26:43 · answer #6 · answered by bunky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on if you're breast or bottle feeding. Breastfed babies need to nurse on demand and be awaken to nurse during the day if it's been over 2 hours and at night if it's over 4 (newborns only). I don't know how it works with bottles.
2006-07-05 15:06:58 · answer #7 · answered by all_my_armour_falling_down 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
whats a neworn
2006-07-05 15:02:44 · answer #8 · answered by ruth r 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feed the baby when its hungry...are you on a feeding schedule?
2006-07-05 14:57:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Newborn's come with a feeding schedule, its called "as needed".
2006-07-05 14:54:37 · answer #10 · answered by cwoo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋