How often do I feed a 2 month old?

Question

Ok I just started babysitting for a 2 month old. THe mother told me to just feed him whenever he doesn't want his pacifier. I asked her for a feeding schedule but she said just whenever. He ate like an hour and a half ago and is content. I would like to get him on a schedule though. Any advice??

Answer 1

It's hard to "feed on demand" because you don't want to put a bottle in his mouth everytime he cries.
My 2 month old eats 4-5 ounces every 3-4 hours.

Answer 2

He probably won't be on much of a schedule and when he does seem to be on one it will change as soon as he has a growth spurt. A very general rule of thumb is 4 ounces every 4 hours for a baby his age. However, plan for that to vary from day to day. One day it'll seem like he wants to eat every hour and another day he'll sleep 4 straight hours and wake up not hungry. When he fusses but doesn't want his pacifier, check him first for other things before offering him a bottle if it has been only an hour or 2 since he ate last. Maybe he needs to be held or needs a diaper change. Maybe he is too warm or too cold. Maybe he is sleepy and can't quite get himself to settle in. Maybe he needs a little stimulation and needs you to sing or talk to him or hold a colorful toy for him to look at. Feeding on demand is good for baby as long as you are making sure he is needing to be fed and doesn't need something else first. Don't force him to eat if he doesn't want the bottle even if it is about time for him to eat. Offer it and if he won't take it, try again later. Also, if he is drinking expressed breast milk he will most likely eat more frequently as breast milk is digested more quickly than formula.

Answer 3

Well this is a great question to ask... but remember that this is definitley something you should ask the mom about, you don't want to step her toes. But to answer you question... all babies are so different. Every 2-4 hours is pretty normal. My son was a 3-4 hour baby from birth, my daughter was a 2 hour girl for her first few months and now is a 3-4 hours and she is 4 almost 5 months old. It is very different depending on the baby. Definitley check his diaper, give him some hands on time and all that if it doesn't work then feed him. Good luck!

Answer 4

My predatician tried to put my baby on a 3 to 4 hr schedule but she would cry for a bottle around 3 3/1/2 hrs and I would give it to her. Just as long as the baby is eating healthy and is healthy a time schedule really isn't necassary. Alot of docs do say that the feeding when they cry for it is the best way to feed your baby. At least than you know your baby isn't gonna be hungry for a while until the time peroid comes up that its suppose to eat.

Answer 5

2 months old pup has to eat 4 times a day. The amount of food is depending on the size/breed of the pup. The last meal and water should be 2-3 hrs before bed time. I spoke with my Vet about the same issue. Puppies can have a little hypoglycemia at that age so 4 times is recommended.

Answer 6

Feed on demand. A 2 month old is too young to be put on a feeding schedule. If they are hungry and you make them wait you will have one VERY unhappy baby on your hands. Also feeding a baby when they are NOT hungry can lead to them becoming overweight. It is best to follow the mom's advice on this.

Answer 7

At 2 months, I think my daughter was still on a pretty set schedule of eating every few hours. She started sleeping through the night at 9 weeks, so it changed a bit then.

Answer 8

If the baby is crying and he's not wet, isn't hurting and doesn't want his pacifier, give him a bottle. Usually a 2 month old will eat every 3 or 4 hours. (Mom of five)

Answer 9

how many ounces does he eat? he should be eating about 6 ounces every 3 hours or so depending on the childs size and appetite if not 4 ounces every 2 hours will do him good just feed him when he gets hungry and wait after that to see how long he can go without getting to cranky then you can figure out his preferences. good luck it may take a day or 2

Answer 10

I would say every two to three hours is a good schedule to get on. Ask her when he was last fed when she drops him off and then go from there. The baby will not starve and will let you know when he is hungry.