Everyone knows that every child is different, right from the moment they are born. But what all babies have in common is their need for love from those around them and to be given nutritious food.
The second of the two raises the same questions time and time again: do you feed your baby on a schedule or on-demand? How do you know if they are full?
The experts of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend feeding your baby on demand. There is no need to follow a schedule.
At first, the baby will ask for the breast often (not only for food but also to quench thirst, to soothe, to feel safe). In the first months of your baby’s life, the number of feeds can be up to 20 per day with cluster feeding in the evening being a common occurence.
The feeding regimen is adjusted gradually as the baby’s stomach increases in size and is able to hold more milk. As the stomach holds more milk, the baby will be satisfied for longer and will gain weight steadily.
If you feel that the baby is not satisfied then you should try offering the breast more frequently – this will trigger greater milk production to meet the needs of the baby. Also make sure to continue feeding on one side until it is completely empty before switching to the other side to ensure the baby is getting the rich fatty milk at the end of that side and not just the thinner milk at the beginning of a feed.
How long between feeds?
Breastfeeding – on demand or every 2-2.5 hours and no more than three hours.
Bottle feeding – every 3-4 hours and according to the instructions on the packaging.
How to get a good latch
A successful latch will help to avoid several problems: the trauma of nipples (the emergence of cracks), stagnant milk (lactostasis), and inflammation of the mammary gland (mastitis).
In addition, if the baby latches properly, it improves lactation.
First, mother and baby need to ensure skin-to-skin contact and attach the baby to the breast as soon as possible after birth.
- The baby’s mouth should be wide open, the lower lip turned outward. It is recommended that you first touch the nipple to the baby’s lips, and wait for them to open their mouth wide.
- Chin touching the chest. The nose breathes freely.
- The baby should grab the nipple, most of the lower part of the areola.
If the process of feeding is painless for the mother, and the baby sucks slowly, for a long time, and you can hear them swallowing milk – then the latch is correct.
However, if the sucking movements are short and fast, the baby often breaks away from the breast, and the mother feels pain or discomfort during feeding – the latch is not quite correct.
In such cases, you should correct the technique of attaching the baby to the breast and seek help from a medical professional or a breastfeeding specialist.
Choosing to bottle feed
Moms often ask paediatricians about baby formula feeding charts. In order to choose the right food, you should consult with your doctor beforehand. You should feed your baby at intervals of 3 to 3.5 hours during the day according to the instructions on the packaging. (At night, you may find that the baby can sleep soundly and not eat for up to 6 hours).
However, even if the baby has been fed recently, if they are crying for more then you should not deny them. Offer them a small bottle and if this does the trick then you may wish to increase the amount given at the next few feeds.
Changes to milk and feeding schedules
If the baby is gaining little weight, eating poorly, or if he had an allergic reaction – you need to inform the doctor. If you are breastfeeding you may need to consider eliminating dairy from your diet – be sure to discuss options with your doctor.
If bottle feeding there are many options for intolerances and allergies and your doctor will be able to advise you on the best course of action.
Changes in schedule will happen regularly as the baby grows and gains weight. The biggest change however will be once you begin to wean onto food around 6 months of age. They may begin to refuse bottles in the middle of the day but milk should remain their main source of food until after they are 1 year old. At this point, milk will begin to reduce and be a supplementary part of their diet.
Individual approach to each baby
Each baby is different and the way you chose to feed them will be individual to you too. Whether feeding on demand with breastmilk or sticking to more of a schedule with bottle feeds, it is important to follow the needs of the baby. A lot of people actually have too much milk and that’s why places like Sell Formula are great as you can sell whatever you have spare.
As and when you make any changes to their routine, it is important to pay attention to any issues with their nappies, mood and sleep patterns. If you are at all concerned then go back to what was working before and if that doesn’t resolve the issue then consult a doctor.