Should baby eat on schedule or when he wants?
⚡ Short answer: Current pediatric guidance strongly recommends **feeding on demand (when baby signals hunger) during the newborn stage (first 2 months)**.
Anonymous
bir anne · Development
Should I feed my baby on a schedule or when he's hungry? What's the difference between demand feeding and scheduled feeding?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
Every parent asks this question—it's very natural. Current pediatric guidance strongly recommends feeding on demand (when baby signals hunger) during the newborn stage (first 2 months). Scheduled feeding (like every 3 hours exactly) often harms both your milk production and your baby's weight gain.
Demand feeding: When your baby shows hunger (rooting, sucking reflex, hand to mouth, fussiness—signs before actual crying) you nurse. The earlier you catch hunger, the more efficiently he sucks. If left to cry, he gets tired and sucking becomes harder.
Scheduled feeding: Waking him on schedule (say, every 3 hours) even if sleeping. This method is only for low-birth-weight, jaundiced, or slow-gaining babies—with doctor guidance.
Bottom line: with a healthy baby, demand feeding the first 2-3 months is standard. If your baby is gaining 500-800 grams monthly, has 6-8 wet diapers daily, there's no need to worry about the clock.
⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.
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