Infant Daily Schedule Pass: The Benefits of Demand Feeding

As a new parent, one of the most significant decisions you'll make is how to feed your baby. While many people may recommend adhering to a strict schedule, demand feeding can be an effective and beneficial approach for both mothers and babies.

Demand feeding, also known as 'on-demand' feeding, involves watching your baby's cues and feeding them whenever they show signs of hunger. This means not worrying about the clock or following a predetermined schedule. Instead, you focus on responding to your baby's needs in the moment.

So, what are the benefits of demand feeding? For one, it allows your baby to self-regulate their feeding habits, which can lead to more predictable and manageable feeding sessions as they grow. By watching your baby's cues, you can avoid over- or underfeeding them, which can reduce the risk of digestive issues.

Another significant benefit is that demand feeding can help reduce stress for both mothers and babies. When you're not tied to a specific schedule, you can respond to your baby's needs in a more relaxed and intuitive way, which can be especially important during the early days when sleep deprivation is common.

Some may worry about the potential drawbacks of demand feeding, such as frequent feedings or irregular schedules. However, it's essential to remember that every baby is different, and what works for one family may not work for another. By paying attention to your baby's cues and responding to their needs, you can develop a schedule that works for both of you.

In the early weeks, it's common for breastfed babies to feed frequently – sometimes as often as 15 times in a day. This is normal, and demand feeding allows you to respond to these needs without feeling pressured by a rigid schedule.

Ultimately, the key to successful demand feeding is to focus on your baby's cues rather than the clock. By doing so, you can create a more flexible and responsive approach to feeding that prioritizes your baby's needs and promotes a strong bond between you and your child.

In conclusion, demand feeding can be an effective and beneficial way to feed your breastfed baby, especially in the early days and weeks. By watching your baby's cues and responding to their needs, you can reduce stress, promote self-regulation, and develop a schedule that works for both of you. So, ditch the clock and focus on what matters most – your baby's hunger and satisfaction.

Infant daily schedule pass