Baby feeding time
Release time : 04/15/2025 09:30:01
Baby feeding time is often a topic of interest to mothers. Generally speaking, it is inappropriate to specify the time and frequency of feeding during the first two weeks of life. As the baby grows rapidly, the feeding time becomes more precise.
The normal duration of breastfeeding for infants is not more than 20 minutes. If mothers worry that the feeding time is insufficient to affect the baby's intake, they can judge whether the baby has been fed by observing the baby's behavior.
Additionally, the duration of feeding for infants varies at different stages. Some infants still have a habit of nursing at night. It is important that from four months onwards, mothers should consciously help their babies gradually wean from night feedings. Night feedings not only increase the likelihood of the baby becoming overweight but also contribute to the development of dental caries in the baby.
It is important to note that there are also some precautions to be taken when feeding infants, and only by correctly breastfeeding can mothers ensure the health of their babies.
When breastfeeding or formula feeding, the most important thing is to have the baby close to their mother. The hugs, care and love from the mother are very important for the baby's growth.
Once mothers choose to breastfeed their babies, they must be patient, offering double love and care. So when should the baby feed? The baby can start to eat from half an hour after birth. The first hour after birth is a sensitive period where the baby's sucking reflex is strongest, and if this time does not receive a sucking experience, it will affect the baby's sucking ability in the future.
It is not advisable to set a schedule and frequency for the first two weeks after birth. The baby's stomach is small, so the amount of milk it can absorb in each feeding is not significant. Feeding according to need ensures that the baby is satisfied and grows faster.
Regular sucking can also stimulate the secretion of lactation hormones in the mother, not only increasing milk production but also aiding in the relief of mammary gland swelling and preventing the occurrence of mastitis.
But breastfeeding according to need is not just about feeding when the baby cries, as this can easily lead to a vicious cycle.
Generally speaking, for the first day, each feeding should last 15-20 minutes, and for the second and third days, it should be reduced to 4 minutes. After that, feeds can be 8-10 minutes per day. By the second week, there should be four to five feedings during the day and two at night.
The breastfeeding schedule for infants, mothers are especially cautious about the choice of baby formula. Each baby's physique is different, some have poor digestion ability, some have weak resistance, and others need to supplement brain nutrition. Therefore, there are slight differences in the ingredients of formula added.
Mothers should selectively choose formula milk based on the baby's different physical constitution to avoid not only failing to obtain the required nutritional components but also potentially causing malnutrition in the baby. Let's take a look at some of the feeding schedules for infants: 1. Infancy (0-3 months): -Breastfeeding is preferred, and feeding times are around 20-30 minutes per feeding as needed. -If breast milk is insufficient, formula milk can be used, generally recommended from the first month after birth. 2. Weaning Phase (4-6 months): -Gradually start introducing solid foods, including rice porridge, vegetable purees, fruit purees, etc., to supplement iron and other nutrients. -The number of feedings and amounts will be adjusted according to the baby's needs. 3. Toddler Phase (7-12 months): -Food variety continues to increase, including grains, protein sources (such as meat puree, fish puree), soy products, etc. -The number of feedings and amounts will vary with the baby's growth rate, generally 3-4 times a day. 4. Preschool Years (1-3 years): -The dietary structure continues to enrich, including whole grains, legumes, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, etc. -Feedings may decrease to 2-3 times a day, but ensure complete nutrition. 5. School Age (3 years and above): -Dietary structure tends to balance, focusing on protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals intake. -Feedings may decrease to once a day or two days a week, depending on the actual situation of the baby. Please note that each baby's growth and development speed and needs vary, so the feeding schedule needs to be flexibly adjusted according to the baby's actual situation. At the same time, maintain good communication with pediatricians to ensure the healthy growth of the baby.
1. In the days immediately following birth, the volume of breast milk can be calculated according to the infant's body weight per kilogram, with a daily intake of 100-200 milliliters for each kilogram. Since cow's milk is difficult to digest, it needs to be diluted with water. The ratios are 4:1, 3:1, 3:2, 2:1, and 1:1. Additionally, 5%-8% sugar should be added every 3-3.5 hours, and the total number of feedings per day should be 7-8 times.
2. From the 15th day to full month of an infant: If digestion is normal, it can be given pure milk, about 60-100 milliliters per kilogram of weight, and each meal should be about 60-100 milliliters.
3. After the infant reaches one month of age to two months: The amount of breast milk should gradually increase according to the weight. The frequency of feeding is 6-7 times a day, with an interval of 3.5-4 hours between each feeding. Each meal usually consists of approximately 80-120 ml, and can reach up to 150 ml.
4. Infant Two to Three Months: Feed 5-6 times daily, every four hours once, each time 150-200 milliliters of milk.
5. Infants aged three to six months: Feeding five times daily, every four hours apart, with each feeding amounting to 150-200 milliliters for the first three to five months and 200-250 milliliters for the fifth to sixth month. Mothers should manage the total breastfeeding volume, not exceeding 1000 milliliters per day, and each feeding should not exceed 250 milliliters.
6. Infants aged 6 to 9 months: Feed once every four hours, consuming 200-250 milliliters per feeding, reducing from four meals a day to three meals a day, gradually introducing complementary foods in place of half a meal, and eventually replacing one meal with the complementary food.
7. Infants aged 9 to 12 months: From three meals a day to two meals a day, each containing 250 milliliters, maintaining the same four-hour interval between each meal. Other meals consist solely of complementary foods.
What is the normal time for infants to feed? The duration of infant feeding poses a challenge for new mothers. During breastfeeding, some infants latch onto the nipple, while others take only a few sips before drifting into a state of drowsiness and closing their eyes. They then resume sucking after 1-2 minutes.
Some young mothers worry that their babies aren't getting enough milk and end up breastfeeding for longer. In fact, there are many downsides to extending the breastfeeding time. So, what is the normal duration of a baby's feeding? The normal breastfeeding period is 10 minutes on each side of the breast, with 20 minutes total.
From the perspective of breastfeeding for 10 minutes, the first 2 minutes can get about 50% of the total milk volume, and within the first 4 minutes, it can get 80% to 90% of the total milk volume. After that, the next 5 minutes hardly gets any more milk.
It can be seen that the longer the breastfeeding time, the less milk is actually consumed. Although a 4-minute feeding for one side is sufficient, the remaining 5 minutes are also necessary. They can stimulate lactation hormones to release more milk for the next feed and strengthen the emotional bond between mother and baby.
Is it necessary to feed an infant at night? We all know that a baby's healthy growth is always worrying for parents, and feeding the baby can also be a headache for mothers. If the baby is not fed enough during the day, they will not sleep well at night and will be noisy, which makes it difficult for parents to get enough sleep time.
New mothers may not have much experience caring for infants, so is it necessary to feed the baby at night? Many babies develop a habit of nursing at night. In fact, from four months onwards, mothers should consciously help their babies gradually wean from night feedings, as it can lead to obesity and dental caries in babies.
Mom can gradually reduce the number of nighttime feedings to babies, from three times to twice and then once, so that they can gradually get used to it.
To prevent baby from waking up hungry, the last feeding before bedtime should be delayed until the baby is full. Encourage him to sleep soundly until 6 in the morning.
The key to weaning off night feedings is gradually and steadily persisting in the process, and over time, the baby will naturally develop the habit of sleeping through the night without needing night feedings.
Infant Feeding Instructions: Having a baby is a very happy thing for parents. How to choose a milk powder that is similar to breast milk becomes even more important.
After selecting the right formula, mothers also need to understand the appropriate feeding amounts for their baby to ensure balanced nutrition. Some babies consume more, while others less. What are the specific feeding guidelines for infants? 1. It is imperative not to boil the already prepared formula again: Brewing a bottle of formula again will alter the structure of proteins and vitamins, which will lose their original nutritional value. The nutrients obtained by consuming this milk will be significantly reduced.
2. Never increase the concentration of milk powder and add additives yourself: Because the capillaries of infants and young children are very tender and weak, if the concentration of milk powder is too high, it may easily cause the capillaries in the child's brain to rupture and cause bleeding. If you often drink strong milk powder to your baby, it will affect your baby's mental development, increase his intestinal burden, lead to digestive disorders, and cause constipation or diarrhea.
3. Don't forget to feed water to your baby: Babies fed with mixed-fed and artificially fed need to be fed with plain boiled water once between two times of milk powder feeding. The simple estimation method is that the ratio of formula milk to water per day is about 100:15.
The medical part covered in this article is for reading and reference only.
If you feel unwell, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately, and the medical diagnosis and treatment will be subject to offline diagnosis.