Feeding schedule 0-6 months

28-06-2019

A young baby often provides parents with unknown situations, new energy and sometimes new questions. Especially when you become a first time parent, there are often various questions about baby food. E.g. about the amount of food your baby needs and when you can start with supplementary feeding. Starting supplementary feeding is also a fun phase, because your child is eating more and more varied. Of course you want to give your child sufficient nutrition. Children can vary in the amount of nutrient required, which is influenced by, among other things, the development of the baby. Often, your child indicates his or her intention, by searching the breast with his or her mouth, making smacking noises and moving the eyes. Or, in the most extreme case, by crying. Trust that your child clearly indicates what it needs! Your baby ideally will be breastfed at least for the first 6 months. After that period, supplementary food will probably be required. Some children are already ready for practicing eating their first snacks. You could start to experiment between 4 and 6 months. Do not hesitate to discuss this with your doctor and do not yet finish breastfeeding if possible.

Feeding schedule 0-4 months

Breastfeeding: 6-8 times a day, after 2 or 3 months 5-6 times a day.

We advise to breast-feed at least for the first 6 months. It is best to do this on request. A fixed schedule can have consequences for your milk production. Every child is different and needs nutrition at different times. Feed your child when you notice that he or she is hungry. On average this will be 6-8 times a day and after 2 or 3 months this will be about 5-6 times a day.

Feeding schedule 4-6 months

Breastfeeding: about 5 times a day.

This feeding schedule does not differ much from the schedule for a child of 0-4 months. Your baby will still exclusively receive breastfeeding. However, some children between the ages of 4 and 6 months are ready for the first practice snacks. You notice that your child is ready for practice snacks, when your child makes smacking noises or follows you carefully when you are eating yourself. Do you think your child is already ready for exercise snacks at this stage? If so, discuss this with your health center or general practitioner first. When you notice that your child is ready and you have discussed this with your health center or general practitioner, for example, you could give a spoonful of a mashed fruits or vegetables in between breastfeeding. Breastfeeding remains the main source of nutrients in this phase, do not finish it yet.