SAMPLE BABY FEEDING SCHEDULES: 0-3 Months

These first 3 months cover such a small time period, but a huge period of change in baby. Think back to when your baby was born and then at 3 months. Wow - what a difference! Anyway, I'm lumping it all together, because the only feedings were liquid. When I reference liquid feedings, I mean breast milk or formula.

These months were breast milk for my boys. As I've mentioned before some days went smoothly and others were a struggle. Towards the end of 3 months, most of it was pumped breast milk in bottles.

I also followed an eat-wake-sleep routine since birth, and here was our basic schedule for 0-3 months.

WEEKS 1-2
We just worked on getting good, full feedings. Owen was in the NICU, so I pumped and took milk to the hospital for his tube which soon turned into bottle feedings, then direct breast feedings. I was also away from home to be with Owen some so Wyatt would have pumped milk from a bottle at home. I tried hard to keep baby awake during feeding and any time after as they grew.

WEEKS 3-9
Owen came home and we were thrilled. But, this also began me feeding both boys for the first time. We had 7-8 feedings per day and I kept track of the times. I noted how long from each side and if there was any trouble. I have a bad memory in general, but having 2 newborns made it that much harder for me to remember anything. It was truly a great thing that I kept such good notes. I would often reference to see what we had done in the day to know and understand my boys' hunger and sleep cues as we went along. It is amazing how easy it is to forget which baby had that really nasty diaper change just 3 hours ago.

WEEKS 10-12
This is where I dropped the middle of the morning feeding and my boys started sleeping through the night. We were doing 6 feedings at this time.

RESOURCES
As always, be sure to discuss any feeding options, ideas, struggles, or issues along the way with your pediatrician.

I can't stress how much a great local lactation consultant can be. We made a couple trips to one and she was great. I would tell you to make sure you find someone with the same thoughts and ideas as you want for your baby. Feeding is an important part of your parenting style and be sure to find someone who understands and agrees with the way you want things to work.

A great online resource is kellymom.com.

Be sure to also see these additional posts.
SAMPLE BABY FEEDING SCHEDULES: 7-9 Months
SAMPLE BABY FEEDING SCHEDULES: 4-6 Months
SAMPLE BABY FEEDING SCHEDULES: Introduction


ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
As I mentioned previously, note taking is a great idea. It was a necessary thing for me and fits my personality, but even if you're not sure it is for you, I would urge you to try it for a few weeks just to see. I think it would also come in handy if you have more children and want something to reference in the future. Enjoy this time and soon you will be feeding solids.

Please share your thoughts and ideas.

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