Feeding is one of your baby’s (and your) most pleasant experiences. At feeding time, your baby receives nourishment and a feeling of security from your loving care. The food helps your baby grow healthy and strong. Loving care helps your baby develop a sense of security and stability.
Both you and your baby should be comfortable at feeding time. Choose a position that will help you relax as you feed your baby. Be sure the baby is warm and dry.
A Schedule With Flexibility
A feeding schedule should be flexible, allowing your baby to eat when hungry. Very young babies usually need to be fed every 2 to 3 hours, but older babies may wait for 4 or 5 hours between feeding.
Burping Your Baby
Try to burp your baby during and after feeding to remove swallowed air. To burp, hold the baby in an upright position so that its head is directly above its stomach. Sometimes a baby will not be able to burp, so don’t try to force one. Don’t be alarmed if your baby spits up a few drops of her feeding when being burped.
Feeding Your Baby Other Foods
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is no need to begin feeding a baby solid foods or liquids other than breast milk or formula before 4 to 6 months of age. More exact feeding arrangements are discussed in a Feeding Your Baby section.
Vitamin Supplements
The need to supplement an infant’s diet with vitamins or fluoride is individualized, based on what diet your infant is being fed and where you live. Breastfed babies will likely need a vitamin D supplement, starting in the first two months. We will discuss this with you at your first visit and, if indicated, prescribe accordingly.
