FollowHow to Start a Feeding Schedule for Baby
The wait is finally over. You have just welcomed your baby into the world. You are in a stage of wonderment and awe at the little bundle of joy that you have produced. Relax and enjoy your short stay in the hospital and sleep because once you get home the baby will be depending on you to take care of its needs PRONTO!
You may suddenly feel overwhelmed by the amount of time that is spent to take care of the little one. Housework and sleep will suddenly take a backseat. Over time you may become resentful or annoyed. Lots of emotions come into play once baby arrives. Parents definitely do need to get some rest in order to function and have enough energy for the new day. Therefore it is important that you set a feeding schedule and stick to it. Remember that you are in control of the situation, not baby. Here is a schedule that you can start and stick to, in order to get a good night’s rest.
Feeding Schedule for Baby
Whether you are bottle feeding or breastfeeding the newborn, make sure that you have at least two bottles on hand for water. You will need a four ounce and an eight ounce bottle. Of course, if you are bottle feeding you will need to purchase additional bottles.
Start with feeding your newborn a bottle of formula or breast feed them at 6 am. Repeat this at 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm, 10 pm. Make sure that the 10 pm is the last feeding of breast milk or formula. Have a clean bottle of boiled water that has been cooled to room temperature on hand at all time. If the baby wakes up for a 2 am feeding, take him or her out of their crib or bassinet, change them, and then give them the water. Do not add sugar to the water, there is no need to do this.
Giving them the water every night at 2 am feedings may make them a little cranky, but do not give in. They will get used to it and eventually stop waking up at this time and you will be able to get some rest.
Have the water on hand to give to them between feedings as well. This will give their stomachs a chance to empty. Be flexible in your timing if it is a half an hour before scheduled feeding and feed them the breast milk or formula. As the baby ages, you switch out the four ounce bottles for the eight ounce ones.
Perseverance is the key to starting a feeding schedule for baby. If you happen to be breast feeding, make sure to drink plenty of water once baby arrives to ensure a continual supply of breast milk. Once you have this feeding schedule down pat, you will get a good night’s rest but be prepared to have the feed ready for 5.30-6.00 am, cause baby will be hungry!!!
Good Luck!
