Ask a Doctor
Robert T. Lee, MD
Pediatric Associates
1021 Country Club Drive
Suite A
Columbus, Ohio  43213
(614) 501-7377

Q: Should I put my baby on a sleeping/feeding schedule? Why or why not?

A: That all depends upon the baby's age. During the first 6 to 8 weeks we usually encourage parents to feed their baby on demand, whether he/she is breast or bottle fed. During the first few weeks of life, it's important for parents to respond to the infant's cues that he or she is hungry. If a baby is put on a schedule too soon, its growth may be affected since each baby's feeding schedule tends to be different. Once a baby is about 12 to 13 pounds, it usually is able to sleep 6 to 8 hours without being fed. Also at this time, parents can begin to put the baby down for regular nap times throughout the day, even though infants periodically will change their sleep schedules.