Intervals of Feeding

How often should a baby be fed during the first month?

Every two hours during the day and twice during the night, or ten feedings during the twenty-four hours.

At what age may the interval be made two and a half hours?

Usually at five or six weeks.

When may it be increased to three hours?

Usually at two months.

Why should not a child be fed more frequently?

It takes the stomach nearly two hours to digest a meal at two months, and about two and a half hours at five or six months, and if the meals are too near together the second one is given before the first has been digested and vomiting and indigestion result. The meals should be far enough apart to give the stomach a little time for rest just before each feeding.