Infant Breastfeeding Schedule

You need to really listen to yourself and your baby! Generally, a baby needs to nurse 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Some babies will breastfeed every three hours; others will nurse every 90 minutes—and if your baby hits a growth spurt, all bets are off.

Some babies are cluster-feeders, who mack out during the day, then sleep longer stretches at night. What matters most is that your baby is gaining weight and growing. And remember, what goes in, must come out: So if your baby is having six to eight wet diapers and two to three bowel movements (for babies in the first month, after which, stools become much more infrequent as the "gut" strengthens), chances are your baby is getting enough to eat.

Babies' bodies and brains grow while they are sleeping, so nighttime feedings are especially important. And despite your bleary eyes, breastfeeding at night is also beneficial for you, ensuring that you keep up a hearty milk supply.

Eventually, you and your baby will find a routine in which your baby will probably wake up to nurse at about the same intervals every day. Of course, keep in mind that your baby's schedule can (and probably will) change as he gets older. Also, babies nurse for many reasons (comfort, sickness, etc.) so while your mom, your best friend, your neighbor's nanny or even your postal worker may have their opinions on what's best for baby, the only cues you need to follow are your baby's.