Many parents believe that the most important thing when it comes to feeding a baby is to offer them food the moment they show they are hungry. But baby health experts believe that establishing a regular feeding schedule is actually the best option. In this article, we'll reveal why this myth is completely false and why a regular feeding schedule is essential to your baby's health and well-being.
Establishing a feeding schedule benefits the baby
Establishing a regular feeding schedule for babies has many benefits. When a baby is fed at regular intervals, it learns to develop its own rhythm of feeding and digestion. Baby's body adjusts to a regular schedule, which can lead to more efficient digestion and more restful sleep.
Additionally, a feeding schedule can make it easier to establish a daily routine for the whole family. When parents know when to feed their baby, they can plan activities accordingly, which can contribute to a more relaxed and organized atmosphere.
Avoiding the mixing of old and new milk prevents colic
Doctors and baby health experts recommend that the gap between successive meals be at least 3 hours to allow digestion to complete before providing more food. This interval allows the baby's body to fully process the food and prevent the mixing of old and new milk.
When food is given too often, digestive problems such as colic can occur. These are painful spasms of the intestines, which can cause excessive crying and discomfort to the baby. By following a feeding schedule, the baby's digestive system is given enough time to recover between meals, thus avoiding the discomfort associated with colic .
Avoiding overeating
Feeding a baby on demand can lead to overfeeding, which can lead to various health problems. Sometimes it can be difficult for babies to know when they are full and they may ask for more food than they need. By establishing a feeding schedule, parents can control the amount of food they give their baby and ensure that they only get the amount needed for healthy development.
Overfeeding can have negative consequences on the baby's health, such as excessive weight gain and the onset of diabetes. It can also be difficult for babies to digest large amounts of food, which can lead to digestive problems.
