You should stop waking your baby every 3 hours to feed when they show good weight gain, typically within the first couple of weeks.
Determining When to Stop Frequent Wake-Ups
Initially, waking a newborn every 3-4 hours for feeding is crucial. This helps establish a good feeding routine and ensures they gain weight properly. However, this routine doesn't need to last forever. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for to transition away from this schedule:
- Good Weight Gain: This is the primary indicator. Once your baby is consistently gaining weight as expected by your pediatrician, the need for frequent wake-ups diminishes.
- This usually occurs within the first couple of weeks.
- Pediatrician's Approval: Always discuss your baby's feeding schedule with their pediatrician, who can provide the most accurate advice based on your child's individual needs and development.
- Baby's Cues: Observe your baby. If they are sleeping longer periods at night and are gaining weight well, it may be time to allow them to sleep for longer stretches without forced wake-ups for feedings.
- Age: While weight gain is the best indicator, generally after a few weeks, babies are able to sleep for longer durations without needing to feed as frequently.
Transitioning Away From the 3-Hour Schedule
Once you and your pediatrician determine it's okay, you can gradually start letting your baby sleep for longer periods, especially at night.
How to Transition:
- Nighttime First: Start by letting your baby sleep longer at night since this is the longest period of sleep for most babies.
- Observe: If your baby wakes, feed them, but don't force a feeding if they seem content to sleep.
- Daytime: If your baby is sleeping well at night, you can slowly start lengthening the stretches between daytime feedings.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Schedule | Wake every 3-4 hours for feeding. |
| Primary Indicator | Good weight gain. |
| Typical Timing | Within the first few weeks. |
| Professional Advice | Confirm with pediatrician. |
| Transition | Start by allowing longer sleep at night. |
It is important to remember that every baby is different, and these guidelines are general. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice based on your baby’s specific needs.
