Originally published on Dec 9, 2014; Revised Nov 10, 2024
Author: Robin Kaplan, M.Ed, IBCLC, FNC
When it comes to chest/breastfeeding, parents often wonder whether on-demand feeding (also known as on-cue feeding) or scheduled feeding is best for their baby’s growth and well-being.
We get asked this question in our clinic all of the time! Parents hear a lot of differing information about when to feed their babies in the early weeks - every 2-3 hours, 8-12 times in a 24 hour period, etc. It can be confusing to know what this means exactly - is it every 2 hours or every 3 hours? What if the baby goes longer than 3 hours? What if the baby seems hungry before 2 hours? In this post, we’ll break down the differences between on-demand and scheduled feeding to help you decide what works best for you and your baby.
ABOUT SDBFC
The San Diego Breastfeeding Center was established in 2009 by Robin Kaplan, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Functional Nutritionist, and parent. Her vision was to create a judgment-free, inclusive support system for families navigating infant feeding challenges.
SDBFC offers a wide range of one-on-one breastfeeding, infant feeding, and nutrition consultations - as well as classes, support groups, online articles, and social media - making it your one-stop-shop for all things infant feeding!
On-Demand vs Scheduled Feedings
What’s the difference between demand feeding and scheduled feeding?
Demand feeding, or on-cue feeding, involves feeding a baby whenever they show signs of hunger, like rooting, sucking on their hands, or fussing.
Scheduled feeding means feeding a baby at set intervals, like every 3 hours, regardless of hunger cues.
What Does On-Demand Breastfeeding Look Like?
Babies regulate their own intake: Babies feed as often and as much as they need to support their growth and development. Some feedings can last 10 minutes. Others can last 45+ minutes.
Babies are fed when they show common hunger cues: For the first few months, your infant will show you they are hungry by licking their lips, sticking out their tongue, rooting around, and sucking on their hands, etc. Crying can also be a hunger cue.
Babies show signs when they’ve had enough: When a baby is done with a feeding, they may unlatch themselves and not try to relatch or fall asleep while nursing and seem content when the parent unlatches them.
Benefits of On-Demand Breastfeeding
Optimizes milk supply: In the immediate days following birth, putting a baby to chest/breast at any and all hunger cues is excellent for bringing in a robust milk supply. Mammary glands make milk in response to the frequency of suckling. The more a baby nurses, the more milk a parent produces. If a baby suckles less frequently, milk production slows. Frequent feedings during growth spurts also boosts milk production.
Ensures proper infant growth: Parents have different storage capacities in their chest/breasts and all babies take in different amounts - even the same baby will take differing amounts throughout a day. On-demand feeding optimizes the baby’s ability to take in the amount of milk they need within a 24 hour period, rather than the same amount every feeding session.
Bonding opportunities galore: Feeding on demand allows for more skin-to-skin contact and closeness between parent and baby, as infants tend to settle more easily when held. Plus, infants smell delicious, which helps parents release oxytocin (aka the love hormone!)
What Does Scheduled Breastfeeding Look Like?
Fixed feeding intervals: In scheduled breastfeeding, parents feed their baby at set intervals, such as every 3 hours, regardless of whether the baby shows hunger cues.
Limited feeding duration: Some parents may set specific feeding times, like feeding for 15 minutes on each side.
Structured daily routines: Scheduled feeding often fits into a structured daily routine, like feeding before naps or bedtime to establish predictable eating and sleeping patterns.
Benefits of Scheduled Breastfeeding
Sleepy newborns don’t always wake for feeding sessions: Some infants are very tired for the first few weeks and may not wake up on their own to feed 8+ times in 24 hours. To help babies get back to birth weight by 2 weeks old, we recommend that parents wake their infants to feed at least every 3 hours during the day and at least every 4 hours at night for the first few weeks. If your baby wants to feed more frequently, go for it!
Helps manage triple feeding: Triple feedings is when a parent is chest/breastfeeding, supplementing, and pumping. This is most common for babies born prematurely, babies with jaundice, babies with tongue ties, and babies who are having a difficult time gaining weight. Ineffective and infrequent feedings can cause slow weight gain and can possibly cause a low milk supply. Temporarily putting a baby on a feeding schedule can ensure that they are getting enough in a 24 hour period.
What If I’m Feeling Exhausted From On-Demand Breastfeeding?
Help your baby feed as effectively as possible: If your baby is feeding frequently, due to ‘snacking’, try to help your baby take in more milk at each feeding. Keep your baby alert while breastfeeding by stripping them down to just a diaper, using breast compressions to help your baby get a let down more easily, or switching back and forth between breasts (switch nursing) when your baby’s swallows start to slow down. Also, if using a nipple shield, see if removing it helps your baby take in more milk per feeding.
Prioritize rest when possible: Try to nap or rest whenever your baby sleeps, even if it’s just for short periods. Sleep is essential, especially during the early weeks when feedings are frequent.
Share the load: Ask for help from your partner, family, or friends. They can assist with diaper changes, burping, or soothing your baby after a feed, allowing you more time to rest and recover.
Remember that this feeding frequency is temporary: In the early months, babies feed frequently to build up milk supply and ensure proper growth. As your baby gets older, feedings will naturally space out, and you’ll have more flexibility and rest as a result.
So, how do I choose between on-demand feeding and scheduled feedings?
Honestly, it all comes down to what feels best for you and your family. Remember you can always do a combination of on-demand and scheduled feedings. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
What should I do if my baby wants to breastfeed constantly? This is a great time to meet with a lactation consultant and we are just a consult away!
If your baby wants to breastfeed constantly(i.e. snacking at feeding sessions), and it is not a temporary growth spurt, this is a great reason to meet with a lactation consultant! Let us help you figure out the root cause and an effective solution. Book a one-on-one appointment with one of our lactation consultants today for personalized support tailored to you and your baby’s needs.
SDBFC is committed to providing high-quality lactation and functional nutrition consultations to parents in San Diego and beyond. Explore our postpartum, prenatal, and functional nutrition consultations, take a breastfeeding class or attend a workshop.
About the Author
Robin Kaplan has been an IBCLC since 2009, the same year that she opened up the San Diego Breastfeeding Center. Robin was the founding host of the Boob Group podcast and published her first book, Latch: a Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage in 2018. Melding her passions for supporting lactating parents and holistic health, Robin finished her Functional Nutrition Certification in 2023. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her two teenage boys, hiking, traveling, weaving, cooking, and searching for the best chai latte.
