I’ve Had My Baby - Now What? Breastfeeding During months 2 through 6.
Today, let’s talk about what chest/breastfeeding looks like during months 2 through 6. By now, you and your baby have gotten to know each other, and feeding is likely feeling more familiar. This stage brings exciting changes—longer stretches between feedings, more efficient nursing, and a growing baby who is becoming more interactive. But with these changes, you might also have questions about milk supply, feeding routines, or what’s normal as your baby becomes more active. Below, we’ll explore what to expect during this stage, how to adapt to your baby’s evolving needs, and when to seek support if you need it.
Originally published on June 24, 2014; Revised Feb 22, 2025
Author: Robin Kaplan, M.Ed, IBCLC, FNC
Welcome back to our series, I’ve Had My Baby - Now What?
Today, let’s talk about what chest/breastfeeding looks like during months 2 through 6. By now, you and your baby have gotten to know each other, and feeding is likely feeling more familiar. This stage brings exciting changes—longer stretches between feedings, more efficient nursing, and a growing baby who is becoming more interactive. But with these changes, you might also have questions about milk supply, feeding routines, or what’s normal as your baby becomes more active. Below, we’ll explore what to expect during this stage, how to adapt to your baby’s evolving needs, and when to seek support if you need it.
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!
What does normal chest/breastfeeding look like in months 2-6? How often should my baby be eating, and how long should feedings take?
This can vary from baby to baby - the most important thing is that your baby is having lots of wet and dirty diapers and gaining weight appropriately. Some babies may have started taking in more at each feeding, and spacing them out more, while some may still be eating every 2-3 hours. If you’re lucky, your baby may have dropped a feeding or two at night, and may make up for it during the day. Other babies become much more distracted during daytime feedings around 4 months, so continuing those nighttime feedings are crucial for baby to get enough over a 24 hour period.
How much weight should my baby be gaining at this age? Is their weight gain expected to slow during this time?
Around 4 months, babies weight gain does start to slow down. Up until 4 months, babies should be gaining about 6-8 ounces per week. At 4 months, this drops to 4-5 oz per week, and then again at 6 months, when we expect baby to gain about 2-3oz per week. This is important for parents to know so that they don’t worry if they see their baby’s weight gain slow around 4 months of age. Make sure that your pediatrician is using the WHO charts for weight gain, which is for chest/breastfed babies.
Suddenly my baby seems too distracted to eat! Is this normal, and what can I do to get my baby to feed better?
At around 4 months of age, babies start to learn that there is a whole big world out there - and suddenly, *everything* is more exciting than chest/breastfeeding! Dogs barking, a ceiling fan, someone else in the room. Some ways to help your baby focus while nursing are:
Feed baby in a quiet and dark room
Nurse in a carrier
Let your baby play with something soft and crinkly while nursing.
Also, this is definitely NOT a time to start night weaning or sleep training, as these distracted kiddos often need those nighttime feedings to keep gaining weight appropriately. Also, it’s important to remember that this is really normal behavior - and usually fades around 6 months of age.
I’m getting ready to go back to work - how can I make sure that I’ll be able to pump what my baby needs when I’m away from him/her?
This can be a stressful time for nursing parents - there are definitely some things you can do to help protect your chest/breastfeeding relationship when you return to work.
Know your rights! Federal law protects your right to pump at work for a reasonable amount of time and in a private space.
Do some research ahead of time and talk to your human resources department - find out where the pumping area is, how close it is to your desk or workspace, what equipment you’ll need.
Talk to your caregiver about paced bottle feeding and how much milk your baby actually needs per bottle
Read up on ways to help maximize your output while you’re pumping at work.
My baby still wakes often to eat at night, even at 6 months of age - is this normal behavior?
It is absolutely normal behavior! By this stage, babies may be sleeping for longer stretches in the first part of the night, but may still wake after that to feed. By this age, a baby needs anywhere from 28-32 oz in 24 hours and if your baby is too distracted to feed well during the day, they may wake more at night to make up for it. If you hear your baby gulping during feedings at night, or your baby won’t settle without nursing, it is very likely that they still need the feedings throughout the night. If the frequent wakings are taking a toll on your mental sanity, co-sleeping and side-lying chest/breastfeeding are great ways to get some extra rest. If you are uncomfortable with co-sleeping, you can set your alarm for 15 minutes after beginning to chest/breastfeed your baby, and then wake up and place your baby back into their own bed. If your baby is waking up *very* frequently, every hour, and is very uncomfortable and difficult to soothe, it could be something else that’s causing the restlessness - possibly gut discomfort and/or a sensitivity to something in your diet. Definitely reach out to us for assistance!
My 4-month-old baby will not sleep! What’s happened to my baby that used to sleep??
The 4-month-sleep regression is a real thing and can wreak havoc on a mom’s sanity. At 4 months, babies are going through huge developmental milestones. They have suddenly become aware of all that is going on around them and their excitement about this can interrupt their sleep. It’s important to keep in mind that this is temporary stage, you will sleep again…. we promise!
My baby is approaching 6 months and I’m starting to think about solids. How will I know that my baby is ready?
It is definitely recommended to wait until your baby is at least six months of age before offering solid foods – even longer if your baby doesn’t seem ready. Some of the signs of readiness are being able to sit up on their own unassisted and losing their tongue thrust reflex, so that they don’t automatically push food out of their mouth. Another sign is when the baby has developed their “pincer grasp”, which is when they can use their fingers to pick up objects.
When I do start solids, what is an appropriate amount to start out with?
Your baby will need a very small amount at the beginning - only about a tablespoon once per day. The first food doesn’t have to be a grain cereal, either - as many doctors have previously recommended. Avocados are a perfect first food for your baby. Remember the saying “food before one is just for fun” – your baby should be getting their total nutrition from your milk (and/or formula) – so the solids you offer them now are just for practice. As the baby gets older, you can start to add in additional meals and snacks.
How can I be sure that my milk supply won’t suffer once I start feeding my baby solids?
The rule for solids is always – milk first, then food. You should always chest/breastfeed first and then offer your baby solids. You want to be sure that baby is still taking a full feeding at chest/breast to both ensure he/she is getting all the calories and nutrition he/she needs, as well as maintaining your milk supply. If you start to replace chest/breastfeeding sessions with solid meals, you most likely will notice a dip in your supply.
Struggling with your 2-6mo baby’s distracted feedings, frequent night waking, or slow weight gain? We’ve got you covered!
It can be incredibly frustrating when you're unsure if your baby is getting enough milk, especially when dealing with feeding distractions or interrupted sleep. If you're concerned about your baby’s growth, feeding patterns, or just need more confidence in your breastfeeding journey, we’re here to help. Schedule a one-on-one appointment (consider a virtual appointment, if you don’t live in San Diego!) with one of our lactation consultants for personalized care and expert advice tailored to your baby’s unique 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.
Breastfeeding at 3-4 Months - It Can Look Very Different!
Written by Ashley Treadwell, IBCLC
Running two support groups every week, I get all sorts of questions from moms with concerns about their breastfeeding babies. One of the questions/concerns I hear the most often is this: “My baby is suddenly not feeding for nearly as long as they used to and they aren’t interested in feeding as often. They get fussy easily at the breast and pull off after just a few minutes. I’m concerned that they aren’t getting enough milk from me!” I can almost always predict the age of these babies - somewhere around 12-16 weeks. And here’s why.
Many moms know that babies feed frequently in the early weeks. They expect feedings around the clock that can last quite a while. What many moms don’t realize is that this *can* change dramatically around the 3-4 month mark. Babies who used to feed every 1 to 3 hours, for 30 minutes or more, babies who were always happy to breastfeed when offered - suddenly start refusing the breast at times, and when they do accept, may only feed for a few minutes before pulling off. This can be a frustrating time for moms as they are often concerned that the baby may not be getting enough and are worried about this significant change in baby’s feeding patterns. In this article, we’ll discuss why this happens, how to know if there is reason for concern, as well as how to manage this new behavior.
Written by Ashley Treadwell, IBCLC
Running two support groups every week, I get all sorts of questions from moms with concerns about their breastfeeding babies. One of the questions/concerns I hear the most often is this: “My baby is suddenly not feeding for nearly as long as they used to and they aren’t interested in feeding as often. They get fussy easily at the breast and pull off after just a few minutes. I’m concerned that they aren’t getting enough milk from me!” I can almost always predict the age of these babies - somewhere around 12-16 weeks. And here’s why.
Many moms know that babies feed frequently in the early weeks. They expect feedings around the clock that can last quite a while. What many moms don’t realize is that this *can* change dramatically around the 3-4 month mark. Babies who used to feed every 1 to 3 hours, for 30 minutes or more, babies who were always happy to breastfeed when offered - suddenly start refusing the breast at times, and when they do accept, may only feed for a few minutes before pulling off. This can be a frustrating time for moms as they are often concerned that the baby may not be getting enough and are worried about this significant change in baby’s feeding patterns. In this article, we’ll discuss why this happens, how to know if there is reason for concern, as well as how to manage this new behavior.
Why is this happening?
While it’s great to know that this behavior is normal, many moms want to know why their baby’s breastfeeding behavior has changed so much. Much of it has to do with developmental changes that occur as baby grows and matures. One reason the length of a baby’s feeding may shorten significantly is simply that baby is becoming more efficient at the breast - meaning she/he can get more milk out in less time. This can be hard for moms to believe, so visiting a support group where you can do a weighted feed to see how much baby is taking is a great way to confirm this! I can’t tell you how many moms come to my groups and are amazed at how much their baby can take in only 5-10 minutes. Another factor is baby is experiencing a huge developmental leap at this time... awareness of his/her surroundings is exploding. Suddenly, your baby will notice the plant in the corner, the dog chasing it’s tail, the freckles on mom’s nose! Everything is so new and exciting, babies are often too distracted to breastfeed. They may go hours between feedings, and when they do go to breast, they will often pop off frequently to look around and interact with their surroundings.
Should you be concerned?
If your baby has breastfed well up to this new stage, if weight gain has been within normal limits (4-7oz per week), and they are having the appropriate amount of wet and dirty diapers, you can rest assured that this is all normal behavior and your baby will not go hungry. It is very uncommon for a baby who has gained weight well to suddenly start to have difficulties. Yes, your baby may take in less during the day if they’re distracted by all that goes on around them, but they will make up for it in other ways. Baby may start to wake more at night, asking to feed, to make up for the milk he/she missed during the day. This is one of the reasons that we don’t recommend night weaning at this time - your baby might need those middle of the night feedings! But don’t worry, tired mama, this won’t go on forever.
The signs to look for that will tell you that all is fine are as follows:
Baby is having the appropriate number of wet and dirty diapers
Baby is meeting the age-appropriate milestones
Baby is gaining at least 4oz per week.
While you may not know what your baby’s weight gain looks like in between doctors’ appts, you can visit a weekly breastfeeding support group to monitor baby’s weight on a weekly or monthly basis and be sure that he/she is gaining appropriately.
What can you do?
Offer your baby the breast when he/she shows signs of wanting it, but don’t worry too much if he/she don’t take it, or doesn’t feed for as long as she/he used to.
A couple of times a day, try to feed your baby in a dark, quiet place with fewer distractions.
Consider purchasing a nursing necklace so that your baby has something to play with while breastfeeding. It will help keep your baby’s attention on you rather than the ceiling fan above your head.
Try nursing in a carrier, which provides a nice, quiet, distraction-less space on the go.
When your baby wakes at night, respond to him/her and breastfeed, as he/she may need these feedings now more than ever.
But mostly, relax! Enjoy the shorter feeding periods and longer stretches between them. Have fun with your baby as he/she explores his/her surroundings and learn about the world. Trust that your baby will let you know when he/she is really hungry and follow his/her lead!
Here are a few more resources about breastfeeding a 3-4 month old:
Help a Mama Out: Tips for Breastfeeding the Distracted Baby
I've Had My Baby - Now What? Breastfeeding During Months 2-6
Help a Mama Out: Tips for Breastfeeding the Distracted Baby
Over the past few months I have been posting readers' questions on our Facebook page and have been blown away by the fantastic advice and support you have shared. The downfall with Facebook, though, is that eventually the terrific advice will work its way down the wall and succumb into Facebook oblivion, never to be found again.
Well, that's just a travesty!
So, here is what we're going to do....
Each week I will post a topic and question (or maybe a few!) on the San Diego Breastfeeding Center and The Boob Group Facebook pages. At the end of the week, I will collect all of YOUR fabulous breastfeeding mama advice and tips and place them into a blog post, which I will share the following Tuesday! Now your breastfeeding expertise and support will be documented and saved for moms to cherish and learn from, even years from now!
Over the past few months I have been posting readers' questions on our Facebook page and have been blown away by the fantastic advice and support you have shared. The downfall with Facebook, though, is that eventually the terrific advice will work its way down the wall and succumb into Facebook oblivion, never to be found again.
Well, that's just a travesty!
So, here is what we're going to do....
Each week I will post a topic and question (or maybe a few!) on the San Diego Breastfeeding Center and The Boob Group Facebook pages. At the end of the week, I will collect all of YOUR fabulous breastfeeding mama advice and tips and place them into a blog post, which I will share the following Tuesday! Now your breastfeeding expertise and support will be documented and saved for moms to cherish and learn from, even years from now!
So, let's get started.....
'Help a Mama Out' Topic of the Week:
Tips for Breastfeeding the Distracted Baby
What's Your Best Advice for Nursing a Distracted 8-10 month old Baby?
Gina: Strap toys to bra, like the kind with a loop for a play gym or use a nursing necklace.
Kat: Different things worked for my daughter at that age. Sometimes I would nurse with a cover so she wouldn't get distracted by the environment. A nursing necklace sometimes helped. Sometimes I would sing a song so she would only look at my face.
Yolanda: I sing, hmmm never thought to clip toys to me lol.
Melissa: Nursing/teething necklace. TONS of patience :-)
Christine: My daughter (who's now 10 months, not a lot has changed since then) loved to hit, pinch, and slap me so I would simply take her hand and hold it and talk to her. Talking to her seems to help her focus because she has one thing to focus on, my voice. I also will position her upright straddling my knee to nurse so she can somewhat look around while she's nursing and then she feels like she's not missing out on all of the way cooler things than eating lunch. Or simply latching her and standing up to walk around with her so she can nurse and still look around at all of the would-be distractions. I find it's better for her to nurse in busy areas where she has lots of things to look at in those ways than nursing in a quiet, dimly lit room because then she'll just do the "fake sucks" and try really hard to listen to noises outside.
Michelle: Dark room and soothing music
Kara: A quiet, out of the way - darker room! From about 7-10 months my first nursling required no distractions whatsoever!
Jennie: Go in a dark room:)
Ria: Read them a book and hold it up so they can see the pictures. Or keep a pile of toys just for that time, toys with different textures and and colors. Works for us.
Katie: In a room away from others/TV...use a nursing necklace.
Kathy: I always started playing with my son's hands. I would rub them, fold them into a fist, etc. Now he plays with my hair the whole time! :-)
Jessica: I tap on my daughter's leg or arm gently and that helps keep her focused.
Tammy: Tapping the bottom of her feet. All of mine went through periods (just days) where they were not as interested.
Jeni: I found hanging a toy off a necklace helped focus him back towards me and then he played while he ate.
Jona: Patience; reducing distraction by nursing in a quiet, dark room; breastfeeding when baby is sleepy.
Amy: Babywearing! I'm relearning it 1st hand with my super distractible 9 month old.
I put him up in a front carry and it helps immensely. Otherwise even in a calm environment he's too busy checking it all out. Wearing him is my saving grace every day and some days the only reason he gets a good milky feed in the daylight hours. I'll stand by it now and forevermore as the 2nd best parenting tool!