How often should a 3 month old breastfeed?

With a newborn, you are nursing frequently, almost around the clock. Fortunately at around at three months old, your baby will likely have become much better at extracting milk from the breast. He or she is an old pro now! Breastfeeding is a joy at this age, because baby is old enough to look up at you and smile. These moments are so precious. And, your milk production will have increased to meet demand. These things will combine to allow you to nurse a little less often.

While the maximum time during the day between feedings should still be only about four hours at night the baby can be left to sleep for six or even eight hours. Of course, not all breastfed infants (or formula fed babies, for that matter) are sleeping through the night at this age. All babies are different.

If your 3 month old is not sleeping all night, don’t offer solid foods in a mistaken attempt to make that happen. It won’t work. Sleeping all night is a developmental milestone, not really about hunger so much. 3 months is still too early for solids.

As long as he is being fed between eight and twelve times a day, doesn’t seem hungry after feeding, is producing wet and dirty diapers regularly and is gaining weight your feeding schedule is right on target, he’s nursing enough.

If you notice any of those things diminishing then you should increase the frequency of feedings and follow up with a nursing expert or your pediatrician to make sure your baby is getting an adequate supply of milk.

There really are no rules as far as how often any age baby “should” be breastfeeding. Babies nurse for many reasons, and have different styles. Some linger at the breast and are more dainty eaters, others like to “snack” a lot, others get right down to business and are off doing other things in a few minutes. Try to appreciate your baby’s unique eating style.

In order to get your breastfeeding questions answered, consider the “Bible” of breastfeeding: