A typical 5 month old feeding schedule is a good guide to follow as your baby begins to drink more human milk and formula each day. The milk your baby drinks should not exceed 2 ounces per feeding, and you should limit the water consumption to four ounces daily. A bottle of human milk or expressed breastmilk is acceptable for practice, but be aware of spills. Often, a feeding will need to be shortened or stopped altogether if your baby has a large appetite.
This feeding schedule involves giving your baby one to two solid meals a day. Feedings should last approximately one hour. Make sure your baby is hungry at mealtime, and give her a little bottle or stage 1 baby food just before the meal. A top-off feed can occur after a meal, but you should be sure to wait for a few hours between each meal. Providing extra breastfeeds during this time is also important to prevent gassiness.
Your five-month-old baby should be fed every two to three hours, but it is okay for your child to take naps during the day. Cat naps can be helpful to ensure a good night’s sleep. Overtiredness affects a baby’s sleep. Your five-month-old will eat between 24-36 ounces of milk during the day, with long naps in the evening. You can also make a few extra feedings during the day.
Another tip for a five-month-old feeding schedule is to offer solids at least 30 minutes before naptime. The breastfed meal should help your baby remain awake and alert until the time for the nap. As your child grows, he may be less interested in solids than he was at five months old. If he still refuses to eat solids, consult your pediatrician. Otherwise, the feeding schedule may need to be altered.
A five-month-old feeding schedule will depend on your baby’s individual preferences. Some babies take to solid food much faster than others. Don’t force it; don’t be discouraged if it takes longer than expected. You should introduce up to three ounces of solid food daily if your baby shows interest. If he shows signs of hunger, you may give him a small amount of formula or cereals.
If your baby doesn’t like a particular food, introduce it slowly. Try to stick with the same food for at least three to five days. A simple change in texture can cause an allergic reaction. Pureed baby food is not recommended at this age. While it is fine to introduce new foods as your baby grows, try to limit the number of solid foods he eats at one time. Introducing solids steadily will help the baby develop his sense of taste and appetite.
A five-month-old should still be nursed for at least six hours per day, and if they are fed only breast milk, they should drink no more than three ounces of formula every two to four hours. He will need about five or six bottles in 24 hours. When awake, your baby is likely to nurse for around 1.5 hours each day and several times during growth spurts. During this time, your baby should take a nap.
