Tick, Toc, Tick, Toc: Must we always watch the clock?

We talk about how human infants should feed every two to three hours in the early weeks and months, and certainly that is true. However, once effective breastfeeding is well-established and baby is gaining weight nicely without intervention, it may be time to kick back and relax. What’s wrong with letting baby dictate how often he wants to eat as long as he is thriving? A baby who begins to get hungry will exhibit early hunger “cues.” Examples of early hunger cues include upper body movement, hand-to-mouth behaviors, rapid eye movement during sleep, etc. Late signs of hunger include fussing and crying. So, sit back, put your feet up and let your baby do the talking. Tick, Toc, Tick, Toc…perhaps we shouldn’t watch the clock!