Demand Feeding for Dummies

Demand feeding is when a baby is fed whenever they show signs of hunger, as opposed to being fed at scheduled times. Imagine if you were only allowed to eat at certain times of the day, no matter how hungry you were. That's like having a strict feeding schedule. But demand feeding is more flexible, just like when you feel hungry and you grab a snack or a meal. It's all about listening to your body and giving it what it needs when it needs it.

For example, when a baby starts to fuss or make sucking movements with their mouth, it's a sign that they're hungry and ready to be fed. Instead of waiting until a specific time to feed them, demand feeding allows the caregiver to respond to the baby's cues and provide food right away. This approach is often favored by breastfeeding mothers, as it helps establish a natural rhythm based on the baby's needs.

In addition to its use in infant care, demand feeding can also be applied to animals. When a pet has access to food at all times and can eat whenever it's hungry, that's demand feeding in action. It's all about meeting needs as they arise, rather than adhering to a strict schedule. So demand feeding is all about being responsive to hunger cues and meeting those needs in a timely manner, whether it's for a baby or a furry friend.