Why is it important for a baby to have a feeding schedule?

A:

Not only is it NOT important to have a baby on a feeding schedule, it can be harmful for a baby, especially if the baby is fully breast fed. Babies always need to be fed on demand, not on a schedule. If you try to schedule a breast fed baby's feeds you run the risk of having supply issues and the baby can have what is commonly called "failure to thrive". Babies are very good at letting you know when they are hungry, much better than any doctor who may have written a book about it.