Panduan Lengkap Frekuensi Menyusui Bayi Berdasarkan Usia

Babies need exclusive breastfeeding because it has benefits and nutrients that are important for their development and health. Exclusive breast milk contains all the essential nutrients that babies need to grow and develop well. This includes protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and immune substances that are important for keeping the baby healthy. Because of the importance of this exclusive breastfeeding period, in this article, we will discuss the ideal breastfeeding frequency for babies according to their age.

Guide to Baby Breastfeeding Frequency by Age

Breastfeeding Frequency for Newborns 0-1 Month

In the first few weeks of life, a baby's breastfeeding schedule generally depends on their desires. The interval between each breastfeeding session for newborns ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours. This is because in the early period after giving birth, the mother's and baby's bodies usually still need to adapt first. Babies can show signs that they are hungry and want to nurse at any time. However, as they get older, the baby's breastfeeding schedule will generally become more routine and regular.

Breastfeeding Frequency for Babies 1-6 Months Old

After a few days postpartum until the age of around 1 month, a baby's desire to nurse can arise every 2-3 hours. So in a day, the breastfeeding schedule for newborns can be calculated to be around 8-12 times. Meanwhile, the duration of each breastfeeding session can take 20-45 minutes. This breastfeeding duration can decrease as they grow older.

At two months of age, the frequency of baby nursing can range from 7-9 times a day. Likewise, entering the third, fourth, and fifth months, the baby might nurse about 7-8 times a day with a time range of approximately 2.5-3.5 hours.

When entering the end of the exclusive breastfeeding period or in the sixth month, the baby's breastfeeding schedule might decrease to only 4-6 times a day. Meanwhile, the duration of breastfeeding for 6-month-old babies can range between 5-6 hours at a time.

Breastfeeding Frequency for Babies 6-12 Months Old

Entering the age of 6 months and onwards, the baby's breast milk needs will usually decrease because they start receiving additional intake from complementary foods (MPASI). At this age, the frequency of breastfeeding usually decreases further to 5-7 times in 24 hours.

Even so, mothers need to remember that every baby has different breast milk quantity needs. It all depends on how often and how much volume of breast milk is consumed in one nursing session.

Currently, your little one might nurse for a long period, and the next nursing session becomes shorter. This is normal because the baby will automatically ask to nurse when they are hungry and stop when they feel full.

Breastfeeding Frequency for Babies 1 Year and Older

At this age, babies only nurse according to their needs. There is no fixed rule about how often babies should nurse at this age. Some babies might still nurse 3-4 times. However, other babies might nurse with less frequency.

However, keep in mind that even though at one year old and above, babies do not consume breast milk too often, breast milk is still the primary nutrient needed by babies to build their immune system.

Signs a Baby Has Had Enough Breast Milk

Actually, the baby breastfeeding schedule above does not have to be a benchmark for mothers in providing breast milk to their little one. The reason is, every baby will nurse according to their needs. Babies will show signs when hungry and stop when full. Here are some signs that generally indicate that a baby has received enough breast milk:

• The baby's swallowing sound becomes slower.
• The baby's first stool (meconium) has come out in the first 24 hours after breastfeeding.
• The baby is sleepy after nursing and will sleep soundly for about 2–3 hours.
• The baby appears active when waking up.
• The intensity of urination and bowel movements increases after nursing.
• The mother's breasts feel empty and soft.
• The baby's weight gain after 1 week of age.

Meanwhile, some signs indicating that the baby is still hungry include:

• Licking lips and sticking tongue out.
• Putting hands in the mouth.
• Sucking on hands or other reachable objects.
• Fussiness.
• Looking more alert.
• Opening and closing mouth repeatedly.
• Moving the jaw, mouth, or head. This indicates that they are looking for the mother's breast.

That is the explanation regarding the breastfeeding frequency for newborns up to over 1 year old that is important for you to know. When nursing, prioritize the comfort of the mother and the little one. Also ensure smooth breast milk flow by performing routine lactation massage. Certainly, if you want more accuracy, Mothers can consult with a trusted pediatrician to ensure the needs and growth of the little one, so that everything is monitored well.

In order to accompany the little one in every phase of their growth and development, Mothers also need the right baby care products. Mothers can entrust this matter to Hegen, because Hegen offers reliable and high-quality products.

For bottles and nipples, Mothers can use the HEGEN TEAT SLOW FLOW (2-PACK) with the slow type, which has one point. For the bottle itself, Mothers can refer to the HEGEN PCTO™ 150ML/5OZ FEEDING BOTTLE PPSU which has the right capacity for the little one's needs. Hopefully, this information about how much breast milk a 2-month-old baby needs is useful for Mothers, and always trust baby care products to Hegen for every phase of their growth and development!

References:

• HaiBunda. Menghitung Kebutuhan ASI Perah Bayi sesuai Usianya. https://www.haibunda.com/menyusui/20221123113846-54-290064/menghitung-kebutuhan-asi-perah-bayi-sesuai-usianya/2.
• Orami. Berapa Banyak Kebutuhan ASI Bayi? Yuk, Cari Tahu!. https://www.orami.co.id/magazine/kebutuhan-asi-bayi.
• Pedoman Jadwal MPASI Bayi 6-11 Bulan yang Ideal. https://hellosehat.com/parenting/bayi/gizi-bayi/jadwal-mpasi-6-bulan/