A general feeding schedule can help parents and caregivers organize their day. However, feeding on demand — when the baby shows signs of being hungry — ensures that the baby gets enough food.

At 5 months old, a baby should become the majority of their nutrition from breastmilk or formula. Almost babies do non require solids at this stage. Anyone considering starting a baby on solid food before they are vi months old should talk to a pediatrician first.

A father feeds his daughter in accordance with her 5 month old feeding schedule. Share on Pinterest
All or near of a v-month-one-time infant'south diet should comprise of breastmilk or formula.

At v months, breastmilk or formula is the about important ingredient in a healthful diet.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusively breastfeeding for nigh 6 months. However, for those who are unable or choose not to breastfeed, formula milk is available for babies of all ages.

Most 5-month-former babies should not exist eating solids. Even when a baby shows signs of readiness for solids, this should only be a small portion of their diet. Ever bank check with a pediatrician before starting a babe less than half-dozen months old on solids.

Parents and caregivers should not try to restrict a infant'due south nutrient intake, regardless of a baby'south growth. Instead, devise a loose schedule and so feed babies when they are hungry.

Co-ordinate to one source, this ways getting to know a babe'southward hunger cues, which might include licking their lips, rooting, or sucking hands.

A 2013 analysis of more 10,000 children compared children whose parents or caregivers fed them on need with those who received food co-ordinate to a predetermined schedule.

The analysis establish that parents and caregivers who followed a feeding schedule had higher confidence and ameliorate sleep. However, the report revealed that schedule-fed babies went on to exercise less well at school than need-fed babies.

According to the Centers for Illness Control and Prevention (CDC), almost babies need to eat at to the lowest degree every 2–iii hours, which is about five to six times per day. At 5 months, some babies sleep through the nighttime. Others nevertheless wake to feed.

Parents and caregivers who follow a schedule should try to remain flexible. A infant who is hungry an 60 minutes before snacktime needs to swallow, just as a infant who is tired early on should go to slumber.

Formula or breastmilk

Formula or breastmilk is the most important ingredient in a 5-month-sometime'south nutrition. According to Infant Nutrition and Feeding, babies should get five or more nursing sessions per day or 26 to 39 ounces (oz) of iron-fortified formula.

Some babies nurse more during growth spurts or when they do not feel well. Likewise, people who utilize a combination of formula and breastmilk may nurse slightly less often and give less formula.

Some research suggests that doing a "dream feed," which involves the parent or caregiver feeding the baby relatively early in the evening before going to bed, helps babies sleep longer at night.

Other liquids

Do not give five-month-old babies juice, moo-cow's milk, or water. Babies get water from formula or breastmilk. The Globe Health Organization (WHO) explicate that giving babies water to drink increases the risk of diarrhea and may cause them to drink less breastmilk or formula.

Solids

Most parents and caregivers should breastfeed or formula-feed the baby for at least 6 months. The CDC bespeak that a baby might be gear up for solids a little earlier if:

  • they have good command over their caput
  • they can sit on their own without support
  • they lean forward or open their mouth when a caregiver offers food

The American Academy of Pediatrics warn against introducing solids before 4 months as this can lead to increased weight gain.

Nigh babies practice non need solids at this age. Some people may use solids as a supplement to formula or breastmilk only never requite a baby solids without talking to a pediatrician offset.

According to the Sleep Foundation, most five-month-olds accept two to four naps a mean solar day. Some naps may be longer than others. For example, a babe might take a curt early on morning time nap, then a longer nap late in the morning and in the mid-afternoon.

Some people feed the baby right before they go to bed, hoping this will assist them sleep longer. Others use an eat, play, sleep schedule. Neither is "right."

Instead, people should choose the arroyo that works for them. Some babies demand to nurse simply before sleep. Others are eager to fall asleep after a play session.

Some tips that tin assistance shape a schedule around a babe's eating and sleeping routines include:

  • Be prepared to feed a baby when they awake. Expect babies to be peculiarly hungry and need more food subsequently long naps and in the morning.
  • Each person must consider which schedule works best for them and the people around them. Some people choose to play, so feed, so put the infant to slumber, while others adopt a feed, play, sleep approach.
  • Know that a child's napping needs may change when they are unwell, growing, or stressed. Similarly, many babies nurse for comfort during challenging times. Allowing a baby to nurse when they want, even if information technology is non feeding time, may assistance soothe them.
  • Do not put solid foods in a bottle, including earlier naptime.

All babies and families are different. Most babies eventually develop a rhythm that parents and caregivers can slowly shape into a schedule.

While some people prefer a fairly strict schedule, others accept a more than relaxed approach. Neither arroyo is right.

Equally long as babies get plenty nutrient and eat every 2–4 hours, it is fine to experiment with unlike schedules.