The Brain and Spine Institute is made up of experts in the field of neuroscience in order to bring patients the best healthcare in East Tennessee for a full range of neurological diseases and disorders.
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Centers of Excellence
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We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
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The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
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Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
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The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
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Baby feeding patterns
Definition
Baby feeding patterns refer to the time schedule for giving a baby food through a bottle or breast.
Alternative Names
Feeding patterns for babies
Information
Breast milk is digested more rapidly than cow's milk formula. Breastfed babies usually require feeding every 1 - 3 hours. While a pattern may develop, a schedule should not be forced on the baby. It is important to empty the breasts regularly to prevent them from becoming engorged and stopping the production of milk.
Formula-fed babies usually require feeding about every 2 - 4 hours.
Five wet diapers a day will tell you that your baby is getting enough milk to drink.
Regardless whether you choose breastfeeding or bottle feeding, your baby should not have whole cow's milk until the age of 1 year. Babies under age 1 have a difficult time digesting cow's milk. Do not feed babies younger than 4 months any solid food, since they do not have the ability to digest it.
Solid foods can be introduced between ages 4 and 12 months. However, most of the baby's calories should still be coming from breast milk or formula.
Foods should be introduced one at a time. This lets you be able to watch for allergic reactions. New foods should be given only when a child is hungry.
At 4 months, or when your health care provider recommends, you can start your baby on pureed, strained, or finely mashed foods. Between 6 and 7 months, you can introduce crackers, vegetables, and fruit. Between 9 and 12 months, commercially prepared junior foods or chopped table foods are allowed.
For more information on age-appropriate foods see:
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