Most babies develop a feeding pattern, but it won't necessarily be every three or four hours since it completely depends on your baby. So there is probably no need to create a routine or demand feeding too rigidly. Try to feed on a regular basis, and at times when you can concentrate whole-heartedly on your baby. A wakeful baby may keep asking for the breast or bottle simply because he/she likes sucking, in which case a baby pacifier may be the answer.。

A daily pattern
If your baby doesn't seem to develop any feeding pattern after a while, try and look at the day as a whole. Try to give your baby a regular getting-up time, regular walks in the fresh air, a bath time and a bedtime routine of changing into nightclothes and having a story time. You can help your baby learn the difference between day and night by encouraging sociable times during the day, and by talking to your baby as little as possible and keeping the lighting low at night. You'll both get accustomed to the familiarity of events in your day and feeding times will come to fit in around these activities.

Feeding
In the early stages, milk is the main source of nutrition for your baby, so it's important that your baby drinks enough of it. Some babies may develop an aversion to milk at some point though, which may be due to teething or other factors. You can help your baby by enlarging the teat hole when feeding with a bottle so it's less effort for your baby or by making sure that your baby is calm and ready to feed before giving him/her the bottle.

Weaning
Generally speaking, most babies tend to stop feeding on milk between 6- 12 months. If you're planning on weaning your baby, then you need to make some preparations.

Firstly, weaning is a gradual process so you need to be patient and also make sure your baby is getting enough nutrients. You can slowly start to reduce your baby's milk intake by feeding in the mornings and evenings only so he/she can start getting used to other forms of food. It tends to be easier to wean your baby in the autumn/winter months since his/her appetite is likely to be larger and more stable than in the hot summer months.

Secondly, you need to make sure that your baby is getting a balanced diet during the weaning period. Your baby will be growing rapidly and so will need his/her full share of nutrients. Careful choice of foods will help your baby to grow healthily.

Lastly, there is no need to impose "separation time" between mother and baby during the weaning period. Your baby will be emotionally attached to his/her mother in any case, so enforced separation will in fact cause unnecessary anxiety and stress for him/her. It's best to help your baby through weaning by comforting him/her and making the process as easy as possible.


Introducing solids
Your baby may be ready to be weaned when you spot the following signs:
when your baby starts to put objects such as toys into his/her mouth;
when your baby shows an interest in what other people are eating and tries to grab some for himself/herself;
when your baby is able to take food from the tip of a spoon; or
when your baby is able to swallow pureed food in his/her mouth without pushing it out with the tongue.
   

Secret to feeding well
Here are some tips to ensure that your baby feeds well as he/she grows up. Firstly, stick to three square meals a day and stay away from any snacks as they will affect your baby's appetite at meal times. Secondly, prepare a meal time setting for your baby by using colored baby cutlery, bowl and drinks cup to keep him/her interested. Babies tend to like bright colors and having a setting also lets your baby know that meal time is here and helps him/her develop a regular eating routine. Lastly, don't overload your baby's bowl with food. Fill his/her bowl bit by bit and encourage your baby to finish his//her food this way. Make mealtimes fun for you and your baby!