How to Build a Feeding Routine That Works for Your Family

After having five children, I’ve learned the funny thing about parenting is that just when you think you’re getting into the swing of things, everything changes. Baby’s sleep shifts, they go through a growth spurt or hit a new developmental milestone. That’s why focusing on routines can be so helpful; unlike a strict schedule, a routine allows you and baby to adapt to what’s currently working for your family and life. Even better? There isn’t just one “right” routine for every baby or family.

Instead, focusing on a flexible feeding rhythm can accommodate shared feeding, multiple caregivers and even opposite schedules (former night shift nurse here!). Life doesn’t just stop to feed baby, but you can build a feeding routine that works around your life.

Start With Your Family’s Feeding Goals

The first step to building a feeding routine is to determine what your goals are as a family. Are you hoping to feed baby breast milk exclusively? Is your priority ensuring all parents and caregivers feel confident with feeding? Do you know if formula will be a part of your feeding journey?

The key is understanding that while feeding goals can change, knowing what your priorities are can help guide your next steps. For example, providing my babies with breast milk was always important to me, but after I had a premature baby who could not breastfeed, my feeding journey pivoted to full-time pumping. My priority was the breast milk, not how she received it.

As our feeding journey changed, so did the tools we used. I relied on a traditional pump at first, then quickly turned to a wearable breast pump that let me better care for my baby while pumping. Since your pumping needs may vary (and even change!), Lansinoh offers a range of different pump options, from wearable to traditional plug-in units, so you can choose the one that fits your feeding goals (and your life!).

Suggested pick:
Lansinoh DiscreetDuo Flow Wearable Breast Pump is designed to give parents more flexibility, with a lightweight, hands-free design, a comfortable contoured fit and multiple flange sizes to help make pumping more comfortable. Plus, it comes with helpful educational resources—including video tutorials, setup guides and access to Certified Lactation Counselors—so you have expert support throughout your breastfeeding journey.

Buy now: Lansinoh DiscreetDuo Flow Wearable Breast Pump, $175.94, Amazon.com

Let Baby’s Hunger Cues Guide the Routine

So you’re home with this brand-new tiny human, now what? Babies don’t exactly follow a three-meal-a-day routine like adults, so how do you know when it’s time for them to eat? Joanna Kreyling, CPNP-PC, IBCLC, a pediatric nurse practitioner and certified lactation consultant with 1 Natural Way, explains that caregivers should practice “responsive feeding” with their babies.

Responsive feeding is the process of responding to your infant’s feeding cues rather than depending on the time or amount in the bottle, Kreyling says. “Responsive feeding encourages families to learn and feed according to their baby’s feeding cues—or clues—that their baby needs a break or burp, is hungry or full,” she explains. “For example, babies that need a break may pause their feeding or squirm. Babies who are full may push out the bottle, occasionally suck softly, turn their face or fall asleep.”

Other hunger cues to look for (think of these cues on a sliding scale from slightly hungry to full-on hangry) include:

• Moving head back-and-forth
• Lip smacking
• Yawning
• Stretching
• Bobbing head against chest or shoulder
• Sucking on their hands
• Grunting
• Fussing
• Crying
• Moving arms and legs around

“Crying is generally considered a later hunger cue. Feeding before a baby becomes very upset often makes the feeding experience calmer for everyone, which can be a protective factor for a mother’s mental health,” notes Nicole Kumi, PhD, PMH-C, founder of The Whole Mom in Montgomery County, Maryland.

It may also be helpful to keep in mind that, just like adults, babies don’t always eat the same amount or at the same time every day, so responsive feeding allows for normal fluctuations, like a growth spurt or an over-tired baby. On days that baby misses a feeding or needs a little more milk than normal, pumping or nursing parents can turn to milk storage options to utilize or replenish a supply.

Decide How Feeding Responsibilities Will Be Shared

Being fully responsible for feeding another human (sometimes with your body 24/7) can be a lot. Some parents find that works for them, while others may depend on other support along the feeding journey.

The beautiful thing is, those decisions can also change along the way. I started with exclusive breastfeeding, pivoted to full-time pumping, and later, supplemented with formula. I learned that there is no “right” or “wrong” way. Plus, there were joys and benefits to each method, like my husband being able to take the 3 a.m. feeding or being able to feed my baby in a restaurant booth without worrying if I would leak through my shirt.

Kreyling explains that shared feeding, also called combo feeding—as I experienced—refers to infants who are both breastfed and fed by another method. Shared feeding can occur in many ways, from two parents breastfeeding to combining breastfeeding with bottle-feeding or using a mixture of breast milk and formula. “Shared feeding can increase flexibility by allowing others to bond while feeding the baby or to allow the breastfeeding parent to leave their baby for a period,” Kreyling points out.

For us, finding the right baby bottle was the key to successful shared feeding. I specifically wanted a glass bottle that I could use with the peace of mind to store, transport and feed my baby at home or on-the-go. Lansinoh has bottles designed for all ages and stages of feeding, as well as to help baby transition to the bottle. Their NaturalWave Nipple features a wide, gentle slope that molds to baby’s mouth, ensuring a secure latch.

Suggested pick:
Designed for breastfed, bottle-fed or combination-fed babies, Lansinoh NaturalWave Feeding Bottles are made to support comfortable, baby-led feedings, with an extra slow-flow nipple option that’s ideal for newborns. The bottles also feature an anti-colic venting system to help reduce gas and fussiness, and a simple three-piece design that’s easy to clean and assemble, making everyday feedings a little more convenient.

Buy now: Lansinoh NaturalWave Feeding Bottles, 4 pack, $27.99, Amazon.com

If You’re Pumping, Create a Routine That Fits Your Schedule

For me, making the switch from exclusive breastfeeding to full-time pumping was a challenge. Breastfeeding meant simply feeding my baby when she cried, but pumping meant timing sessions, packing equipment and ensuring I had enough milk.

To create a pumping routine, I followed a few key rules:

• Create your milk supply. Immediately after birth, I focused on pumping every two to three hours, around the clock (yes, even at night!) to ensure my milk supply was strong. As a former OB nurse, I knew that it can be easier to build a supply in the beginning of my feeding journey and cut back later if needed.
• Choose the right pump. The right breast pump can make or break a pumping journey. I made sure I had a double electric pump with hospital-strength suction, like the Lansinoh Signature Pro® Double Electric Breast Pump, to ensure my supply was strong. (I also found it practical to have a pump that allows you to express milk directly into storage containers or bags, as the Lansinoh does!)
• Stay flexible. Later on in my pumping journey, I also added a wearable pump into my routine. Having the ability to pump hands-free was the change I needed to achieve my goals. And even later, I also reduced pumping sessions when I felt ready to introduce formula. Staying flexible, adjusting and having feeding tools at the ready makes all the difference.
• Create a pumping “pack.” One of the most shocking adjustments I had to make as a pumping parent was how much stuff pumping requires. The pump, the pump parts, the accessories, the bottles, the bottle cleaning accessories, the coolers. Try to create pumping stations or pumping packs for on-the-go to cut down on hauling parts around. I bought two of everything, like chargers, storage containers and bottles, so I always had a spare ready to go. An insulated diaper bag also makes a huge difference!

Suggested Pick:
The Lansinoh Pump-into-Bag Adapter lets parents pump directly into Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags, helping streamline the pumping process by reducing transfers, extra bottles and cleanup. Compatible with most standard-neck breast pumps, it’s a simple way to save time and make storing expressed milk a little more convenient.

Buy now: Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags with 2 Pump Adapters, 50 bags, $13.99, Amazon.com.

Create Simple Feeding Stations Around Your Home

The same principles for feeding at home apply: The goal is to make your life as easy as possible. I found that the biggest help for pumping and feeding at home came down to having a second set of supplies so I could still pump or feed baby, even if I had gotten behind on cleaning.

For me, that meant an extra set of pump flanges, tubing, bottles and nipples. It helped me cut down on cleaning, and I loved being able to pump and store the milk directly without needing to wash a bottle.

I also found it helpful to charge my pump between sessions, so it was always standby-ready. I even bought an extra charger for my pump—I kept one in the bedroom and one in the kitchen so I could charge it immediately after cleaning. Having two sets of all of my pump parts and bottle accessories made it simple to keep our routine going.

Expect Your Routine to Change

It is most likely that even with a nailed-down routine, baby’s feeding needs will change. “As babies grow and family circumstances change, feeding plans often evolve, and that’s completely normal,” says Kumi.

My own feeding routine changed countless times as my daughter grew. For instance, I was ready to throw in the towel with full-time pumping until I gave a wearable pump a try. It was a game-changer instantly, because I was no longer tethered to the wall. I could do laundry, clean dishes and even change a diaper all while pumping.

Feeding resources, like Lansinoh pumps, bottles and milk storage solutions, can support you through every new routine and stage.

Small Changes Can Make Feeding Feel Easier

Kumi stresses that prepping ahead whenever possible can significantly reduce both decision fatigue and physical fatigue, especially during those early postpartum weeks. She recommends a few small strategies to help streamline your routine right from the start:

• Choose a point person to prep bottles each night before bedtime, so they’re ready to go.
• Decide ahead of time each partner’s role for feeding—for instance, one person could change the baby while the other prepares the bottle or breastfeeds.
• If possible, discuss who will care for the baby when the feeding is done.
• Wash and organize pump parts after each use.
• Label and rotate stored milk (Lansinoh’s write-ready storage bags can really help with this!).
• Create designated feeding stations around the home with extra supplies for convenience.
• Pack diaper bags the night before appointments.
• Keep water (highly recommend a water bottle with a handle you can easily reach!) and snacks close by during feedings.

Last but not least, Kumi wants new parents to understand that feeding baby should not come at the expense of taking care of yourself. “Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding or using a combination of methods, your wellbeing matters too,” she stresses. “We spend a great deal of time tracking ounces and feeding schedules, but we also need to consider how the parent is doing.”

That means that if there is ever a time in your feeding journey when you need to make an adjustment for your own health, it’s the right move. The right routine is the one that’s right for all of you, period.

About the Experts: Joanna Kreyling, CPNP-PC, IBCLC, from Milford, Ohio, is a pediatric nurse practitioner and certified lactation consultant with 1 Natural Way.

Nicole Kumi, PhD, PMH-C, from Montgomery County, Maryland, is a maternal mental health expert, founder of The Whole Mom and creator of the evidence-based Fourth Trimester Program. Her work focuses on helping women navigate the emotional, psychological and identity transition into motherhood.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.