How many times should a 9-month-old baby be breastfed?

From the Guidelines

At 9 months old, a baby typically needs to breastfeed about 3-5 times per day, though this can vary based on individual needs, as supported by the most recent guidelines from the Current Obesity Reports 1 and Pediatrics 1.

Breastfeeding Frequency

By this age, solid foods should be a significant part of your baby's diet, complementing breast milk rather than replacing it entirely. Each breastfeeding session might last about 10-15 minutes as babies become more efficient at nursing.

Key Considerations

• Your baby may also want to nurse for comfort or during times of illness.
• Watch for signs that your baby is getting enough milk, such as steady weight gain, at least 4-6 wet diapers daily, and regular bowel movements.
• Breast milk continues to provide important nutrients, antibodies, and calories even as solid food intake increases.

Responsive Feeding

Remember that every baby is different, and some may want to nurse more or less frequently.

• Follow your baby's hunger cues rather than adhering to a strict schedule, as suggested by responsive feeding principles 1.
• Consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby's feeding patterns or growth.

Guidelines and Recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, with complementary food introduction at about 6 months, and continued breastfeeding until 2 years or beyond 1.

• Pediatricians should provide information to support informed feeding decisions and promote breastfeeding through early initiation of skin-to-skin contact and frequent breastfeeding, with skilled lactation support readily available 1.

From the Research

Breastfeeding Frequency for 9-Month-Old Babies

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond 2.
• There is no specific recommendation on the frequency of breastfeeding for a 9-month-old baby, but it is suggested to continue breastfeeding as often as the infant desires 3.
• Breast milk continues to provide substantial amounts of key nutrients well beyond the first year of life, especially protein, fat, and most vitamins 3.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends continued breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond, with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months 2.

Factors Affecting Breastfeeding Frequency

• The frequency of breastfeeding may depend on various factors, including the baby's appetite, growth, and development, as well as the mother's lifestyle and preferences 4.
• Breastfeeding difficulties, such as lactation risk factors, physiological, psychological, and socioeconomic reasons, may also affect the frequency of breastfeeding 4.
• The introduction of complementary foods may also impact the frequency of breastfeeding, as babies may start to prefer solid foods over breast milk 5.

Nutritional Considerations

• Breast milk alone can meet nutrient needs during the first 6 months, with the possible exception of vitamin D in certain populations and iron in infants of relatively low birth weight 3.
• The nutrients most likely to be limiting in the diets of breastfed infants are minerals, such as iron, zinc, and calcium, which can be obtained from complementary foods like iron-fortified cereals, meats, cheese, and yogurt 3.
• The nutritional status of breastfeeding mothers, including their diet and dietary supplementation, can also impact the composition of human milk and the baby's nutrient intake 6.