As an adoptive parent, you may not have access to breast milk after your infant adoption has taken place. When you take home your baby from the hospital, there are so many thoughts that enter your head about what parenting challenges are just around the corner. Feeding is just one of them.

Although parenting is a very rewarding experience, sometimes the fussing and feeding can feel like an unfamiliar task for new parents. Though you may not be using all of the biological feeding methods for your infant, your baby can still have a perfectly healthy diet and get everything they need nutrition-wise.

Below, we’ve outlined a feeding schedule and other information that can help you establish a healthy feeding routine with your new baby.

Month 1-4 Early Infancy:

1. If you are an adoptive parent, using formula is fine for your baby. The doctor should recommend the one that is preferred for care. They often give out free samples--be sure to ask!
2. At this point two to four ounces of milk or formula six to eight times per day or a feeding every two or three hours is common to expect. This is a good basic metric, but the demands may be different for each individual baby. If they are crying more than they would usually, their growth rate may just be demanding more food.
3. During the first month of infancy, babies will not be able to digest any solid foods yet.

Month 4-8 Late Infancy:

1. During the late stage of infancy, the swallowing reflex starts to develop. You may also notice that the suckling reflex starts getting stronger. An indication that this is happening is thumb sucking.
2. During this stage of development, you can start to very slowly introduce pureed solid foods like fruits and vegetables. Baby food is an option if you don’t want to make your own. Brands like Gerber Baby have plenty of different products to choose from. You can also ask your doctor what he or she would recommend as well.
3. During these few months, the baby teeth will also start coming in which is further indication that your child will be able to continue developing their pallet into more solid foods choices. There chewing musculature will not fully be developed however so make sure you research foods that are easy for children to eat.
4. Review this blog for some easy make-at-home with little preparation, baby food ideas for your child. Momtastic Wholesome Baby Food.