Feeding on demand better for babies IQ? New research published

Aidan's Mummy · Mar 18th, 2012, 13:21 PM

http://www.channel4.com/news/is-feed...-your-babys-iq

According to new research babies fed on deman rather than a strict routine have better IQ's. This research covers both FF and BF fed babies. Thoughts?

I personally fed Aidan on demand, sometimes he would go 4 hours and then other times it could be an hour but if he was showing signs of hunger I fed him. I personally couldn't wait until a set time to feed him if he was hungry, he would have screamed the house down for one

. So what are your thoughts on this? It does that that the research is saying anything concrete yet but there are interesting results none the less x

holly2234 · Mar 18th, 2012, 13:30 PM

Hmm its very odd... I would have just thought its coincidence or maybe other aspects they dont mention or go into detail about.

Either way, I fed Erin on demand. She would have screamed the house down too if she didnt get her milk!

v2007 · Mar 18th, 2012, 13:31 PM

I fed both mine on demand and I think they are both very clever but I'm biased.

I think it's bull TBH.

v XXX

v2007 · Mar 18th, 2012, 13:32 PM

All kids are clever IMHO, whether demand or timed fed.

V xxx

Aidan's Mummy · Mar 18th, 2012, 13:43 PM

I wasn't sure what to think of it at first then I saw that it didn't really make a huge difference and it has drawn no solid conclusion. I'm also questioning how it works? I.e why would a baby being fed when they want it affect their academic ability, I also think each child has varying strenghts in subjects. For example I was brilliant at english but totally useless at maths and I was fed on demand. I also think a child's academic performance depends on how much they want to learn, concentration, parental input and again what their strengths/weaknesses are. x

RachA · Mar 19th, 2012, 11:16 AM

I think it's just something else to push the idea of feeding on demand. I fed both of mine in a routine and whilst i don't really know at the moment if they are really clever or not i don't think that my feeding in a routine has held them back at all. My little boy certainly seems to be at the same standard as his school friends and most of them were demand fed.

wishingonastar · Mar 19th, 2012, 14:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aidan's Mummy

I wasn't sure what to think of it at first then I saw that it didn't really make a huge difference and it has drawn no solid conclusion. I'm also questioning how it works? I.e why would a baby being fed when they want it affect their academic ability, I also think each child has varying strenghts in subjects. For example I was brilliant at english but totally useless at maths and I was fed on demand. I also think a child's academic performance depends on how much they want to learn, concentration, parental input and again what their strengths/weaknesses are. x

the theory is that babies fed on demand have had to experiment with and develop feeding cues so they learn how to interact with their parents and communicate their needs from a newborn age, as opposed to babies fed on a schedule who receive food without needing to think about how to work for it

i can see the thinking behind it, but who knows if ultimately it does make a difference for each baby and even if it does we're not talking huge IQ changes

suzib76 · Mar 19th, 2012, 17:25 PM

i never really understood not feeding on demand tbh, i mean i always fed mine when they were hungry (and still do), does that mean people who dont feed on demand just let the babies cry until the clock says its time

RachA · Mar 19th, 2012, 18:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzib76

i never really understood not feeding on demand tbh, i mean i always fed mine when they were hungry (and still do), does that mean people who dont feed on demand just let the babies cry until the clock says its time

No. It just means that other avenues are explored first. Ie nappy changed, a change of scenery, too hot too cold etc. If still not settled then feed. 9 times out of 10 both of mine were quite happy to not be fed but just distracted so had I fed it wouldn't of been dealing with their actual need.
I don't believe that as adults we should feed on demand. It's what I've always done and consequently am overweight. If I ate set meals at set times I wouldn't be (I know because I've tried it and was successful at loosing and maintaining weight).

wishingonastar · Mar 19th, 2012, 18:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzib76

i never really understood not feeding on demand tbh, i mean i always fed mine when they were hungry (and still do), does that mean people who dont feed on demand just let the babies cry until the clock says its time

I do know some parents who have this approach...ie feeding the baby on a pretty strict schedule regardless

Mar 18th, 2012, 13:21 PM	#1
Aidan's Mummy Mum (Mom) BnB Elite Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hull Posts: 12,262	Feeding on demand better for babies IQ? New research published http://www.channel4.com/news/is-feed...-your-babys-iq According to new research babies fed on deman rather than a strict routine have better IQ's. This research covers both FF and BF fed babies. Thoughts? I personally fed Aidan on demand, sometimes he would go 4 hours and then other times it could be an hour but if he was showing signs of hunger I fed him. I personally couldn't wait until a set time to feed him if he was hungry, he would have screamed the house down for one . So what are your thoughts on this? It does that that the research is saying anything concrete yet but there are interesting results none the less x

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Mar 18th, 2012, 13:30 PM	#2
holly2234 Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New York Posts: 5,605	Hmm its very odd... I would have just thought its coincidence or maybe other aspects they dont mention or go into detail about. Either way, I fed Erin on demand. She would have screamed the house down too if she didnt get her milk!

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Mar 18th, 2012, 13:31 PM	#3
v2007 Mum (Mom) BnB Spammer Elite Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 29,371	I fed both mine on demand and I think they are both very clever but I'm biased. I think it's bull TBH. v XXX

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Mar 18th, 2012, 13:32 PM	#4
v2007 Mum (Mom) BnB Spammer Elite Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 29,371	All kids are clever IMHO, whether demand or timed fed. V xxx

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Mar 18th, 2012, 13:43 PM	#5
Aidan's Mummy Mum (Mom) BnB Elite Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hull Posts: 12,262	I wasn't sure what to think of it at first then I saw that it didn't really make a huge difference and it has drawn no solid conclusion. I'm also questioning how it works? I.e why would a baby being fed when they want it affect their academic ability, I also think each child has varying strenghts in subjects. For example I was brilliant at english but totally useless at maths and I was fed on demand. I also think a child's academic performance depends on how much they want to learn, concentration, parental input and again what their strengths/weaknesses are. x

Status: Offline

Mar 19th, 2012, 11:16 AM	#6
RachA Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,146	I think it's just something else to push the idea of feeding on demand. I fed both of mine in a routine and whilst i don't really know at the moment if they are really clever or not i don't think that my feeding in a routine has held them back at all. My little boy certainly seems to be at the same standard as his school friends and most of them were demand fed.

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Mar 19th, 2012, 17:25 PM	#8
suzib76 Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: x scotland x Posts: 6,701	i never really understood not feeding on demand tbh, i mean i always fed mine when they were hungry (and still do), does that mean people who dont feed on demand just let the babies cry until the clock says its time

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