The pattern or time schedule for giving a baby food, whether through bottle or breast feedings.
Breast milk is digested more rapidly than cow's milk formula.
Breast-fed babies usually require feeding every 2 to 3 hours. While this feeding may develop into a pattern, a pattern should not be forced on the breast-fed baby. It is important that the breasts be emptied regularly to prevent engorgement and suppression of the milk secreting cells. Bottle-fed babies can be worked into a more regular schedule that better accommodates that family. These babies only require feeding about every four hours.