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#5 in popularitySince 1993Schedule-based; crying at sleep times allowed

Babywise

Gary Ezzo & Robert Bucknam, MD, On Becoming Babywise

Feed on a parent-set schedule in an eat–wake–sleep cycle, aiming for long nights early.

Find the book
Starts
Birth
Results in
7–9 weeks
Crying
Cry it out
Evidence
Weak

Check with your pediatrician. The AAP has warned that Babywise's scheduled-feeding advice can cause poor weight gain and low milk supply. Check with your pediatrician before limiting feeds.

Overview

On Becoming Babywise, by Gary Ezzo and pediatrician Robert Bucknam, centers on “parent-directed feeding”: feeding about every 2.5 to 3 hours on a schedule rather than purely on hunger cues. Days follow a repeating eat–wake–sleep cycle with a fixed morning wake time and bedtime, and the book aims to phase out night feeds by about 7 to 9 weeks. Some crying at sleep times is expected.

The eat–wake–sleep pattern is widely borrowed by other programs. The feeding schedule is the most criticized part. The American Academy of Pediatrics has warned that following it can lead to dehydration, poor weight gain, failure to thrive and low milk supply.

How it works

  1. 'Parent-directed feeding' (PDF): feed on a schedule (roughly every 2.5–3 hours for newborns) rather than purely on cue.
  2. Eat–wake–sleep cycle.
  3. Fixed wake time and bedtime (often 7–7).
  4. Aim for full feedings; wake baby to eat on schedule.
  5. Phase out night feeds early (book targets ~7–9 weeks); some crying allowed.

Pros

  • Very predictable days
  • The eat-wake-sleep idea is widely borrowed
  • Some families report long night stretches early

Cons

  • The AAP warned its feeding advice could cause dehydration, poor weight gain, failure to thrive, and low milk supply
  • Rigid for breastfeeding

Evidence

Weak. No supporting trials; significant pediatric criticism.

Details

Popularity
#5 of 39 · Very high (estimated)
Since
1993 (33 years)
When to start
From hospital discharge; eat-wake-sleep cycle used through ~6 months
Day structure
Clock-based schedule
Format
Book (series)
Good fit for
Parents who want a highly predictable day and will have their pediatrician monitor feeding and weight gain.

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