Demand feeding refers to the practice of feeding a baby or an animal when they show signs of hunger, rather than sticking to a strict feeding schedule. The spelling of "demand feeding" is straight-forward, with each word pronounced as its spelling suggests. The IPA transcription for demand is dɪˈmand and for feeding it is ˈfiːdɪŋ. The stress is on the first syllable of each word. The term is widely used in infant feeding and animal care settings.
Demand feeding is a feeding method employed in various contexts, particularly in infants and animals, where food is provided in response to an individual's natural hunger cues and appetite. Typically used in the context of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding infants, demand feeding allows babies to dictate their feeding schedule and quantity based on their own physiological needs. Instead of adhering to a strict feeding routine, the caregiver offers milk when the baby displays signs of hunger, such as rooting, sucking motions, or crying.
In the domain of animal husbandry, demand feeding refers to a method of providing feed to livestock or poultry in a way that allows them to eat whenever they feel hungry. This approach mimics natural feeding patterns, granting animals the freedom to self-regulate their intake based on energy requirements. Unlike scheduled feeding, demand feeding acknowledges that animals have varying needs and appetites, thus helping ensure satisfactory nutrition and overall well-being.
The concept of demand feeding recognizes the importance of individual autonomy and self-regulation, promoting a healthy and natural approach to feeding. It aims to establish a harmonious feeding relationship between caregiver and recipient, taking into account hunger cues, appetite, and nutritional needs. Demand feeding can foster a healthier eating pattern, improved weight control, and satiety, while acknowledging the individual's unique needs and preferences.
The term "demand feeding" is related to the concept of feeding infants on demand, where they are fed whenever they express hunger signals rather than adhering to a strict feeding schedule. "Demand feeding" originated from the combination of the words "demand" and "feeding".
The word "demand" traces back to the Old French word "demander", meaning "to request" or "to ask for". It further evolved from the Latin word "demandare", which combines "de", meaning "down" or "away", and "mandare", meaning "to order" or "to commit".
The word "feeding" is derived from the Old English word "fēdan", which means "to nourish" or "to provide with food". This word shares a common root with similar terms in other Germanic languages such as German "füttern" and Dutch "voeden".