The End Of Newborn Feeding Schedules: When And Why

Newborns should be fed on demand, using their cues—such as fussiness, rooting, or sucking motions—to guide how often they should be fed. Most babies naturally develop a feeding pattern of approximately every 2 to 3 hours, although some may require more frequent feedings, particularly during growth spurts. Breast milk is easily digested, so newborns are hungry often. Formula-fed babies can go slightly longer between feedings, as their food is not digested as quickly.

How often newborns should eat

Newborns have tiny bellies and don't need a lot of milk with each feed to feel full. In the first few weeks of life, newborns will feed about 8 to 12 times per day, or every 1 to 3 hours. This frequency helps increase the mother's milk supply and gives newborns practice at sucking and swallowing.

Breastfed newborns will feed more often than formula-fed newborns because breast milk is digested more quickly. In the first few weeks, breastfed newborns will feed 7 to 9 times per 24 hours, whereas formula-fed newborns will feed every 2 to 3 hours.

As newborns grow, they will be able to drink more milk at each feed and the time between feeds will get longer. On average, breastfed newborns will feed about every 2 to 4 hours, but some may feed as often as every hour, or have a longer sleep interval of 4 to 5 hours.

Newborns will display certain behaviours when they are hungry, such as moving their heads from side to side, opening their mouths, sticking out their tongues, placing their hands and fists in their mouths, puckering their lips as if to suck, and nuzzling against their mother's breasts.

It's important to watch for signs that a newborn is full, such as slowing down, spitting out the bottle or unlatching from the breast, closing their mouth, and turning away from the breast or bottle.

How to know if your newborn is hungry

Newborns have unique schedules and feeding patterns, and it is recommended to feed them on demand. In the first few weeks, newborns will nurse about 8 to 12 times per day, and this will gradually decrease as they get older. Here are some signs to look out for to know if your newborn is hungry:

• Rooting around your chest, looking for a nipple
• Sucking their fists or smacking their lips
• Puckering, licking, or making sucking motions with their lips
• Waking up and acting restless
• Moving their head from side to side
• Opening their mouth
• Sticking out their tongue
• Nuzzling against your breast

It's important to watch for these early hunger cues and feed your baby before they start crying, as this is a late sign of hunger and it can be harder to latch a crying baby.

Babies are instinctively in tune with their hunger and will let you know when they're hungry. They will also let you know when they're full, so it's important to pay attention to their cues and let them decide how much they want to eat.

How much newborns should eat

Newborns should be fed on demand, using their cues—such as fussiness, rooting, or sucking motions—to guide how often they should be fed. Most babies naturally develop a feeding pattern of approximately every 2 to 3 hours, although some may require more frequent feedings, particularly during growth spurts.

In the first few days, babies generally only need about 1/2 an ounce to 1 ounce during each feeding. This gradually increases over time. On average, the newborn feeding amount for formula in ounces is around two and a half times the baby's weight in pounds.

Newborns will only take in up to half an ounce of colostrum (early breast milk) at each feeding during the first couple of days after birth. Over the next few days, they'll take in 1 to 2 ounces at each feeding. A couple of weeks after birth, once your mature breast milk comes in, babies will likely take in 2 to 3 ounces at each feeding, working their way up to 4 to 5 ounces by the time they're 2 months old.

As your baby reaches their 1-month milestone, they will need at least 4 ounces per feeding to get the nourishment they require. By the time they are 6 months old, they will be taking around 32 ounces of breast milk or formula per day.

Babies are getting enough to eat if they have about 6 to 8 wet diapers a day, have regular bowel movements, and are alert when awake.

How to feed your newborn

Breastfeeding or Formula?

The first decision you'll need to make is whether to breastfeed or formula feed your newborn. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, and to continue breastfeeding after the introduction of solid foods for the first year of life, and beyond, if desired.

However, breastfeeding isn't always possible or preferred. It requires a big commitment, as newborns feed very frequently, and some mothers may feel tied down. It's important to consider your comfort level and lifestyle when making this decision. In some cases, breastfeeding may not be recommended for medical reasons, so be sure to consult your doctor or pediatrician if you have any questions.

Remember, your baby's nutritional and emotional needs will be met whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breast milk is perfectly designed for a baby's digestive system. It has all the nutrients a newborn needs, and it's easily digested. Breastfeeding also provides antibodies to protect babies from infections and may lower their risk of developing medical problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, and allergies.

Breastfeeding can also be beneficial for mothers. It burns calories, helps nursing moms lose pregnancy weight, and may offer protection from breast and ovarian cancer. It's also cost-effective, requires no preparation, and meets a variety of emotional needs for both moms and babies.

Benefits of Formula Feeding

Commercially prepared infant formula is a nutritious alternative to breast milk. Formula feeding can offer more freedom and flexibility for moms, and it's easier to know how much the baby is consuming. Formula-fed babies may also feed less frequently, as formula is digested more slowly. Formula feeding also makes it easier for other caregivers to feed the baby, and for fathers and family members to bond through feeding.

Newborns feed very frequently, and this is true whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. In the early days, on-demand feeding is essential to meeting their needs. Feed your baby whenever they show hunger cues, such as fussiness, rooting, or sucking motions.

In the first few days, babies generally only need about 1/2 an ounce to 1 ounce during each feeding, gradually increasing over time. Formula-fed babies can take in more during feedings, so they may be able to go longer between feedings, up to 3-4 hours. Breastfed babies, on the other hand, may feed as often as every 1-3 hours.

As your baby grows, the time between feedings will gradually get longer. On average, most exclusively breastfed babies will feed about every 2-4 hours, and newborns should not go more than 4-5 hours without feeding.

Hunger and Fullness Cues

Babies will let you know when they're hungry and when they've had enough. Signs of hunger include moving the head from side to side, opening the mouth, sticking out the tongue, placing hands and fists in the mouth, puckering lips as if to suck, and nuzzling against the mother's breast.

Stop feeding your baby when you notice signs of fullness, such as slowing down, spitting out the bottle or unlatching from the breast, closing the mouth, or turning away from the breast or bottle.

Solid Foods

Solid foods are generally introduced around 6 months of age, but continue to offer breast milk or formula as well, as it remains their most important source of nutrition. Start with 1 or 2 tablespoons of food per day, gradually increasing the amount and variety of solid foods over time.

Nutritional Supplements

Breast milk and formula provide everything your baby needs nutritionally during the first 6 months. The only exception is vitamin D, which should be supplemented for breastfed babies.

Common Concerns

New parents often worry about whether their babies are getting enough to eat. Signs that your baby is getting enough include having about 6-8 wet diapers a day, having regular bowel movements, and being alert when awake. If you're concerned that your baby isn't getting enough, or if they're spitting up or vomiting after feedings, consult your doctor.

How long it takes to breastfeed

The first few weeks of a newborn's life are the most challenging and important for establishing milk supply, especially for first-time mothers. During this time, newborns should be fed on demand, using their cues—such as fussiness, rooting, or sucking motions—to guide how often they should be fed. Newborns may feed as frequently as every 1-3 hours, although some may require more frequent feedings, especially during growth spurts.

Breastfeeding sessions for newborns may last up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts. As babies get older and more skilled at breastfeeding, they may take about 5–10 minutes on each side. The duration of a breastfeeding session depends on various factors, such as the mother's milk supply, the baby's latch, and the baby's feeding style (whether they take their time or gulp the milk down).

By the time a baby is 1–2 months old, they will likely nurse 7–9 times a day. As they get older, they will feed less often and may settle into a more predictable schedule.

It's important to note that newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding, even overnight. This helps ensure they get enough nutrition and stimulates the mother's milk production.

Frequently asked questions