
Newborns have very different needs when it comes to feeding, and it's important to know how much and how often to feed your baby. In the first month, newborns typically need about a few ounces of milk or formula every three to four hours. This is called on-demand feeding, and it's important to feed your baby whenever they seem hungry. The amount of milk or formula they consume will increase as they grow, and by the time they are one month old, they should be eating around 4 ounces every four hours.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
How often should newborns be fed? | Whenever they seem hungry (on-demand feeding) |
How much should newborns be fed? | 1-2 ounces every 2-3 hours in the first few weeks |
How much should newborns be fed? (continued) | 2-3 ounces every 3-4 hours after the first few weeks |
How much should newborns be fed? (continued) | 2.5 ounces for every pound they weigh |
How can you tell if your baby is hungry? | Moving their heads from side to side, opening their mouths, sticking out their tongues, placing their hands, fingers, and fists in their mouths, puckering their lips as if to suck, nuzzling against their mother's breasts, showing the rooting reflex |
How can you tell if your baby is full? | Sucking with less enthusiasm, stopping, or turning away from the bottle |
How can you tell if your baby is getting enough food? | Wetting their diaper 2-3 times per day in the first few days, then 5-6 times a day after 4-5 days |
What You'll Learn
How much breast milk a newborn needs
Breast milk or formula should be the primary source of nutrition for newborns. In the first few days after birth, newborns will only take in up to half an ounce of colostrum (early breast milk) at each feeding. Over the next few days, they will take in 1 to 2 ounces at each feeding.
After the first couple of weeks, once a mother's mature breast milk comes in, the baby will likely take in 2 to 3 ounces at each feeding, working their way up to 4 to 5 ounces by the time they are 2 months old. To gauge roughly how much milk a baby needs, you can multiply their weight by two and a half. For example, an 8-pound baby should be eating about 20 ounces a day.
Newborns should be fed when they seem hungry, which is very often—as much as every two to three hours, including overnight. By two months, babies will feed every three to four hours, and by 6 months old, the time between feedings stretches to every four to five hours.
It's important to keep in mind that all babies are unique, with different feeding preferences. Some may like to feed more often and take in less milk, while others may feed less frequently but take in more milk.
It can be difficult to measure how much breast milk a baby is consuming when nursing directly from the breast. Instead, you can try gauging their intake by watching their output. You can tell your baby is eating enough if they wet their diaper two to three times per day in the first few days, and then five to six times a day after they're 4 or 5 days old.
Alternate breasts to feed on, and allow the infant to completely empty the breast before switching to the other. This practice ensures the infant receives hindmilk, which is richer in nutrients.
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How much formula a newborn needs
Newborns have very different needs when it comes to feeding, and it's important to be aware of how much formula they require to ensure they are getting the right amount of nutrients.
In the first few weeks of life, a newborn will drink on average 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 millilitres) of formula every 2 to 3 hours. This is a very small amount, but it's important to remember that their stomachs are tiny and they will feed very frequently. As a guide, you can calculate how much formula your newborn needs by multiplying their weight in pounds by 2.5. So, for example, a 10-pound baby should be drinking 25 ounces per day.
Newborns should be fed on demand, which means whenever they seem hungry. This is called on-demand feeding and is the best way to ensure your baby is getting enough to eat. In the first few days of life, a newborn will feed about every 2 to 3 hours. As they grow, their stomachs will be able to hold more milk, and they will start to feed every 3 to 4 hours. By the time they are 6 months old, they will be feeding about 4 to 5 times a day.
How to Tell if Your Newborn is Hungry
There are several signs that your baby is hungry and needs to be fed. These include moving their head from side to side, opening their mouth, sticking out their tongue, placing their hands or fists in their mouth, and puckering their lips as if to suck. It's important to feed your baby before they get upset and cry, as this is a late sign of hunger.
How to Tell if Your Newborn is Full
It's also important to know when your baby has had enough to eat. A baby who is full may suck less enthusiastically, stop sucking altogether, or turn away from the bottle.
When to Introduce Solid Foods
Introducing solid foods should only be done when your baby is around 4 to 6 months old, and this should be done in consultation with your healthcare provider. Breast milk or formula should be their primary source of nutrition for the first year of life.
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How to tell if your newborn is hungry
Newborns typically feed every two to four hours, and it's important to feed them on demand. Crying is usually a late sign of hunger, so here are some other signs to look out for:
- Increased alertness and activity
- Turning their head to the side, as if looking for food
- Opening and closing their mouth
- Turning their head toward the breast or chest, or a bottle
- Making sucking motions with their mouth
- Smacking their lips, drooling, or sticking out their tongue
- Sucking on their fingers, hands, or clothing
- Clenching their fists
- Staring at you and following you with their eyes
- Brow furrowing, indicating distress
- Making the sound "neh!"
Babies will also give you signs when they are full. These include:
- Pushing away the breast or bottle
- Closing their mouth and not responding to encouragement to latch on or suck again
- Open and relaxed hands (instead of clenched)
- Relaxing their body and going limp
- Looking around and showing interest in other things
- Appearing content and maybe even smiling
- Happily becoming drowsy and ready to sleep
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How often a newborn needs to feed
Newborns have small stomachs, so they need to feed often—usually every two to three hours in the first month of life. This includes overnight feedings. In the first few weeks, newborns drink colostrum, a concentrated superfood full of calories and nutrients. They will only take in up to half an ounce of colostrum at each feeding during the first couple of days after birth. Over the next few days, they'll take in one to two ounces at each feeding.
After the first few days of life, most healthy formula-fed newborns will feed about every two to three hours. As they get bigger, they will be able to take more milk and will usually eat about every three to four hours. As babies get older, they'll settle into a more predictable feeding routine and go longer stretches at night without needing a bottle.
By the time a baby is one month old, they should be eating around four ounces every four hours. At two months, they will feed every three to four hours, taking in four to five ounces at each feeding. By six months, the time between feedings stretches to every four to five hours, and they will take in six to eight ounces at each feeding.
Breastfed babies will usually eat every two to three hours. It's recommended that parents feed on demand and watch for hunger cues. These include rooting, licking their lips, bringing their hand to their mouth, wanting to suck, and fussiness.
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How to know if your newborn is getting enough
It can be challenging to determine whether your newborn is getting enough breast milk or formula, especially if you are breastfeeding, as it is impossible to see how much they are drinking. However, there are some tell-tale signs that your baby is getting enough food and staying properly hydrated.
Diaper Changes
One of the most common ways to determine if your baby is getting enough milk is by monitoring their diaper changes. In the first few days after birth, your baby may only wet one or two diapers per day. However, after the first week, their urine output should increase to five to six wet cloth diapers or five to six disposable diapers per day. Their urine should also be pale yellow in colour.
Additionally, the number of bowel movements can vary depending on whether your baby is breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed newborns should have at least five dirty diapers within 24 hours, while formula-fed newborns should have at least four.
Weight Gain
Another indicator that your baby is getting enough nourishment is their weight gain. On average, newborns gain 4 to 7 ounces per week until their sixth month, and 3 to 5 ounces from 6 to 18 months. By the time they are 5 months old, they should have doubled their birth weight, and by their first birthday, they should have tripled it.
Your baby's doctor will regularly weigh them and track their growth on a growth chart to ensure they are gaining weight at a healthy rate.
Feeding Behaviour
Newborns should be fed on demand when they are hungry and will generally let you know when they have had enough. In the early days, newborns may nurse every 30 to 90 minutes, up to 15 times a day. As they get older, they will feed every two to three hours, or eight to twelve times a day.
If your baby is formula-fed, they will likely take in 1.5 to 3 ounces at each feeding in the first month, increasing to 4 to 5 ounces at each feeding by the time they are two months old.
Breastfed babies will spend about 10 to 20 minutes on each breast, while formula-fed babies will take about 10 to 20 minutes per feeding, depending on the amount of milk in the bottle.
Overall Well-Being
A baby that is eating well will generally be alert, active, and content between feedings. If your baby is not getting enough to eat, they may continue to show signs of hunger, such as crying, fussing, or sucking on their fingers, even after a full feeding.
Additionally, if your baby is not getting enough milk, they may experience stomach pains, gas, or spit up after meals.
When to Seek Help
If you are concerned that your baby is not getting enough to eat or is not gaining weight properly, it is important to consult your paediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can help you determine if there are any underlying issues, such as latching problems or milk production, and provide guidance on a healthy feeding plan for your baby.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, a healthy newborn will drink about half an ounce of colostrum (early breast milk) in the first 24 hours of life.
In the first week, newborns will take in up to half an ounce of colostrum at each feeding, increasing to 1-2 ounces at each feed by the end of the first week.
By the time a baby is one month old, they will be drinking 4 ounces of milk every 4 hours.
A two-month-old baby will usually drink 4-5 ounces every 3-4 hours.
Your baby will show signs of being full by showing less interest in the milk and pulling away. If you're concerned about overfeeding, look out for your baby spitting up a lot with every feed and speak to your pediatrician.