
Feeding a newborn can be a daunting task, especially for new parents. In the first few days, it is important to feed the baby whenever they seem hungry, which is called on-demand feeding. This can be as frequent as every hour or every two hours. Breast milk is easily digested, so newborns tend to be hungry often. Responsive feeding, or feeding whenever the baby is hungry, helps stimulate milk production in the first few weeks.
As the baby grows, the frequency of feeding reduces to about 7-9 times a day. Newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding, even overnight.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
How often to feed a newborn | 8–12 times per day for the first month |
7–9 times a day when the baby is 1–2 months old | |
On demand, which is about every 1.5–3 hours | |
Newborns should not go more than 4 hours without feeding, even overnight | |
How long does nursing take? | Up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts |
5–10 minutes on each side as babies get older | |
How to count the time between feedings | Count the length of time from when the baby begins to nurse |
How to know if the baby is hungry | Sucking their fist or fingers |
Making murmuring sounds | |
Turning their head and opening their mouth (rooting) | |
Leaning toward your breast or a bottle | |
Opening their mouth, sticking out their tongue, or puckering their lips | |
Moving their heads from side to side | |
Nuzzling against their mothers' breasts |
Breastfeeding frequency
Breastfeeding should be initiated within the first hour after birth, if possible. Skin-to-skin contact between the mother and baby is important as it helps to regulate the baby's body temperature and encourages breastfeeding. During the first 24 hours, newborns who nurse eight or more times and do not receive any supplements will urinate (pee) an average of about three times and have a bowel movement (poop) an average of about three to four times.
In the first few days, it is important to aim to nurse 8 to 12 times (or even more) in 24 hours – both day and night – to stimulate milk production, help the baby regain weight, and protect the baby against jaundice. This frequency of nursing is recommended by various organisations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics in the US, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the UK.
By the time your baby is 1–2 months old, they will probably nurse 7–9 times a day. In the first few weeks of life, breastfeeding should be "on demand" (when the baby is hungry), which is about every 1-1/2 to 3 hours. As newborns get older, they will nurse less often and may have a more predictable schedule. Some might feed every 90 minutes, while others might go 2–3 hours between feedings. Newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding, even overnight.
The first week of breastfeeding is intense and can be more intense than new mothers imagine. The baby may feed every two hours, day and night, for between half an hour to an hour at a time. This frequent feeding helps initiate and build the mother's milk supply.
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Formula feeding
Newborns and young babies should be fed whenever they seem hungry. This is called on-demand feeding. After the first few days of life, most healthy formula-fed newborns feed about every 2–4 hours. As they get bigger and their stomachs can hold more milk, they usually eat about every 3–4 hours. As babies get older, they’ll settle into a more predictable feeding routine and go longer stretches at night without needing a bottle.
Here's a general idea of how much your baby may be eating at different ages:
- On average, a newborn drinks about 1.5–3 ounces (45–90 milliliters) every 2–3 hours. This amount increases as your baby grows and can take more at each feeding.
- At about 2 months, your baby may drink about 3-6 ounces (120–180 milliliters) every 3–4 hours.
- At 4 months, your baby may drink about 4–6 ounces (120–180 milliliters) at each feeding, depending on how often they eat.
- By 6 months, your baby may drink 6–8 ounces (180–230 milliliters) about 4–5 times a day.
Choosing Formula
Talk with your baby's healthcare provider about what formula is best for your baby. Although there are many types of formula, most babies do well with one that is cow-milk based. Unless your baby's healthcare provider advises against it, choose a formula that is iron-fortified to prevent iron deficiency, which can slow development.
Preparing Formula
Once made up, all formula must be refrigerated. Formula should be thrown out after 24 hours if it has not been used. Check the expiration date on the container and do not use it if the formula is past this date. It is important that you follow the mixing instructions on the can. Your baby can get sick if you use too much or too little water.
Heat water to a full (rolling) boil for at least one minute. Pour the water into a clean container, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator. Use the water within three days (72 hours) of mixing formula.
Most babies prefer to have their formula warmed to body temperature. Some older babies will take a bottle straight from the refrigerator. To warm the mixed formula in a bottle, place it in a pan of warm water or use a bottle warmer. Never heat mixed formula in the microwave as this destroys nutrients and can cause hot spots that could burn your baby's mouth or throat.
Be sure to test the temperature of the formula before giving it to your baby. Squirt a few drops of formula on the inside of your wrist. The temperature should be comfortably warm, not hot. Throw away mixed formula that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than 30 minutes.
Feeding Your Baby
Feed your baby when they show signs that they are hungry. Try to feed your baby before they cry, as crying is a late sign of hunger. Look for the following signs that your baby is hungry:
- Starting to get restless
- Turning their head and opening their mouth (rooting)
- Finding something to suck on, usually their fist or fingers
Alternate the side you feed your baby on so that they are not always looking in the same direction. This will promote balanced development of their vision and neck muscles.
How to Know if Your Baby is Getting Enough Formula
Your baby's weight gain and the number of wet and dirty nappies will tell you whether your baby is getting enough formula. Your baby should have around 6 wet nappies a day from a few days after birth. Nappies should be wet with clear or pale yellow urine, or feel heavy.
When to Seek Advice
Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about feeding your baby, especially if your baby is very small, is not gaining weight, or was born prematurely.
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Hunger cues
It's important to feed your baby whenever they are hungry. Crying is usually a late indicator of hunger, so it's a good idea to try and feed your baby when you notice their early hunger cues. This will make breastfeeding easier for both you and your baby.
Common Hunger Cues
- Sucking on hands, fingers, clothing, or lips
- Smacking or licking lips
- Opening and closing mouth
- Rooting around on the chest of whoever is carrying them
- Trying to position for nursing, either by lying back or pulling on your clothes
- Fidgeting or squirming around a lot
- Hitting you on the arm or chest repeatedly
- Fussiness or fast breathing
- Moving head frantically from side to side
Late Hunger Cues
If your baby has gotten to the late hunger cues phase, you should try to calm them before attempting to nurse or bottle-feed them.
- Crying
- Fussing
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Responsive feeding
- Verbally responding to the child in a loving and stimulating way
- Making eye contact
- Not forcing the child to eat
- Offering repeated exposure to new foods
- Encouraging self-feeding and self-regulation
- Adapting food consistency and texture to the child's developmental stage
- Establishing feeding routines
It is important for parents to recognise their baby's hunger cues, which may include:
- Putting their hands in or near their mouth
- Making sucking noises
- Putting their hands on their belly
- Increased activity, moving their hands and feet
- Crying (a late sign)
Parents should respond warmly and promptly to these signs and allow the baby to stop eating once they are full. Signs of fullness may include:
- Stopping and starting feeding frequently
- Spitting out or ignoring the bottle or breast
- Unlatching from the breast
- Turning their head away
- Slowing down or falling asleep
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Growth spurts
Signs of a Growth Spurt
- Increased hunger: Babies may want to eat nonstop, as often as every hour or two, or even every 30 minutes.
- Frequent night wakings: Babies may wake up for a midnight snack and continue to do so every few hours.
- Increased fussiness: Babies may be crankier than usual and cry a lot.
Dealing with Growth Spurts
- Feed your baby more: Ensure your baby gets the nourishment they need for their growth. If you're breastfeeding, nurse more often to stimulate milk production. If formula feeding, give your baby a little more at each feeding or feed more often.
- Help your baby sleep: Create a good sleeping environment by keeping the lights low and sticking to a bedtime routine.
- Soothe your baby: If you've ruled out other causes, try soothing your baby by rocking or cuddling them, or try talking, playing, or walking with them.
- Take care of yourself: Breastfeeding during a growth spurt can be exhausting, so remember to rest, sleep, and eat. You may also feel thirstier and hungrier as your body makes more milk.
- First few days at home
- Around 7-10 days
- 2-3 weeks
- 4-6 weeks
- 3 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
However, it's important to remember that every baby is different, and growth spurts may occur outside of these timeframes.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborn babies should be fed eight to twelve times per day in the first month. This is because breast milk is easily digested, so newborns are hungry often. Feeding frequently also helps to stimulate milk production.
When your baby is 1-2 months old, they will probably nurse seven to nine times a day.
There are several signs that indicate your baby is hungry. These include moving their head from side to side, opening their mouth, sticking out their tongue, placing their hands and fists in their mouth, and puckering their lips as if to suck.