Feeding Newborns: Frequency And Duration For Healthy Growth

Newborns have very different feeding needs compared to older babies and toddlers. In the first few days of life, a newborn will only need about 1/2 an ounce to 1 ounce of milk during each feeding. This gradually increases over time, and by the time a baby reaches one month old, they will need at least 4 ounces per feeding. Newborns should be fed on demand, and most will naturally develop a feeding pattern of approximately every 2-3 hours. Breastfed newborns should be fed 8-12 times per day for the first month, whereas formula-fed newborns will feed about every 2-3 hours.

Feeding newborns on demand

Newborns should be fed on demand, which means feeding them whenever they seem hungry. This is also known as responsive feeding or baby-led feeding. In the first few days, newborns may want to feed very often, perhaps every hour or two. As they get older, they will slowly start to nurse less often and fall into a more predictable pattern.

Newborns and young babies will display certain cues to indicate that they are hungry. These may include:

• Sucking on their hands or fingers
• Opening their mouth, sticking out their tongue, or puckering their lips
• Leaning towards your breast or a bottle
• Moving their head from side to side
• Placing their hands, fingers, and fists to their mouths
• Showing the rooting reflex (when a baby moves its mouth in the direction of something that's stroking or touching its cheek)

It is best to feed your baby when you notice these early feeding cues, as it can be hard to calm a baby down once they start crying. Crying is a late sign of hunger, and it may not always be because your baby is hungry.

In the first month, newborns should be fed eight to twelve times a day. When your child gets to be 4 to 8 weeks old, they will probably start nursing seven to nine times a day. Newborns should not go more than about four hours without feeding, even overnight.

How often newborns should be fed

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 month, newborns should breastfeed 8–12 times per day. This is because breast milk is easily digested, so newborns are hungry often. Frequent feedings also help stimulate milk production during the first few weeks.

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 your baby is hungry), which is about every 1-1/2 to 3 hours. As newborns get older, they'll nurse less often and may have a more predictable schedule. Some might feed every 90 minutes, whereas others might go 2–3 hours between feedings.

Newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding, even overnight. If your baby does not wake up to feed in the middle of the night, you should wake them. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waking newborns to eat after 4–5 hours of sleep in the first few weeks after birth.

Formula-fed newborns or babies fed from bottles are able to take in more during feeding than breastfed infants. This allows you to space out feedings by about three to four hours. By the one-month milestone, newborns will need at least 4 ounces per feeding to get the nourishment they require.

How long newborns should be fed for

Newborns should be fed on demand, which is usually every 1.5 to 3 hours, or whenever they seem hungry. In the first few days after birth, newborns may only want a small amount of milk at each feed—this is called colostrum and is the first milk produced by the mother. After the first few days, newborns will start to have fewer but longer feeds as the mother starts to produce more mature milk.

Newborns should feed eight to twelve times a day for the first month, and seven to nine times a day when they are between one and two months old. This amounts to approximately 15–30 minutes of feeding every 1.5–3 hours. Newborns should not go more than about four hours without feeding, even overnight.

Breast milk is easily digested, so newborns will be hungry more often than babies who are formula-fed. Formula-fed babies will usually feed every 2–3 hours at first, and then every 3–4 hours as they get bigger and their stomachs can hold more milk.

Responsive feeding, or feeding on demand, is recommended for the first few months. This means feeding your baby whenever they are hungry, when your breasts feel full, or if you just want to have a cuddle. Responsive feeding can also be referred to as baby-led feeding.

How to tell if your baby is hungry

Newborns should be fed on demand, which means whenever they seem hungry. In the first few days, this could be as often as every hour. As they get older, they will feed less often and fall into a more predictable pattern.

• Sucking on their hands or fingers
• Opening their mouth, sticking out their tongue, or puckering their lips
• Moving their head from side to side
• Making murmuring sounds
• Turning their head and opening their mouth (rooting)
• Leaning towards your breast or a bottle
• Nuzzling against your breasts
• Showing the rooting reflex (when a baby moves its mouth in the direction of something that's stroking or touching its cheek)

It's best to try and feed your baby when you notice these early feeding cues, as it can be hard to calm a crying baby down. Crying is a late sign of hunger, and it's important to remember that your baby may be crying for other reasons, such as tiredness, discomfort, or pain.

How to know if your baby is getting enough food

Monitor the frequency and duration of feeds

Newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours, but this can be as frequent as every 30-90 minutes, and up to 15 times a day. This frequency can increase during growth spurts. Keep track of your baby's feeding schedule to ensure they're nursing or bottle-feeding regularly.

Breastfeeding babies tend to spend 10-20 minutes on each breast, and you can expect your breasts to feel softer and less full after nursing. Bottle-fed babies should finish a bottle without appearing disinterested or frustrated.

Track their weight and developmental milestones

A steady increase in weight is a positive sign that your newborn is receiving the food they require. At check-ups, your paediatrician will monitor your baby's weight and growth pattern. They will also check developmental milestones, such as gaining head control and tracking objects with their eyes.

Monitor the frequency of diaper changes

A good indicator of hydration is the number of wet diapers your baby needs. Expect at least 6-8 wet diapers a day. Call your doctor if you notice a change in urine colour or frequency, as dark urine or orange crystals in the diaper, along with fewer wet diapers, could indicate dehydration.

Check their stool

Newborns typically have soft, yellowish stools. While the frequency can change, consistency is key. Normal stools and the passing of gas usually signal that your baby is digesting their food properly.

Assess your newborn's comfort level

A well-fed baby is content and appears relaxed after nursing or bottle-feeding. Fussiness or crying may indicate hunger, while a settled demeanour post-feeding is a positive sign. A well-nourished newborn is generally more alert and responsive when awake, exhibiting curiosity and engaging with their surroundings.

Check their breastfeeding latch or bottle-feeding techniques

For breastfeeding babies, a comfortable and effective latch is crucial. If your baby is latching well, they're likely getting enough milk. When bottle-feeding, your baby should suck rhythmically, and the nipple should be filled with milk. If your baby is actively sucking and swallowing, it's likely a sign of adequate intake.

Frequently asked questions