Newborn Not Eating: What's Normal And What's Not?

Feeding a newborn can be a stressful experience for new parents, who often worry about whether their baby is eating enough. It is important to remember that every baby is unique, and their feeding schedule will depend on various factors, such as whether they are being breastfed or formula-fed. Newborns typically eat 8-12 times a day, or every 1.5 to 3.5 hours, with breastfed babies generally eating more frequently than formula-fed babies. It is recommended that newborns are fed on demand, as they know how often they need to be fed, and feeding on a schedule may restrict their access to the full nutrients they need.

Newborns should eat 8-12 times a day

Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they need to eat little and often. During their first month, babies need to eat 8-12 times a day. That's about once every 2-3 hours. Some newborns who are breastfed may eat every 30 to 90 minutes and up to 15 times a day.

If your baby isn't waking up on their own for a feed during the first few weeks, you should wake them to eat on schedule. If you're breastfeeding, your baby will spend about 10 to 20 minutes on your breast. Some may nurse for longer, but make sure they are actually sucking and swallowing the whole time. If you're formula feeding, your baby will drink 1.5 to 3 ounces at each feed.

After about a month, they'll start eating at least 2 ounces at each feed. As breastfed babies get the hang of nursing, they'll get more milk from you, too. You may not notice, though, as they'll do it in less time. Whether you're nursing or bottle-feeding, as your baby keeps growing, so will their appetite.

At 2 months, they may drink 4-5 ounces at each feed, 3-4 hours apart. At 4 months, they may need up to 6 ounces every time. The pediatrician may encourage you to start to introduce solid foods or advise you to wait if you are still exclusively breastfeeding.

By 6 months, some babies drink as much as 8 ounces of breast milk or formula even as they go longer between feedings. Remember, the exact amount your baby drinks will vary from day to day. For instance, they may want to eat more than normal when they are going through a growth spurt. Trust your baby to know how much food they need.

Breast milk or formula is best for newborns

It is normal for newborns to not eat for the first 24 hours of life. After that, newborns should be fed every 1.5 to 3.5 hours, or 8-12 times in 24 hours. Breast milk or formula is best for newborns, as they provide the balance of nutrition, fluid, and electrolytes that they need. Newborns should not be given plain water, juice, or other liquids, and they do not need rice cereal or other solid foods.

Breast milk is recommended by health agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO). Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants and offers several benefits. It is easily digestible, helping to promote the growth of good bacteria in the baby's gut and strengthening their immune system. Breast milk also contains antibodies that can help protect the baby from illness. Additionally, breastfeeding can help new mothers burn extra calories and may promote bonding between mother and child.

However, not all babies are successful with breastfeeding, and not all nursing parents may want or be able to breastfeed. In such cases, formula feeding is a safe and nutritious alternative. Formula-fed babies tend to eat less frequently than breastfed babies, as their tummies digest formula milk slower. Formula milk is designed to provide the essential nutrients that babies need to thrive, and it can be a convenient option for parents. It is important to follow the mixing instructions on the formula package, as diluted or concentrated formula can cause serious problems for the baby.

Whether a newborn is breastfed or formula-fed, it is important to follow their hunger cues and feed on demand. Newborns will show signs of hunger, such as making sucking motions, putting their hands or fingers in their mouths, or turning their head towards you and opening their mouth if you gently stroke their cheek. They may also cry when they are hungry, but this is usually a late sign of hunger. It is crucial to ensure that newborns are getting adequate nutrition, and parents should consult a doctor or lactation consultant if they have any concerns.

Hunger cues include sucking motions and smacking lips

Newborns need to eat very frequently, so it is important to recognise the signs that your baby is hungry. Hunger cues include sucking motions and smacking lips, but there are several other signs to look out for.

Hunger cues

Hungry babies will show signs of hunger before they start to cry. Crying is actually a sign of distress and is usually the last cue that your baby is hungry.

Sucking motions

• Sucking on hands, fingers, clothing, etc.
• Sucking motions when you stroke their cheek (this is called "rooting").
• Continuing to suckle after finishing the first breast or bottle.

Smacking lips

Smacking lips or sucking fists.

Other signs of hunger include:

• Squirming.
• Becoming more alert and active.
• Opening and closing their mouth, puckering lips.
• Moving their head from side to side.
• Waking up and acting restless.
• Head turning to look for the breast.
• Moving their hands to their face.
• Smiling during feeding (older than 4 months).

Newborns should be fed on demand, which is typically 8-12 times per day (every 2-3 hours). Newborns who are breastfed may eat every 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Burp your baby during and after feeding

It is normal for newborns to not eat for the first 24 hours of life. After that, newborns should be fed 8-12 times in 24 hours, or whenever they show signs of hunger, such as squirming, sucking on fingers, or lip-smacking.

Burping your baby is an essential part of the feeding routine. When your baby swallows, air bubbles can become trapped in their stomach and cause discomfort. Burping helps to remove some of that gassiness and prevent spitting up. It also helps to stop your baby from being fussy or cranky.

Try burping your baby every 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 millilitres) during bottle-feeding and each time you switch breasts during breastfeeding. If your baby has gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or seems fussy during feeding, try burping them more regularly—for example, after every ounce of milk during bottle-feeding or every 5 minutes during breastfeeding.

There are three main positions to try when burping your baby:

• Sit upright and hold your baby against your chest with their chin resting on your shoulder. Support your baby with one hand and gently pat their back with the other.
• Hold your baby sitting up on your lap or across your knee. Support their head and chest with one hand and gently pat their back with the other. Be careful not to grip their throat.
• Lay your baby on your lap on their belly with their head higher than their chest. Gently pat their back.

Try different positions to find what is most comfortable for you and your baby. Remember to support your baby's head if they are lying on their belly.

If your baby doesn't burp after a few minutes, change their position and try again for a few more minutes before feeding them again. Always burp your baby when feeding time is over. Keep your baby upright for at least 10 to 15 minutes after feeding to prevent spitting up.

Newborns have six or more wet diapers and four or more soiled diapers each day

Newborns have different nutritional needs from older babies and children. In their first month, babies need to eat 8-12 times each day, or once every 2-3 hours. This is because their tummies are still very small and they digest breast milk quickly. Breastfed babies may feed even more frequently, sometimes every 30 to 90 minutes, and up to 15 times a day.

After a few weeks, the frequency of bowel movements will slow down. Breastfed babies can go a week with just one bowel movement, while formula-fed babies should have at least one a day. If your baby is soiling fewer diapers than usual, this could be a sign that they are not eating enough.

If you are concerned that your newborn is not eating enough, look out for other signs such as preferring to sleep than eat, refusing to latch onto the breast, or being fussy right after feedings. If you are worried, check in with your baby's doctor.

Frequently asked questions