Newborn Feeding: Is It Normal To Eat Every Hour?

Newborns have tiny bellies and don't need a lot of milk to feel full. In the first few days of life, they lose their appetite and sleep a lot. However, it is important to wake them up to feed at least once every three hours. Breastfed babies should be fed on demand, and they may want to eat as often as every 1-3 hours. This is called cluster feeding and is very common and beneficial for the baby's development. Formula-fed newborns, on the other hand, feed about every 2-3 hours.

Newborns may be snacking instead of getting full feedings

If your newborn is never able to go 2 to 3 hours between feedings, they may be snacking. This can lead to poor feedings and constant snacking. It is important to recognize hunger cues and respond to them appropriately. Full feedings are important because they lead to a baby who is content between feedings, help parents respond to hunger needs, allow for active awake time, and provide adequate daytime calories for more consolidated sleep at night.

To help your newborn stop snacking and get full feedings, try the following:

• Know what hunger cues look like
• Help your baby stay awake while feeding
• Try waiting 15-30 minutes before feeding
• If bottle-feeding, consider going up a nipple size if your baby doesn't seem interested in eating more than an ounce or two at a time

It is important to follow hunger cues instead of a rigid clock schedule. Newborns who are getting full feedings are typically content to go about 2-3 hours between feedings. Even if your newborn doesn't seem hungry, it is recommended to offer a feeding at least once every 3 hours during the day.

• Their hands are relaxed and open instead of curled into fists
• If you lift their arm, they allow it to drop heavily instead of pulling it back towards their body
• Your baby is content at the end of a feeding and able to go about 2-3 hours before the next feeding

Hunger cues to look out for

Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they need to feed little and often in their first few days of life. They will show hunger cues, also known as feeding cues, and it's important to feed your baby when they show these signs.

• Moving their mouth and making sucking sounds or motions
• Smacking or licking their lips
• Bringing their hands to their mouth
• Sucking on their fingers or fists
• Clenching their fists
• Rooting (a newborn reflex when babies turn their head towards anything that touches their face and open their mouth, looking for a nipple)
• Moving their head from side to side
• Opening their mouth
• Sticking out their tongue
• Puckering their lips as if to suck
• Nuzzling against the mother's breasts
• Reaching for or pointing to food
• Getting excited when they see food
• Making hand motions or sounds to indicate they are still hungry

Babies will generally take what they need at each feeding and stop eating when they are full. They should seem content and drowsy after feeding when they have had enough milk.

If you are concerned about meeting your baby's needs, talk to a lactation consultant, or your baby's nurse or doctor. They can help you address any breastfeeding problems and determine the best way to meet your baby's needs.

How to establish a good latch

It is normal for newborns to eat frequently, sometimes as often as every hour. This is known as cluster feeding and is a normal and healthy part of a newborn's development. It helps boost the mother's milk supply and gives newborns practice at sucking and swallowing.

A good latch will help the baby get the most milk and prevent sore nipples for the mother. It may take some time and practice for both the mother and baby to get the hang of it. Here are some steps to help establish a good latch:

• Tickle your baby's lips with your nipple to encourage them to open their mouth wide.
• Aim your nipple just above your baby's top lip, ensuring their chin isn't tucked into their chest.
• Guide your baby's lower lip away from the base of your nipple, so their lips are turned outward.
• Your baby should lead into the breast with their chin first and then latch onto your breast. Their tongue should be extended, and your breast should fill their mouth.
• Check that your baby's chest and stomach rest against your body, with their head straight, not turned to the side.
• Listen and look out for signs of swallowing, such as their ears moving slightly.
• If your baby latches just on the tip of your nipple or it hurts, gently put a clean finger in their mouth to break the latch and try again.
• Try to find a quiet, calm place to feed, holding your baby skin-to-skin.
• Allow your baby to lead by supporting their neck, shoulders, and hips with your hands and offering your breast for them to find your nipple.
• If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist.

Remember, every baby is different, and it's important to follow your baby's hunger cues and feed on demand.

How to know if your newborn is full

It is normal for newborns to eat every hour, especially during growth spurts. This is called cluster feeding, which is common in the first three to four months of a newborn's life. During this time, newborns typically nurse every two to three hours.

• They turn their head away from the breast or bottle.
• They close their mouth.
• They show no interest if offered more milk.
• Their hands are relaxed and open.
• They are relaxed and content after a feed.
• They start to play or become easily distracted or disinterested in feeding.
• They start to cry shortly after feeding starts.
• They relax their fingers, arms, and/or legs.
• They start to fall asleep.

It is important to trust that your baby knows how much they need. Their hunger can change from day to day and feeding to feeding, so make sure to follow their lead.

How to increase your milk supply

It is normal for newborns to eat very frequently, often as much as every 30 minutes to an hour, in a behaviour known as cluster feeding. This can be exhausting, but it is important to remember that it is a normal and healthy part of a baby's development. Cluster feeding helps boost your milk supply and gives your baby practice at sucking and swallowing.

• Feed your baby frequently, at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, or every 2 to 3 hours. Feeding more than 12 times a day may increase your supply.
• Nurse your baby at each breast for at least 15 minutes, but do not limit nursing time. If your baby falls asleep after one breast, wake them and offer the other breast.
• Pump your milk after breastfeeding. Pumping after nursing signals to your body to produce more milk.
• Make sure your baby is latched correctly. A poor latch can tire your baby out, causing them to fall asleep before they are full.
• Massage your breasts before and during feedings. Breast compression during feedings helps drain the breast.
• Get plenty of rest. Exhaustion may lead to a decrease in milk supply.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes high-protein foods.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Reduce your stress levels. Stress can interfere with your let-down reflex, making it harder for your baby to get the milk they need.
• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and herbal remedies without consulting your doctor first.

Frequently asked questions