Feeding Schedules: Newborn Nutrition And Development

Newborns have very different feeding patterns from older babies and children. In the first few days, they only need about 1/2 an ounce to 1 ounce during each feeding. This gradually increases over time. In the first month, newborns should be fed 8-12 times per day, or every 1.5 to 3 hours. This is called feeding on demand or responsive feeding, and it's important for stimulating milk production in the first few weeks. After the first month, babies will probably nurse 7-9 times a day. Newborns should not go more than 4 hours without feeding, even overnight.

Newborns should not go more than 4 hours without feeding

Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they need to feed frequently. In the first few days of life, a newborn's stomach is about the size of a marble and can only hold a teaspoon or two of liquid at a time. As a result, newborns need to be fed about 8–12 times per day for the first month. This equates to about every 1.5 to 3 hours.

Newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding, even overnight. This is true for both breastfed and formula-fed babies. 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 a baby is 1–2 months old, they will probably nurse 7–9 times a day. As newborns get older, they will nurse less often and may have a more predictable schedule. For example, at 3 months, a baby may feed 6–8 times in 24 hours, and at 6 months, they will probably feed around 6 times per day.

It's important to remember that every baby is different. Some may eat more at a time and may not feel hungry for many hours, while others may eat less at a time and need to feed more frequently. As a baby grows, their stomach capacity increases, and they will go longer between feedings.

Feed on demand in the first month

In the first month, it is recommended to feed newborns on demand, using their cues—such as fussiness, rooting, or sucking motions—to guide how often they should be fed. This is called responsive feeding or feeding on demand. Responsive feeding is essential to meeting your newborn's needs.

Newborns should breastfeed 8–12 times per day for about the first month. Breast milk is easily digested, so newborns are hungry often. Frequent feedings also help stimulate your milk production during the first few weeks.

In the first few weeks of life, breastfeeding should be "on demand" (when your baby is hungry), which is about every 1.5 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 is not gaining weight normally, don't wait for them to wake up and signal for food. Wake them up and make them breastfeed or give them a bottle. Ask your pediatrician if you have concerns.

It's important to remember that every baby is different. Some may eat or breastfeed more at a time and may not feel hungry for many hours. Others may eat less at a time and need frequent feeds. As a general rule, however, a newborn baby must not go hungry for more than 4 hours at a time. This is true for nighttime as well.

Consult a doctor if your newborn is not gaining weight

Newborns should be fed every 2 to 3 hours in their first few weeks of life. However, if your newborn is not gaining weight, it is important to consult a doctor.

A baby's weight gain can be influenced by various factors, such as their calorie intake, absorption, and expenditure. If your newborn is not gaining weight as expected, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

• Not taking in enough calories: Newborns may be too sleepy to feed or may have difficulty latching onto the breast or bottle, resulting in insufficient calorie intake.
• Not absorbing calories: Conditions such as reflux, food allergies, or sensitivities can cause the baby to spit up their food and affect their ability to absorb nutrients.
• Burning too many calories: Premature babies, breathing difficulties, and heart disease can cause a baby to expend more calories than they consume.

If you notice that your newborn is not gaining weight, it is important to consult a doctor or a certified lactation consultant. They can assess your baby's weight gain, feeding habits, and overall health to determine the underlying cause.

During your consultation, the doctor will likely perform a physical examination of your baby and ask questions about their feeding habits, growth rate, and development. They may also recommend blood, urine, or other tests to identify any potential health issues.

In some cases, the doctor may refer your baby to a specialist, such as a pediatric gastroenterologist, a dietitian, or a feeding specialist, for further evaluation and treatment. It is important to follow the doctor's recommendations and seek early intervention to ensure your baby receives proper nutrition for their growth and development.

Hunger cues include sticking out the tongue and rooting

Newborns have a natural reflex to root around for food, and this is a sign that they are hungry and want to suckle. This is known as the rooting reflex. Rooting is when a newborn turns their head from side to side, searching for a nipple to suckle on. They might also stick their tongue out as a hunger cue.

Sticking out the tongue is a common behaviour that parents often find amusing and perplexing. Here are some reasons why newborns stick out their tongues:

• Exploring their senses: Newborns are curious, and sticking out their tongues helps them explore the world around them. The tongue is very sensitive, aiding in the discovery of different textures and sensations.
• Developing motor skills: Sticking out the tongue is part of refining motor skills and experimenting with facial muscle movement and coordination. This contributes to the development of essential skills like speech articulation and hand-eye coordination.
• Mimicking facial expressions: Babies are adept at imitating facial expressions, and sticking out their tongue may be their way of copying the faces they see. This is crucial for social and emotional development and fostering a sense of connection with caregivers.
• Teething: The discomfort of emerging teeth can lead to various oral behaviours, including tongue protrusion. Sticking out the tongue can provide relief by applying gentle pressure on the gums and creating space for increased airflow.
• Taste and texture exploration: Sticking out the tongue is a way for babies to explore different tastes and textures, especially during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. This early exploration sets the foundation for a diverse palate as they grow.

While sticking out the tongue is usually normal, persistent tongue protrusion could indicate an underlying issue such as tongue-tie. If you notice challenges with breastfeeding or other oral activities, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Now, onto the question of when to stop feeding your newborn every three hours. Newborns should be fed on demand, which is usually every 1.5 to 3 hours in the first few weeks of life. This frequent feeding helps stimulate milk production for breastfeeding mothers. Newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding, even overnight.

By the time your baby is 1-2 months old, they will probably nurse 7-9 times a day. As they get older, they will nurse less often and may settle into a more predictable schedule. For example, a 3-month-old baby typically feeds 6-8 times in 24 hours, while a 6-month-old baby will feed around 6 times a day.

It's important to remember that every baby is unique, and their feeding schedules and hunger cues may vary. Some babies will feed more frequently during growth spurts, which typically occur around 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of age. Additionally, some babies will cluster feed, meaning they'll feed more frequently during certain periods and less at other times.

If you're ever unsure or have concerns about your baby's feeding habits, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional, such as your paediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can provide guidance and advice tailored to your baby's specific needs.

Solid foods can be introduced at 6 months

Newborn babies should be breastfed 8–12 times per day for about the first month. 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. After the first month, babies 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 1.5 to 3 hours. As newborns get older, they'll nurse less often and may have a more predictable schedule. However, newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding, even overnight.

• Sitting up alone or with support
• Controlling their head and neck
• Opening their mouth when you offer food
• Swallowing food rather than pushing it back out onto their chin
• Bringing objects to their mouth
• Trying to grasp small objects, such as toys or food
• Transferring food from the front to the back of their tongue to swallow

When introducing solid foods, let your child try one single-ingredient food at a time, waiting 3 to 5 days between each new food. This helps you see if your child has any problems, such as food allergies. Your child will soon be eating and enjoying many new foods.

Introduce potentially allergenic foods when you introduce other foods. These include cow's milk products, tree nuts and peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Drinking cow's milk or fortified soy beverages is not recommended until your child is older than 12 months. Other cow's milk products, such as yogurt, can be introduced before 12 months. If your child has severe eczema or an egg allergy, talk with your child's doctor or nurse about when and how to safely introduce foods containing peanuts.

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