Bringing home a newborn is an incredible experience filled with joy, wonder, and a steep learning curve. One of the most common questions new parents ask is, “How often should I feed my baby?” This article is designed to help you navigate the world of newborn feeding, providing clear and reliable information based on expert recommendations.
Understanding Your Baby’s Needs
It’s important to remember that every baby is unique, and their feeding needs will vary. While general guidelines provide a helpful framework, the best approach is to follow your baby’s cues. This means feeding them when they show signs of hunger, also known as feeding on demand or responsive feeding.
Early Days: Frequent Feedings are Key
During the first few days, a newborn’s stomach is incredibly tiny, about the size of an egg. This means they need frequent, small feedings to get the nourishment they need. Your baby may want to eat every 1 to 3 hours, which helps establish your milk supply and allows them to practice sucking and swallowing.
Don’t Be Afraid to Wake a Sleepy Newborn
While some newborns are eager eaters, others may be sleepy and not show much interest in feeding. It’s crucial to wake your baby every 2 to 4 hours to ensure they’re getting enough nutrition to grow.
Hunger Cues: Learning Your Baby’s Language
Babies communicate their needs through various cues, and it’s essential to learn their unique hunger signals. While crying is a common sign of hunger, it’s often a late indicator. Look for these earlier cues:
- Licking lips
- Sticking out their tongue
- Rooting (moving their jaw, mouth, or head in search of the breast)
- Repeatedly bringing their hand to their mouth
- Opening their mouth
- Fussiness
- Sucking on everything around them
First Weeks and Months: Establishing a Rhythm
As your baby grows, so does their stomach capacity, allowing them to drink more at each feeding and gradually space out feedings. On average, most exclusively breastfed babies will feed every 2 to 4 hours. However, some babies may still feed as often as every hour (cluster feeding) or sleep for longer stretches of 4 to 5 hours.
Breastfed vs. Formula-Fed: General Guidelines
While every baby is different, general guidelines can help you understand how much and how often to feed your little one. Breastfed newborns typically nurse every 2 hours, aiming for 10-12 nursing sessions in a 24-hour period. They may start by taking about 1 ounce per feeding, gradually increasing this amount as they grow.
Formula-fed newborns, on the other hand, usually eat every 2-3 hours, with a minimum of 8 feedings in a 24-hour period2. Initially, they may only drink half an ounce per feeding for the first day or two, but this quickly increases to 1-2 ounces per feeding. As they grow, formula-fed babies will consume more at each feeding and go longer between feedings. By the end of the first month, they’ll likely drink at least 3-4 ounces every 3-4 hours, and by six months old, they may take 6-8 ounces at each of their 4-5 daily feedings.
Remember that these are general guidelines, and it’s crucial to follow your baby’s hunger cues and consult with your pediatrician to determine the best feeding schedule for your little one.
Feeding From Birth to Two Weeks: A Detailed Look
During the first two weeks, newborns often engage in cluster feeding, nursing frequently and consuming small amounts of milk at a time. This can happen both day and night, with feedings as frequent as every two hours.
| Age | Average Breastfeeding Patterns | Average Formula Feeding Patterns |
| 0 – 6 Days | On-demand; at least 8-12 feedings in 24 hours | On-demand; may look like 1-2 ounces 8 times daily |
| 1 Week | On-demand; cluster feeding is likely; at least 8-12 feedings every 24 hours | On-demand; may look like 1.5-3 ounces 8 times daily |
| 2 Weeks | On-demand; cluster feeding is likely; at least 8-12 feedings every 24 hours | On-demand; may look like 2-3 ounces 8 times daily |
6 Tips for Feeding Success
- Expect Round-the-Clock Feedings: Be prepared for frequent feedings, approximately every 2-3 hours.13
- Adjusting Milk Supply: If you’re breastfeeding or pumping, frequent feeding or pumping sessions help build your milk supply. Pumping after each feeding can be particularly beneficial.13
- Embrace Cluster Feeding: Don’t be surprised by periods of shorter, more frequent feedings. It’s a normal way for babies to get the nourishment they need.13
- Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle close at hand, especially if you’re breastfeeding, to ensure adequate milk production.14
- Nourish Yourself: Don’t forget to eat regularly and choose healthy options to maintain your energy levels. Keep easy-to-eat snacks nearby.14
- Monitor Wet Diapers: After the first few days, a baby should have at least 5-6 wet diapers a day. If you notice fewer wet diapers, consult your pediatrician.
Night Feedings: A Necessary Part of Newborn Life
Frequent nighttime awakenings for feedings are completely normal for newborns and 2-week-old infants. They require regular nighttime feeds to maintain energy levels and stay hydrated. At this age, breast milk or formula provides all the hydration your baby needs. Avoid giving water or other drinks.
Addressing Concerns and Seeking Support
If you’re experiencing any discomfort while breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to your medical provider or a lactation consultant. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey! There are many resources available to support you.
Observing Growth and Development
Your pediatrician will monitor your baby’s growth and development at regular checkups, using growth charts to assess their progress. Consistent growth within healthy percentile ranges indicates that your baby is likely getting enough to eat.
What if My Baby Has Trouble Gaining Weight?
Premature babies, or those born even slightly early, may be sleepier and have difficulty taking in enough milk during the early weeks. Close monitoring is essential to ensure they’re growing appropriately. If your baby struggles to gain weight, don’t wait too long between feedings, even if it means waking them.
Open Communication with Your Pediatrician
Don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s feeding habits, growth, or overall health. They are your best resource for personalized guidance and support.
The Bottom Line:
Feeding a newborn is a dynamic and evolving process. By learning your baby’s cues, following general guidelines, and seeking support when needed, you can confidently nourish your little one and foster a strong bond through feeding.