How Often Do Newborns Eat? A Must-Read Guide for New Parents

Wondering how often do newborns eat? Discover feeding schedules, hunger cues, and tips for healthy feeding in this must-read guide. Learn more now!

how often do newborns eat

I’ll break it all down for you so it’s uncomplicated. From newborn feeding frequency to recognizing hunger cues, this guide covers everything you need to know about feeding your baby in their first weeks of life.

How Often Do Newborns Eat? A First-Week Feeding Guide.

For breastfed babies:

• They may feed more frequently, sometimes every 1.5-2 hours.
• This is because breast milk is easier to digest than formula.

For bottle-fed babies:

• They usually eat every 3-4 hours.
• The formula takes longer to digest, so they might not feel hungry as quickly.

Remember, every baby is different. Observe your baby’s signs of hunger and use them as your guide. The frequency of newborn feeding can also vary during growth spurts when they might eat more often.

How Much Should a Newborn Eat in the First Week?

In the first week, newborns eat small amounts frequently. Here’s a general idea of how much they need:

• Day 1: About 1-2 teaspoons per feeding (their stomach is the size of a cherry).
• Day 3: 0.5-1 ounce per feeding (their stomach is now the size of a walnut).
• Day 7: 1.5-2 ounces per feeding (their stomach is the size of an apricot).

For breastfed babies, frequent feeds help build your milk supply. For bottle-fed babies, start with small amounts and increase gradually as your baby grows.

Recognizing the Signs of Hunger

Babies can’t tell you they’re hungry with words, but they use cues to let you know. Here are common hunger signs to watch for:

1.    Rooting: Turning their head and opening their mouth when their cheek is touched.

2.    Sucking: Putting their hands, fingers, or fists in their mouth.

3.    Lip smacking: Creating or smacking noises with their lips.

4.    Wiggling: Moving their arms and legs or becoming more alert.

5.    Crying: This is a late hunger cue— feed your baby before they cry.

By feeding your baby when they show early hunger signs, you’ll have a calmer and more satisfying feeding experience.

How Long Should a Newborn Stay on the Breast?

Breastfeeding duration varies from baby to baby. Here’s a general guide:

• Newborns: Feed for 20-45 minutes per session (10-20 minutes per breast).
• Older babies: They may only need 10-15 minutes per breast as they become more efficient.

Let your baby decide when they’re done. Watch for signs like slowing down their sucking or letting go of the breast. Keep in mind that your baby understands exactly how much they require.

How Often Should I Feed My Newborn at Night?

Night feedings are crucial in the early weeks because:

1.    Babies need frequent nourishment to support their growth.

2.    Breastfeeding moms need regular feedings to maintain milk supply.

Anticipate feeding your newborn every 2 to 3 hours during the night. Keep nighttime feeding calm and muted—dim the lights and avoid stimulating activities to help your baby fall back asleep after eating.

Tracking Your Baby’s Feeding

Keeping track of your baby’s feeding times and amounts can help you feel more confident. Here’s what to log:

• Start and end times of each feed.
• Which breast do you use (if breastfeeding)?
• How much milk does your baby drink (if bottle-feeding)?
• Number of wet and dirty diapers.

You can use a notebook or a baby app to make tracking easier. A rule of thumb: 6-8 wet diapers and at least 3 dirty diapers daily mean your baby is eating enough.

Common Feeding Challenges

Feeding a newborn doesn’t always go smoothly. Below are some typical challenges along with strategies to tackle them effectively:

1. Difficulty Latching (Breastfeeding)

• Solution: Try different nursing positions, such as the football hold or side-lying position.
• Ask for help from a lactation consultant.

2. Frequent Spit-Ups

• Solution: Keep your baby upright during and after feedings.
• Burp your baby often to release the trapped air.

3. Overfeeding (Bottle-Feeding)

• Solution: Use a slow-flow nipple to control the milk flow.
• Watch for signs your baby is full, like turning away from the bottle.

4. Gassiness or Fussiness

• Solution: Burp your baby halfway through and after each feed.
• Use tummy massages or bicycle leg movements to relieve gas.

How to Establish a Feeding Routine for My Baby

In the first few weeks, feeding your baby on demand is best. Once your baby grows older, you can start establishing a routine. Here’s how:

1.    Watch for natural patterns in your baby’s infant feeding patterns.

2.    Feed your baby at consistent baby-feeding intervals during the day.

3.    Create a calming bedtime routine to encourage longer sleep stretches at night.

Every baby is different, so be flexible and adjust as needed.

FAQs About How Often Do Newborns Eat

What is a typical newborn feeding schedule?

Newborns feed every 2-3 hours around the clock. Breastfed infants might nurse 8-16 times a day, while bottle-fed babies typically eat every 3-4 hours.

Should I wake my newborn to feed?

Yes, especially in the first two weeks. If your baby sleeps longer than 4 hours, gently wake them for a feeding to ensure they’re getting enough nutrition.

How many ounces should a newborn drink per feed?

• In the first week, 1-2 ounces per feeding is typical.
• By week 2, this increases to 2-3 ounces.

When will my newborn start eating more?

Newborns experience growth spurts around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months, during which they may feed more often and eat larger amounts.

How do I know if my newborn is eating enough?

Look for these signs:

• 6-8 wet diapers and 3 dirty diapers daily.
• Steady weight gain (check with your pediatrician).
• Your baby seems content and satisfied after feeding.

Final Thoughts

Feeding your newborn is one of the most rewarding (and exhausting) parts of parenting. The key is to follow your baby’s cues, feed them on demand, and trust your instincts.

Remember, every baby is unique, and it’s okay to ask for help if you’re struggling. Seek advice from your pediatrician or a lactation consultant for guidance.

You’ve got this—one feeding at a time! 😊