How often
Feed on cue, not on a schedule. Breastfed newborns feed about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, and formula-fed babies about 8 times, starting at roughly 1 to 2 ounces and growing. Some sleepy newborns need waking to feed every 2 to 4 hours until their doctor says otherwise. Early hunger cues: lip smacking, sucking on fists, wriggling, opening the mouth and searching.
Breastfeeding
- A good latch: the mouth wide, more of the darker areola visible above the top lip than below, cheeks full and round. Pinching or lasting pain is a reason to get help, not to push through.
- Break the suction with a clean finger before taking baby off.
- Get a lactation consultant early, ideally before you leave the hospital. Many insurers cover it.
- You cannot breastfeed "too much." Evenings are often the longest feeds.
- Ask your doctor about vitamin D for breastfed babies.
Formula and bottles
- Iron-fortified commercial formula is the safe alternative to breast milk. Follow the package exactly. Never dilute or add extra water.
- Prepared formula: up to 2 hours at room temperature, and only 1 hour once baby has started drinking from the bottle.
- Warm bottles in warm water, never the microwave.
- Paced bottle feeding: baby upright, bottle near horizontal, pause every few sucks, switch sides. It protects against overfeeding and is great for breastfed babies who also take a bottle.
Cluster feeding is normal
Many short, close-together feeds in the evening, often for a few hours, are common at growth spurts. They usually peak in the first 6 to 8 weeks. It does not mean you do not have enough milk.
Is it working? Check diapers and weight
- Once milk is in (around day 4 to 5), expect at least 6 wet diapers and 3 or more dirty ones a day.
- Newborns usually lose 5 to 10% of birth weight in the first days and regain it by about 2 weeks. Over 10% needs medical attention.
- After that, many gain around 5 to 7 ounces a week.
Call your pediatrician if
- Fewer wet diapers than expected, weight loss or poor gain.
- Baby misses two feeds in a row, is hard to wake, or seems floppy.
- Spit-up that is forceful, green or yellow, or bloody.
- Cracked or bleeding nipples that are not getting better.
Not feeling okay? Reach out now.
Education, not medical advice. Every baby and every parent is different. Ask your own doctor, midwife or pediatrician about anything specific to you, and call them or emergency services if you are worried. Sources for this guide: CDC and WHO: breastfeeding; NHS: breastfeeding latch; La Leche League and KellyMom; MedlinePlus: newborn feeding; AAP HealthyChildren: formula feeding; Pampers: cluster feeding; Healthline: paced bottle feeding; Lancaster General Health: newborn weight. All sources.