Everything you need to know about feeding your newborn including breastfeeding frequency, latch assessment, bottle preparation, feeding logs, growth tracking, and when to call a lactation consultant.
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Feeding Frequency and Schedule
Feed the newborn 8-12 times every 24 hours in the first month
This means a feeding roughly every 2-3 hours, measured from the start of one feeding to the start of the next. Cluster feeding (several feedings close together) is normal in the evenings and during growth spurts at weeks 2, 3, and 6.
Watch for hunger cues instead of relying only on the clock
Early cues include rooting (turning head toward touch on cheek), hand-to-mouth movements, and lip smacking. Crying is a late hunger cue. Catching early cues makes latching and bottle acceptance easier.
Wake the baby to feed if sleeping longer than 3-4 hours in the first 2 weeks
Until the baby has regained birth weight (typically by day 10-14), do not let them sleep through feedings. After birth weight is regained, your pediatrician may give the green light to let the baby wake on their own at night.
Track feeding times and durations for the first 2-4 weeks
Note the start time, duration, and which breast was used (or how many ounces of formula taken). The pediatrician will review this at early visits. Most parents stop detailed tracking once feeding is well established around week 4-6.
Breastfeeding Latch and Positioning
Check that the baby's mouth covers both the nipple and most of the areola
A good latch should not hurt after the first 10-15 seconds. If you see the baby's lips curled inward instead of flanged outward like a fish, gently break the suction with your finger and re-latch.
Try at least 3 different nursing positions to find what works
The cross-cradle hold gives the most control for newborns. The football hold works well after C-sections. The side-lying position is ideal for nighttime feeds. Switching positions also helps drain different areas of the breast.
Listen for rhythmic sucking and swallowing sounds during feeding
A pattern of 1-2 sucks per swallow indicates good milk transfer. If you hear clicking or smacking sounds, the latch may be shallow. About 4-10% of babies have a tongue tie that can affect latch quality.
Use lanolin cream or expressed breast milk on sore nipples after each feeding
Some nipple tenderness is normal in the first 1-2 weeks as your skin adjusts. Cracked, bleeding, or blistered nipples indicate a latch problem that needs correction. Air-dry nipples for 5-10 minutes after applying cream.
Bottle Feeding Preparation
Select slow-flow nipples for newborns to prevent overfeeding
Slow-flow nipples release about 1 drop per second when inverted. Faster flows can overwhelm a newborn's swallowing coordination. Move to medium-flow nipples around 3-4 months when the baby consistently drains bottles in under 10 minutes.
Sterilize all bottle parts before first use, then wash with hot soapy water after
Boil bottles and nipples for 5 minutes before the first use. After that, hot soapy water or a dishwasher's sanitize cycle is sufficient. Replace nipples every 2-3 months or immediately if they show cracks or tears.
Prepare formula exactly according to package directions
Most powdered formulas use 1 level scoop per 2 ounces of water. Adding too little water concentrates minerals and can harm kidneys. Adding too much water dilutes calories. Use the scoop that comes in the container, not a kitchen measuring spoon.
Use paced bottle feeding to mimic breastfeeding rhythm
Hold the baby upright at a 45-degree angle and keep the bottle horizontal so milk barely fills the nipple. Pause every ounce for 15-20 seconds to let the baby register fullness. A feeding should take 15-20 minutes, not 5.
Growth and Output Tracking
Count wet and dirty diapers daily for the first 2 weeks
By day 5, expect 6 or more wet diapers and 3-4 yellow seedy stools per day. Fewer wet diapers may signal dehydration. Breastfed babies may have a stool with every feeding; formula-fed babies may go every 1-2 days.
Monitor weight gain at pediatrician visits
After regaining birth weight by 10-14 days, expect weight gain of 5-7 ounces per week for the first 3 months. The baby should double their birth weight by 4-5 months. Weight checks can also be done at lactation consultant visits.
Watch for signs of overfeeding or underfeeding
Signs of underfeeding include fewer than 6 wet diapers per day, lethargy, and weight loss after 2 weeks. Signs of overfeeding include frequent spitting up of large volumes and fussiness after eating. Newborns typically eat 1.5-3 ounces per feeding in the first month.
When to Get Professional Help
Contact a lactation consultant if latch pain persists beyond 2 weeks
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are the gold standard. Many insurance plans cover 6-8 visits per year. An initial consultation typically lasts 60-90 minutes and costs $150-300 without insurance.
Call the pediatrician if the baby is not back to birth weight by day 14
A weight loss greater than 10% of birth weight in the first week is a red flag. The pediatrician may recommend supplementing with expressed milk or formula and increasing feeding frequency to every 2 hours.
Have the baby evaluated for tongue or lip tie if latch problems persist
Tongue ties affect an estimated 4-10% of newborns and can cause painful latch, poor weight gain, and low milk supply. A pediatric dentist or ENT can diagnose and treat it with a quick in-office procedure called a frenotomy.
Formula Selection and Storage
Discuss formula types with your pediatrician before choosing
Standard cow's milk-based formula works for about 80% of babies. Soy-based and hydrolyzed options exist for allergies or sensitivities. Generic store-brand formulas are required to meet the same FDA nutritional standards as name brands.
Learn proper formula storage rules to prevent bacterial growth
Prepared formula is good for 1 hour at room temperature once feeding begins, 24 hours in the refrigerator if untouched, and 24 hours in the fridge for opened ready-to-feed bottles. Discard any formula the baby did not finish.
Use room-temperature or slightly warmed bottles — never microwave formula
Microwaves create hot spots that can burn the baby's mouth. Warm bottles by placing them in a bowl of warm water for 3-5 minutes or using a bottle warmer. Test the temperature by dripping a few drops on your inner wrist — it should feel neutral.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a newborn eat in the first month?
Newborns eat 8-12 times per day (every 2-3 hours), including overnight. Breastfed babies may cluster-feed in the evenings, eating every 30-60 minutes for several hours. Formula-fed newborns typically eat every 3-4 hours since formula digests more slowly. Watch for hunger cues (rooting, sucking on hands, fussing) rather than strictly watching the clock — by 1 month, most babies settle into a more predictable 2.5-3 hour pattern.
How do you know if your newborn is getting enough milk?
The best indicators are diaper output and weight gain. By day 5, expect at least 6 wet diapers and 3-4 dirty diapers per day. Babies typically lose 5-7% of birth weight in the first few days and should regain it by day 10-14, then gain 5-7 ounces per week for the first 3 months. If your baby seems satisfied after feedings, has good skin color, and is meeting these milestones, they are getting enough.
Is it okay to combine breastfeeding and formula feeding?
Yes, combo feeding is very common — about 35% of mothers in the US use both breast milk and formula by 6 months. If possible, wait until breastfeeding is well established (around 3-4 weeks) before introducing bottles to avoid nipple confusion. When supplementing, use a slow-flow nipple to mimic the breast's flow rate. Pumping during any missed breastfeeding sessions helps maintain your supply.
What is the best formula for a newborn?
The AAP states that all FDA-approved infant formulas meet the same nutritional standards. Standard cow's-milk-based formula works for most babies. If your baby shows signs of sensitivity (excessive gas, spitting up, fussiness), your pediatrician may suggest a partially hydrolyzed formula. Soy-based formula is an option for galactosemia or cultural preference, but is not recommended for preemies. Generic/store-brand formulas are nutritionally identical to name brands and cost 30-50% less.
When should you worry about a newborn's feeding and call the doctor?
Contact your pediatrician if your baby refuses to eat for two consecutive feedings, has fewer than 6 wet diapers per day after day 5, has not regained birth weight by 2 weeks, develops persistent projectile vomiting (not just spit-up), shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken fontanelle, no tears when crying), or if you see blood in the stool. A weight loss exceeding 10% of birth weight in the first week also warrants immediate medical attention.