It can be challenging to understand your little one’s needs, especially when it comes to the basic human need of feeding. The most important thing to remember is to pay attention to your newborn’s needs. Many parents and experts recommend feeding based on hunger cues, which is feeding when they seem hungry, instead of following a set schedule.
How often should I feed my newborn?
A general rule of thumb is that newborns should feed at least 8 times in 24 hours. The appetites of newborns can vary, as some newborns might yearn for a meal just 90 minutes or so after their last, while others may wait up to three hours before requesting another feeding. Breastmilk and formula are helpful for hunger, but they are also there for thirst; there are actually so many reasons why a baby may show you cues! While it’s difficult to put a newborn on a true feeding schedule, a newborn should generally never go more than 3 to 4 hours without eating, including overnight, although your pediatrician or lactation consultant may have recommendations that are more specific to Baby.
Making sure to wake the Baby for feeds should continue for about the first two weeks or until your baby is back to its birthweight. At that time, your pediatric provider might okay slightly longer times between feeds if the Baby is sleeping at night, but spoiler alert—these are pretty rare. Babies have tiny tummies and need frequent feedings to stay hydrated, fed and comfortable.
Signs of hunger
Because on-cue feeding is generally regarded as the best way to feed a newborn, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a hungry one. These may include:
- Early signs: Opening their mouth, licking their lips, puckering their mouth, or turning their head ‘rooting’ for breast or bottle.
- Mid signs: Putting their fingers, fist or clothes in their mouth, sucking, restless movements, stretching, trying to lie in a ‘nursing’ position.
- Late signs: Frantic movements, crying.
Even if a newborn isn’t showing signs of hunger, it’s still important not to go more than three to four hours without offering them a feeding until you’ve gotten the all clear to do so. If you’re having trouble waking them, try a gentle diaper change and some skin-to-skin time. If they are so sleepy that they don’t reach at least 8 feeds in 24 hours, it’s important to let their provider know.
While it’s tempting to start a schedule for feeds early on, this can negatively impact breastmilk supply for many people. Going too long between feeds can make Baby uncomfortable and frantically hungry, too. If the routine of feeding is feeling overwhelming, it can be great to get support from a lactation consultant or the reassurance and validation of a local parents’ group.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Feeding your newborn: Tips for new parents.” Mayo Clinic Staff. Mayo Clinic Staff, April 20 2022.
- Jain, S and Bunik, M. “How Much and How Often Should Your Baby Eat.” HealthyChildren. American Academy of Pediatrics, April 2 2024.
- “Breastfeeding Info: Feeding Frequency.” La Leche League International. La Leche League International, https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/frequency-feeding-frequently-asked-questions-faqs/
