Newborns typically need to eat 1.5 to 3 ounces of breast milk or formula every 2 to 3 hours, which amounts to 8-12 feedings per day in their first few weeks of life.
How Much to Feed a Newborn? | Understanding Your Baby’s Nutritional Needs
Feeding a newborn can be overwhelming, especially for new parents trying to understand their baby’s needs and hunger cues. I remember those early days of motherhood, constantly wondering if my baby was getting enough to eat. So, how much should you feed a newborn? On average, newborns need to consume 1.5 to 3 ounces of breast milk or formula every 2 to 3 hours, which typically amounts to 8-12 feedings per day.
However, every baby is unique, and their feeding needs may vary. In this article, we’ll discuss how much to feed a newborn, signs that your baby is hungry or full, and tips for managing feeding schedules.
How Much to Feed a Newborn in the First Few Weeks
In the first few weeks of life, newborns have tiny stomachs, which means they need frequent feedings to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need. Whether you are breastfeeding, using formula, or a combination of both, it’s important to feed your baby on demand and monitor their weight gain to ensure they are thriving.
1. Breastfeeding Newborns
For breastfeeding mothers, it can be difficult to measure exactly how much milk your baby is consuming. However, the key is to feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger. Newborns typically breastfeed 8-12 times per day, which translates to every 2 to 3 hours. Each feeding session may last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.
- Tip: In the first few days after birth, your baby will only need small amounts of colostrum, the nutrient-rich “first milk” that you produce. As your milk supply increases, your baby’s appetite will grow, and they will start to feed for longer periods.
2. Formula-Fed Newborns
For formula-fed newborns, it’s easier to track how much your baby is eating. In the first few weeks, newborns typically need 1.5 to 3 ounces of formula per feeding, depending on their weight and appetite. Like breastfed babies, formula-fed newborns should be fed on demand, usually every 2 to 3 hours.
- Tip: A good rule of thumb is to offer 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight per day. For example, if your baby weighs 8 pounds, they may need about 20 ounces of formula in a 24-hour period, spread across multiple feedings.
Table 1: Average Feeding Amounts for Newborns by Age
| Baby’s Age | Breastfeeding (Times per Day) | Formula (Ounces per Feeding) |
| 0-1 Week | 8-12 feedings | 1.5-2 ounces per feeding |
| 1-2 Weeks | 8-12 feedings | 2-3 ounces per feeding |
| 3-4 Weeks | 8-12 feedings | 2.5-3.5 ounces per feeding |
How Often Should You Feed a Newborn?
Newborns need to eat frequently because their stomachs are small and can only hold a limited amount of milk or formula at a time. As a result, they may wake up often for feedings, both during the day and at night.
1. Feeding on Demand
Feeding on demand means offering your baby breast milk or formula whenever they show signs of hunger, rather than sticking to a strict feeding schedule. This approach helps ensure your baby is getting enough to eat and encourages healthy weight gain. Hunger cues include rooting (turning their head toward the breast or bottle), sucking on their hands, or making sucking noises.
- Tip: Try to feed your baby before they become too fussy or start crying. Crying is often a late sign of hunger, and a calm baby is easier to feed than a crying one.
2. Day vs. Night Feedings
Newborns don’t differentiate between day and night, which means they will likely wake up for feedings throughout the night. In the first few weeks, you should expect to feed your baby every 2 to 3 hours around the clock. As your baby grows and their stomach capacity increases, they may start to sleep for longer stretches between nighttime feedings.
- Tip: To help your baby distinguish between day and night, try keeping daytime feedings bright and engaging, while keeping nighttime feedings quiet and low-key to encourage sleep.
Table 2: Feeding Frequency for Newborns
| Age of Baby | Feeding Frequency (Day & Night) | Notes |
| 0-2 Weeks | Every 2-3 hours, including at night | Feed on demand, breastfed or formula-fed |
| 3-4 Weeks | Every 2-3 hours | Some babies may start to sleep longer stretches at night |
| 1-2 Months | Every 3-4 hours | Longer stretches of sleep may begin at night |
Signs Your Newborn Is Hungry
Newborns rely on you to recognize when they are hungry since they cannot communicate with words. Fortunately, there are several cues that can help you identify when your baby needs to eat.
1. Early Hunger Cues
Early hunger cues include signs like smacking their lips, sucking on their fists, or turning their head toward the breast or bottle. These are subtle cues that your baby is ready to eat, and responding to them early can make feeding time smoother and more enjoyable.
- Tip: Try to feed your baby when you notice these early hunger cues to prevent them from becoming overly hungry or upset.
2. Late Hunger Cues
Crying is typically a late hunger cue, and by this point, your baby may be more difficult to calm down. If your baby is crying, their fists may be clenched, and they may exhibit rooting behaviors as they seek to find the breast or bottle.
- Tip: While it’s ideal to feed your baby before they reach the crying stage, don’t worry if you occasionally miss the earlier cues. Gently comforting your baby before feeding them can help soothe their frustration.
Table 3: Common Hunger Cues in Newborns
| Hunger Cue | Description | Early or Late Cue |
| Rooting | Turning head toward the breast or bottle | Early |
| Lip Smacking | Making sucking motions with lips | Early |
| Sucking on Hands | Placing hands or fingers in the mouth | Early |
| Crying | Crying and fussing when hungry | Late |
Signs Your Newborn Is Full
Just as it’s important to recognize when your newborn is hungry, it’s equally important to know when they are full. Overfeeding can lead to discomfort, spit-up, or colic-like symptoms, so being able to identify when your baby is satisfied is essential.
1. Turning Away From the Breast or Bottle
One of the most common signs that your baby is full is when they turn their head away from the breast or bottle. If your baby pushes the nipple out of their mouth or stops sucking, this is a clear indication that they are no longer hungry.
- Tip: If your baby stops feeding and appears content, there’s no need to encourage them to continue eating. Babies are generally good at self-regulating their intake, so trust their cues.
2. Decreased Interest in Feeding
As your baby becomes full, they may lose interest in feeding altogether. They might become more relaxed, fall asleep, or start playing with their hands instead of focusing on eating.
- Tip: Watch for signs of satisfaction, such as a calm demeanor and a relaxed body. These signals usually mean your baby has had enough to eat.
Table 4: Common Signs Your Baby Is Full
| Fullness Cue | Description | What to Do |
| Turning Away | Pushes breast or bottle away | Allow baby to stop feeding |
| Relaxed Body | Arms and hands become relaxed or limp | Stop feeding if baby seems content |
| Falling Asleep | Dozes off during or after feeding | Don’t wake baby if they fall asleep while feeding |
Managing Feeding Schedules for Newborns
Newborns thrive on routines, but their feeding schedule may vary from day to day. It’s essential to be flexible and respond to your baby’s hunger cues rather than adhering to a strict feeding schedule.
1. Feeding on Demand vs. Scheduled Feedings
Many experts recommend feeding on demand in the first few weeks of life because newborns are still developing a regular eating pattern. As they grow older and their stomach capacity increases, you may find that your baby settles into a more predictable feeding schedule.
- Tip: While on-demand feeding is best for newborns, by the time your baby is 1-2 months old, you can begin to gently guide them toward a more structured feeding schedule if it suits your lifestyle.
2. Cluster Feeding
Cluster feeding is when a baby has periods of frequent feeding, often in the evenings. This behavior is normal and usually coincides with growth spurts. While it can be exhausting for parents, cluster feeding helps stimulate milk production and ensures your baby is getting enough to eat.
- Tip: If your baby is cluster feeding, try to rest and take breaks when possible. This phase usually doesn’t last long but is essential for your baby’s development.
FAQs – How Much to Feed a Newborn
How much milk should a newborn drink in the first week?
In the first week, newborns typically consume 1.5 to 2 ounces of breast milk or formula per feeding, about every 2-3 hours. This amount gradually increases as the baby grows and their stomach capacity expands.
How often should I feed my newborn at night?
Newborns need to eat every 2 to 3 hours, even at night. It’s normal for babies to wake up frequently during the night for feedings in the first few weeks.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk?
If your baby is gaining weight steadily, has 6-8 wet diapers per day, and seems satisfied after feedings, they are likely getting enough breast milk. Regular pediatric check-ups will also help monitor your baby’s growth.
Can I overfeed my newborn?
While overfeeding is rare, it can happen, particularly with bottle-feeding. Signs of overfeeding include excessive spit-up, fussiness, and discomfort after feedings. Pay attention to your baby’s fullness cues and stop feeding when they signal they’re done.
How can I tell if my baby is still hungry after feeding?
If your baby is still hungry, they may continue to root, suck on their hands, or show signs of distress. Offering more milk or formula in small amounts can help satisfy their hunger.
Should I wake my newborn for feedings?
In the first few weeks, you may need to wake your newborn for feedings if they sleep longer than 3-4 hours, especially if they are not gaining weight adequately. Once your baby is gaining weight and feeding well, you can let them sleep for longer stretches.
How much formula should my newborn drink per day?
A general guideline is 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight per day. For example, if your baby weighs 8 pounds, they may need around 20 ounces of formula per day, spread out over 8-12 feedings.
What if my baby spits up after feeding?
Spitting up is common in newborns and usually not a cause for concern. To minimize spit-up, try feeding your baby in an upright position, burp them after feeding, and avoid overfeeding.
Can I combine breastfeeding and formula-feeding?
Yes, many parents choose to combine breastfeeding and formula-feeding, especially if breastfeeding exclusively isn’t an option. Just ensure your baby is getting enough to eat from both sources, and monitor their weight gain.
When should I start feeding my baby more per feeding?
Around 3-4 weeks, your baby’s stomach capacity increases, and they may start to drink more milk or formula at each feeding. Follow your baby’s cues and offer more if they seem hungry after a feeding.
Conclusion: How Much to Feed a Newborn
Feeding Your Newborn: Finding Balance and Trusting Your Baby’s Cues
Feeding a newborn can feel overwhelming at first, but with time, you’ll learn to recognize your baby’s hunger and fullness cues. On average, newborns need 1.5 to 3 ounces of breast milk or formula every 2-3 hours, but it’s important to be flexible and feed on demand. Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or doing a combination of both, trust your baby’s signals and enjoy the bonding time that comes with each feeding session.