How Much and How Often Should Breastfed Newborns Eat
Breastfeeding can feel like a learning curve in the early days, but the process is highly intuitive for the baby. Newborns’ stomachs are tiny, so they must eat frequently to grow and develop. That being said, there are things I wish someone in the hospital told me that I want to ensure I share with you. First, milk takes a few days to come in, so when you leave the hospital, there may be a day or two where you are still waiting {and when it does, your breasts will become rock hard), so be sure to feed frequently.
They say breastfeeding shouldn’t “hurt,” but your nipple will crack a bit and may even bleed. That’s normal; your baby has a tongue with what is like sandpaper on it, all that sucking, until they are used to it and have a strong latch, + your boobs adjust; you can expect some agitation. {They made me feel like this shouldn’t happen. I can tell you I have never met a nursing mom that this didn’t happen to.)
How Often to Breastfeed a Newborn
In the first few weeks of life, newborns typically need to feed every 2-3 hours or 8-12 times within a 24-hour period. This includes night feedings, as newborns don’t yet have a circadian rhythm or the ability to go long stretches without food.
Some common signs your baby is ready to nurse include:
- Rooting (turning their head with an open mouth)
- Sucking on their hands or fingers
- Smacking or licking their lips
- Fussiness or crying (a late hunger cue)
It’s important to note that breastfed babies digest breast milk more quickly than formula, so they may feed more frequently.
How Much Milk Does a Breastfed Newborn Need?
Since you can’t measure exactly how much your baby is taking from the breast {except if you buy a scale, which I did and totally reccomend to ensure they are getting what they need}, here are general guidelines for what to expect during the first few weeks:
- Days 1-3: During the first few days, your body will produce colostrum, a thick, nutrient-rich milk that is perfect for your baby’s needs. Babies typically consume 1-2 teaspoons per feeding during this time, as their stomach is about the size of a cherry or walnut.
- Days 4-5: As your mature milk comes in, your baby will begin to drink more per session. By the end of the first week, your baby’s stomach can hold about 0.5-1 ounce of milk per feed.
- Weeks 1-2: By the second week, most babies consume about 2-3 ounces of breast milk per feeding.
- Week 3 onward: As your baby continues to grow, they may take anywhere from 2-4 ounces per feed, feeding every 2-3 hours.
Since breastfeeding is driven by demand, your body will naturally adjust milk production based on how frequently your baby nurses. Many breastfed newborns experience a phase called cluster feeding, where they want to nurse more frequently for shorter periods. This often happens during growth spurts (around weeks 3, 6 weeks, and 3 months) and can last a few days. While it can be exhausting, cluster feeding helps increase milk supply to meet your baby’s growing needs.
Bottle Feeding Newborns: How Much and How Often
Bottle-feeding, whether using formula or expressed breast milk, allows you to measure the exact amount your baby is consuming. The feeding schedule for bottle-fed babies is typically more predictable, though newborns still need frequent feeds to stay satisfied and nourished.
How Often to Bottle-feed a Newborn
Like breastfed babies, bottle-fed newborns generally eat every 2-3 hours during the first few weeks. As they grow, the time between feedings may extend to every 3 hours, which as both a Certified Lactation Counselor and Certified Baby Sleep Coach, I see align best to support optimal daily intake and maximized overnight sleep.
• 0-2 Weeks: Feed every 2-3 hours, 8-12 times a day
• 2-4 Weeks: Every 3-4 hours, 7-8 times a day
I really love the following feeding schedule the whole first year of life:
- 7:00 am – Wake Up and Feed
- 10:00 am – Feed
- 1:00 pm – Feed
- 4:00 pm – Feed
- 7:00 pm – Feed
This is a great way to maximize the reccomendations of 24-32 oz of milk a baby needs the whole first year of life for optimal growth. You can also refer to my Stomach Size Chart that can help.
How Much to Feed a Bottle-fed Newborn
During the first couple of days, a newborn’s stomach is tiny, so they only need about 1-2 ounces of milk or formula per feeding. By the third day, your baby’s intake will increase to around 2-3 ounces per feed. By the end of the first week, your baby will likely drink 2-4 ounces per feeding. Most bottle-fed babies will take 3-4 ounces per feeding by the time they’re 2-4 weeks old.
A general rule of thumb for formula-fed newborns is to offer 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight per day. For example, if your baby weighs 8 pounds, they would need approximately 20 ounces of formula over a 24-hour period, spread across multiple feedings. My Pediatrician shared the best advice, if they just slept and are crying, they are likely hungry. Try offering another .5 – 1 oz at each feed to ensure baby is satisfied. If they spit it up because it was too much, dial back by a .5 ounce.
How to Know If Your Baby Is Eating Enough
Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, parents often worry if their newborn is getting enough food. Watch for these signs they are getting what they need to grow and thrive.
- Wet Diapers: Your newborn should have 6-8 wet diapers per day after the first few days of life.
- Weight Gain: Steady weight gain is one of the best indicators. Babies typically lose a small amount of weight in the first few days but should regain it by the end of the second week.
- Contentment: After feeding, your baby should seem satisfied and content, often sleeping or remaining calm.
- Alertness: A well-fed baby will be alert and active during their awake periods.
Below are a few tips that can also help manage the transition home, as you both learn together:
- Feed on Demand Initially: Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, following your baby’s hunger cues rather than sticking to a strict schedule ensures they’re getting what they need. After about 3 weeks, begin to look at more of a schedule, to ensure they are taking full feedings vs. graze eating, which can be tiring for them. Remember, they need 24 -32 oz in a 24 hour period, the whole first year of life.
- Avoid Overfeeding: Especially with bottle-feeding, resist the urge to offer more than your baby needs. Watch for signs of fullness, such as turning away from the bottle or pushing it out of their mouth.
- Burp Regularly: Newborns tend to swallow air while feeding, so burping between sessions can help prevent discomfort and reduce gas.
- Stay Hydrated: If you’re breastfeeding, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to maintain a good milk supply.
Feeding your newborn is one of the most important ways you support their growth and development in the first few weeks of life. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, it’s crucial to follow your baby’s hunger cues and adjust their feeding amounts as they grow. Rest assured, with patience and attention, you’ll find a rhythm that works for both you and your baby.
Here at Tiny Transitions, we work side-by-side with new parents, through their first weeks, to help support, guide and coach you on your journey in the postpartum period. Reach out and book a call if you would like to explore postpartum support.
