How Much Should a Newborn Really Eat?

As a new parent, determining how much your newborn should eat can feel overwhelming. Let’s face it, parenting is a challenge in many ways, but ensuring your baby is properly fed is crucial. Whether you’re breastfeeding or using formula, the simple answer to how often you should feed your baby is: whenever they show signs of hunger. And when should you stop? When they appear full. Yes, it may seem frustratingly straightforward.

While those answers are what you might find from online searches and various experts, there’s a bit more to the story. It’s beneficial to identify how many ounces of milk your baby typically consumes in an average feeding and adhere to that guideline until they grow out of it. Babies will occasionally have days where they are hungrier or less so, and that’s completely normal. Additionally, understanding the signs of overfeeding and recognizing the cues that indicate when they are hungry or satisfied is important. Let’s delve into those signs first.

Feeding Cues

Newborns may seem like tiny, helpless beings, but they are actually quite adept at communicating their hunger. Look out for these feeding cues:

Licking their lips
Sticking out their tongue
Rooting (moving their mouth or head in search of the breast)
Putting their fist to their mouth repeatedly
Opening their mouth
Becoming fussy
Sucking on their hands or anything within reach

Crying can signal various needs, but if your baby is crying specifically due to hunger, it indicates distress, making it more challenging for them to settle down and feed. To avoid a “hangry” baby, try to feed them before they get upset. Staying attentive to their hunger cues can help you manage feeding times more smoothly.

How Often Should Newborns Eat?

Every baby is unique, so the frequency of feedings will vary according to their individual needs. In the first few days, your newborn may want to eat every one to three hours. While it might feel exhausting—especially when all you want is a good night’s sleep—these frequent feedings are essential for their growth and provide practice for sucking and swallowing. Plus, it helps boost your milk supply.

As your baby grows over the following weeks and months, the intervals between feedings typically extend to every two to four hours. Some babies may have cluster feeding sessions where they want to eat every hour, while others may sleep longer stretches and only feed every four to five hours. Ultimately, babies will eat as much as they need and stop when they feel full.

Nighttime Feedings

Newborns require feeding throughout the night during their first few months. Expect feedings every two to three hours, which means up to three feedings per night. Once your baby reaches around six months, you may reduce this to one or two nighttime feedings. Although sleep is vital for development, it’s perfectly fine to wake your baby for a feeding. Once they are older and have achieved a healthy weight, you can allow them to wake you when they are hungry.

How Much Milk Should Your Baby Consume?

For breastfeeding mothers, the amount of milk your newborn needs can be estimated using this chart based on their weight. Listen to their cues, but here are some general guidelines:

5 lbs: 12 oz
6 lbs: 14 oz
7 lbs: 17 oz
8 lbs: 19 oz
9 lbs: 22 oz
10 lbs: 24 oz
11 lbs: 26 oz
12 lbs: 29 oz
13 lbs: 31 oz
14 lbs: 34 oz

If you are using formula, the following chart shows the typical amount of formula per feeding for infants aged 1 to 5 months:

1 month: 2 to 4 ounces, six to eight feedings
2 months: 5 to 6 ounces, five to six feedings
3 to 5 months: 6 to 7 ounces, five to six feedings

When to Stop Feeding Your Baby

Newborns usually won’t continue eating if they’re full, so it’s essential not to force the breast or bottle if they show signs of disinterest. Indicators they are done include closing their mouth, turning their head away, or slowing down their sucking. A relaxed and content baby may even fall asleep after feeding, which is something we all wish we could do!

Overfeeding can lead to issues such as gas or upset stomachs, and may result in increased spit-up or looser stools. If you need guidance on breastfeeding or feeding practices, don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician or lactation consultant.

Why Is My Newborn Always Hungry?

Newborns may seem perpetually hungry because they are experiencing rapid growth and development. Their bodies require ample nutrition during the first few months, and growth spurts necessitate increased feeding. Think of them as hungry teenagers, constantly in need of sustenance to support their growth.

Understanding Newborn Stomach Size

Knowing how much your newborn should consume is crucial, but understanding their stomach size at various stages is also helpful. Here’s a quick overview of your newborn’s stomach size during their first two weeks:

Day 1: The size of a marble
Day 2: The size of a walnut
Day 3: The size of a ping pong ball
Day 7: The size of an apricot
Day 10: The size of a large egg

For additional insights, you can refer to one of our other blog posts here. You might also find useful information about fertility supplements at Make a Mom, and for comprehensive guidance on donor insemination, check out this excellent resource from American Pregnancy.

Summary:

In summary, feeding a newborn involves understanding their hunger cues, recognizing their feeding patterns, and knowing how much they typically consume. Newborns should be fed on demand and are likely to show signs when they are ready to eat or when they are full. Monitoring their growth and adjusting feeding amounts as needed will help ensure they are getting the proper nutrition for healthy development.