Should I stop my baby from feeding after a certain amount of time?

Not necessarily. Let your baby feed until they stop actively sucking or seem satisfied.

Is it okay if my baby skips feeding sometimes?

Newborns usually should not skip feedings because they need frequent nutrition to grow and gain weight. However, older babies may skip a feed if they’re tired or full.

Newborn Feeding Guide: How Much and How Often to Feed

As a new parent, one of the things you might worry about is feeding your baby. You may ask yourself, “Am I giving enough milk? How often should I feed them? Are they getting what they really need?” It’s important to remember that every baby is different, and there’s no perfect formula or timetable that works for all. Learning how often and how much your baby needs can make things feel a lot less stressful.

How Can You Tell When Your Newborn Is Hungry?

Your baby can’t tell you they’re hungry with words, but they’ll give you clear signals.

These are some signs to watch for:

Licking their lips or sticking out their tongue.
Rooting, where they move their jaw, mouth, or head as if searching for a breast or bottle.
Putting their hands or fingers to their mouth repeatedly.
Opening their mouth or puckering their lips.
Fussiness or leaning toward a breast or bottle.
Sucking on anything nearby, like their hands or toys.
Crying is a sign of hunger, but it’s better to feed them before they get to that stage.

How Often Should Your Newborn Eat?

If you’re wondering how much milk a newborn should drink in 24 hours, it typically depends on their age and weight. Newborns have tiny tummies, so they need to eat often to stay full and get enough nutrition. Feeding on demand is the best approach for most healthy, full-term babies.

Here’s what you can usually expect:

Breastfed babies: Expect your newborn to nurse every 1.5 to 3 hours, which means 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. This frequent feeding helps build your milk supply and gives your baby practice with sucking and swallowing. As they grow, feedings may be spaced out to every 2 to 4 hours after a few months. Some babies also cluster feed, which means eating every hour for a stretch.
Formula-fed babies: These babies usually eat every 2 to 3 hours in the first few weeks, at least 8 times in 24 hours. Since formula digests more slowly than breast milk, they may go 3 to 4 hours between feeds as they get older.
Combination feeding: If you’re using both breast milk and formula, aim for at least 8 feedings a day.

A clear breastfeeding and formula feeding schedule can help your baby stay full and grow well. Your doctor will also guide you on how much milk a newborn should drink at each feeding.

How Much Should Your Newborn Eat at Each Feeding?

The amount your baby eats depends on their age and their individual needs. Their stomach grows as they do, so they’ll take in more milk over time.

Take a look at how much they might need:

First few days: Newborns may only take half an ounce of colostrum (early breast milk) or formula per feeding. This increases to 1 to 2 ounces within a few days.
First two weeks: Breastfed babies typically take about 1 to 2 ounces per feeding, while formula-fed babies may take 1 to 3 ounces.
2 weeks to 2 months: Breastfed babies work up to 2 to 3 ounces per feeding, and formula-fed babies may take 3 to 4 ounces.
2 to 4 months: Expect your baby to take 4 to 5 ounces per feeding, whether breast milk or formula.
4 to 6 months: Babies may consume 4 to 6 ounces per feeding, increasing to 6 to 8 ounces by 6 months. Formula-fed babies may level off at around 32 ounces a day.
6 to 12 months: As solid foods are introduced around 6 months, breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition. Babies may take 24 to 32 ounces daily, spread across 4 to 6 feedings, depending on how much solid food they eat.

How Do You Know If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk?

It’s normal to wonder if your baby is getting enough to eat, but there are some simple signs to reassure you:

Wet nappies: In the first few days, expect 2 to 3 wet nappies daily. After 4 to 5 days, your baby should have 5 to 6 wet nappies every 24 hours.
Stool frequency: By the fourth day, most babies have at least 4 stools a day. Breastfed babies may poop after every feed, while formula-fed babies might have fewer stools.
Weight gain: Your paediatrician will track your baby’s weight on a growth chart during check-ups. Steady growth along their curve is a good sign they’re getting enough food.

Feeding your newborn is all about following their lead and trusting your instincts. Watch their hunger cues, keep an eye on wet nappies, and go to regular check-ups. You’ll know they’re getting what they need to grow. And if you’re ever unsure, don’t stress about asking for help.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on How Much and How Often Should Your Newborn Eat

Should I stop my baby from feeding after a certain amount of time?
Not necessarily. Let your baby feed until they stop actively sucking or seem satisfied.
Is it okay if my baby skips feeding sometimes?
Newborns usually should not skip feedings because they need frequent nutrition to grow and gain weight. However, older babies may skip a feed if they’re tired or full.