A Newborn's Feeding Needs

After the long journey to get here, your newborn needs proper nutrition to continue growing at a healthy pace. Though your little one may lose some weight during the first week of life, newborns usually gain about two-thirds of an ounce per day. Knowing how frequently and how much to feed a newborn can go a long way in meeting those growth demands.

  1. Nutrition

    • During the first month of your baby's life, she will need between 400 and 500 calories per day, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Your bouncing bundle of joy will also need about 9 grams of protein and 210 milligrams of calcium per day. Breast milk is the ideal way to meet your baby's nutrition goals, though formula also provides what your newborn needs.

    Feeding Schedule

    • During the first week of your newborn's life, he may eat little and infrequently. After that, your little one's appetite should increase. If you are breastfeeding, you may be feeding your baby up to 12 times a day at intervals of about 90 minutes to 3 hours, according to KidsHealth. Formula-fed newborns should eat every 2 to 3 hours. Even if your little one is sleeping peacefully, you should wake him up at least once per night for feeding. Parents should not watch the clock when it comes to feeding a baby. You should feed your baby on demand.

    Amount and Concerns

    • During the first month of life, your baby should be drinking between 1.5 and 3 ounces at every feeding session, according to KidsHealth. The amount may increase as your child reaches the end of the first month. Breastfeeding mothers may not know how much milk a baby is getting. Switching breasts for each feeding, supplementing with formula or pumping to up milk production may be necessary to ensure your little one gets enough to eat. Weight loss, frequent fussing between feedings and rooting could all be signs that your baby needs more to eat.

    Additional Information

    • Babies who are eating enough should be wetting at least four to six diapers a day, according to KidsHealth. Your little one should also hit a growth spurt during her first month, which may mean eating more than usual. While some variation in your baby's feeding schedule is normal, you should raise any concerns you have with your baby's pediatrician.

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