How Often Should You Feed a Newborn? A Parent’s Guide

21 October 2025

Bringing home a newborn is one of those life-altering moments that turns your world upside down—in the best way, of course. Suddenly, your days revolve around feeding, changing diapers, and praying for a few minutes of uninterrupted sleep. If you're here wondering "How often should you feed a newborn?", you're not alone. Feeding is one of the biggest concerns new parents have, and honestly, it can feel overwhelming at first. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

Let’s break down newborn feeding in a way that’s simple, clear, and based on what real parents experience.

The Basics of Newborn Feeding

Why Feeding Frequency Matters

Feeding isn’t just about keeping your baby full. It’s also key to their growth, brain development, and building a healthy bond with you. Newborns have tiny tummies—around the size of a marble at birth—so they can’t eat much at once. That’s why they need to eat often.

Additionally, regular feedings help stimulate your milk supply if you're breastfeeding. The more frequently your baby nurses, the more your body gets the signal to make milk.

What’s the Average?

On average, newborns eat every 2 to 3 hours during the day and night. That's roughly 8 to 12 feedings in a 24-hour period.

But every baby is different. Some might want to nurse every hour, while others go 3 hours between feedings. Don’t stress if your baby doesn't follow someone else's schedule. The important thing is that they're feeding frequently and gaining weight.

Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding: Does It Change Frequency?

Breastfed Babies

Breast milk is digested quicker than formula, so breastfed babies typically need to eat more often. You'll probably notice that your baby wants to nurse every 2–3 hours in the early weeks.

Some feeds might be longer, while others are just quick snacks. It's all normal. Trust that your baby knows what they need.

Formula-Fed Babies

Formula takes a bit longer to digest, so formula-fed babies may go a little longer between feedings—maybe closer to every 3–4 hours. Still, in the newborn phase, 8 to 10 feedings a day is common.

Sounds like a lot? It is. But think of it like this: your newborn is doing their job, which is to eat, sleep, poop, and grow.

The First Week: What to Expect

Let’s be real—those first few days? They’re a blur. If you’re breastfeeding, your body is still figuring things out and your baby is learning how to latch. In these early days, you might be feeding every 1 to 2 hours. That’s normal.

Let’s break it down by day:

- Day 1: Your baby’s stomach can only hold about 5–7 ml—like a teaspoon! Expect short, frequent feeds.
- Day 2–3: Milk production starts to increase. Baby might get fussier and want to cluster feed.
- Day 4–5: You’ll notice your milk “coming in.” Feedings become more rhythmic, but still often.
- Day 6–7: Baby should be nursing or bottle-feeding 8–12 times a day.

Cluster Feeding: What the Heck Is That?

Ever feel like your baby wants to nurse every 10 minutes for hours on end? That’s cluster feeding. Totally normal, but totally exhausting.

Cluster feeding usually happens in the evenings and during growth spurts. It’s your baby’s way of telling your body to make more milk—or just soothing themselves.

If it feels like you're stuck on the couch, make the best of it. Queue up your favorite show or grab a book. You're doing great.

Growth Spurts: The Feeding Roller Coaster

Newborns go through growth spurts at around:

- 7–10 days old
- 2–3 weeks
- 4–6 weeks
- 3 months
- 6 months

During these times, your baby might feed more often, be fussier, and wake up more at night. Hang in there—it usually only lasts a few days.

How Do You Know Your Baby Is Hungry?

Babies can't talk, but they sure can communicate. Watch for early hunger cues like:

- Rooting (turning head and opening mouth)
- Sucking on hands or lips
- Smacking lips
- Becoming alert or fidgety

Crying is actually a late hunger cue. If you wait until your baby’s crying, feeding can be more stressful for both of you. Responding early helps make feedings smoother.

Signs Your Baby is Getting Enough

Okay, so you’re feeding your baby a million times a day—but how do you know it’s working?

Here’s what to look for:

- Wet diapers: At least 6–8 wet diapers a day after the first week
- Poopy diapers: Varies, but breastfed babies may poop after every feed; formula-fed may go less frequently
- Weight gain: Baby should regain birth weight by 10–14 days and steadily gain after that
- Alertness: Baby seems content, alert when awake, and has periods of quiet sleep

When Can You Space Out Feedings?

In the first month, keeping those regular feeds is super important. But as your baby grows, they'll start going longer between feedings.

By around 2 months, some babies start sleeping longer stretches at night—hallelujah! You might find your baby feeding every 3–4 hours instead of every 2.

Still, it’s all about following your baby's cues. Don't try to put them on a strict schedule too soon. Babies aren’t robots. They need flexibility.

Feeding at Night: Can You Let Your Baby Sleep?

Here’s the common question: “If my baby is sleeping, do I need to wake them up to feed?”

In the first 2 weeks—yes. Until your baby regains their birth weight and your pediatrician gives the green light, it's important to wake them every 2 to 3 hours.

After that, you can usually let your baby wake on their own for night feeds. Some will still wake up every few hours, while others may start sleeping longer stretches. Either way, keep nighttime feedings quiet and calm so you both fall back asleep more easily.

Creating a Feeding Routine (Without Scheduling)

You’ll hear lots of advice about putting your baby on a feeding schedule. Here's a healthier way to think about it: a routine is flexible and baby-led, while a schedule is rigid and clock-based.

Patterns will emerge naturally. Over time, your baby will show you when they’re hungry, sleepy, or ready to play. Tune into their cues and trust the process.

Common Feeding Concerns (And What to Do)

“My Baby Wants to Eat All the Time!”

This is common and usually normal, especially during growth spurts or if you’re breastfeeding. Make sure baby is latched well and check with a lactation consultant if you have concerns.

“My Baby Sleeps Through Feedings!”

Gently wake them with a diaper change or skin-to-skin contact. If they’re hard to rouse or very sleepy during every feeding, talk to your pediatrician.

“How Long Should Feedings Last?”

Some babies nurse 10 minutes, others 45. As long as your baby is swallowing actively and gaining weight, the length isn’t as important.

Final Thoughts: Trust Yourself

Feeding a newborn can feel like a full-time job—because honestly, it is. But remember, you're the expert on your baby. You’ll figure out what works, even if it takes a little time and adjustment.

Forget perfection. Go with connection. Feed your baby when they’re hungry, follow their lead, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

It’s a journey—and you’re rocking it.

Quick Reference: Newborn Feeding Cheat Sheet

| Age | Feedings Per Day | Time Between Feeds |
|------------------|------------------|--------------------|
| 0–1 week | 8–12+ | Every 1–3 hours |
| 1–4 weeks | 8–12 | Every 2–3 hours |
| 1–2 months | 7–9 | Every 2–4 hours |
| 2–3 months | 6–8 | Every 3–4 hours