Newborn Feeding Guide: How to Properly Feed Your Baby in the First Mon

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Newborn Feeding Guide: How to Properly Feed Your Baby in the First Month?

Jul 2, 2024

Feeding a newborn in the first month might feel overwhelming, but understanding their nutritional needs and establishing a consistent feeding routine is crucial for their growth and development. Here's a practical guide on how often to feed your newborn during this important time.

Breastfeeding Newborns

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for newborns, offering the perfect balance of nutrients and antibodies to protect against infections and diseases.

Frequency

On-Demand: Breastfeed your newborn whenever they show signs of hunger, typically every 2-3 hours, which amounts to about 8-12 feedings a day.
Cluster Feeding: It's common for newborns to feed more frequently during certain periods, especially in the evening. This helps increase the milk supply.

Duration

Initial Feeding Sessions: In the first few weeks, feedings may last 10-15 minutes on each breast. Over time, the duration might shorten as the baby becomes more efficient at breastfeeding.
Hunger Cues: Look for signs like rooting, sucking on hands, or fussiness. Crying is usually a late indicator of hunger.

Night Feedings

Frequent Night Feedings: Newborns often need to feed every 2-3 hours at night. These feedings are essential for maintaining milk supply and ensuring your baby gets enough nutrition.

Growth Spurts

Increased Frequency: Expect growth spurts around 2-3 weeks and 4-6 weeks, when your baby may feed more often, prompting your body to produce more milk.

Monitoring and Adjusting Feeding Schedules

Weight Gain: Pediatric check-ups are crucial for monitoring your baby's weight gain and overall health. Steady weight gain indicates adequate nutrition.
Diaper Output: Your newborn should have at least 6-8 wet diapers and 3-4 dirty diapers daily, indicating good hydration and nutrition.
Baby’s Behavior: A well-fed baby is generally content, alert, and active when awake. Consistent fussiness or lethargy might indicate the need for more frequent feedings or additional nutrition.

Establishing a Routine

Responsive Feeding: Be flexible and respond to your baby's needs rather than sticking strictly to a clock. Each baby is unique, and their feeding needs can vary day to day.
Comfort and Bonding: Feeding times are also opportunities for bonding. Ensure both you and your baby are comfortable during feedings to enhance the experience and strengthen your emotional connection.

Conclusion

In the first month, breastfed newborns typically need to be fed every 2-3 hours, while formula-fed newborns need feeding every 3-4 hours. These frequent feedings are vital for ensuring your baby receives the necessary nutrition for growth and development. Pay attention to hunger cues, monitor diaper output, and remain flexible with the feeding schedule. Regular pediatric check-ups will help ensure your baby is gaining weight appropriately and getting enough nutrition.

To help keep track of feeding times and ensure your baby’s needs are met, consider using a Jartoo baby monitor. Our monitors feature feeding reminders, so you can set alerts for feeding times and stay on top of your baby's schedule effortlessly.
Learn more at Jartoo.com.