Infant and toddler health

Feeding a newborn is a 24-hour-a-day commitment. It's also a way to begin forming a bond with the newest member of your family. Here are tips for feeding a newborn.

Aim to stick with breast milk or formula

Breast milk is the ideal food for babies. There are rare times when this isn't the case. If breastfeeding isn't possible, use infant formula. Healthy newborns don't need cereal, water, juice or other fluids.

Try to feed your newborn on cue

Most newborns need 8 to 12 feedings a day. That's about one feeding every 2 to 3 hours.

Look for early signs your child is ready to feed. Early signs are moving the hands to the mouth, sucking on fists and fingers, and lip smacking. Crying is a later cue. The sooner you begin each feeding, the less likely you'll need to soothe a fussy baby.

When babies stop suckling, close their mouths, or turn away from the nipple or bottle, they might be full or simply taking a break. Try burping your baby or waiting a minute before offering your breast or the bottle again.

As babies get older, they tend to take in more milk in less time.

Think about vitamin D supplements

Ask your baby's healthcare professional about vitamin D supplements for the baby, especially if you're breastfeeding. Breast milk might not give the baby enough vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your baby absorb nutrients needed to build strong bones.

Expect your newborn's eating patterns to vary

Your newborn may eat varied amounts. During growth spurts, your newborn might take in more at each feeding or want to be fed more often. Growth spurts often occur 2 to 3 weeks after birth. Take action if you see early signs of hunger rather than watching the time between feedings.

Trust your instincts — and your newborn's

You might worry that your newborn isn't eating enough. But babies often seem to know just how much they need. Don't focus on how much, how often or what time your newborn eats. Instead, look for:

• Steady weight gain.
• Contentment between feedings.
• By the fifth day after birth, at least six wet diapers and three or more bowel movements a day.

Contact your baby's healthcare professional if your newborn isn't gaining weight, wets fewer than six diapers a day, or shows little interest in feedings.

Think of each feeding as a time to bond with your newborn

Hold your newborn close during each feeding. Make eye contact. Talk with a gentle voice. Use each feeding as a chance to build your newborn's sense of safety, trust and comfort.

Aim to make feedings routine

If other family members or caregivers will be feeding your baby part of the time, tell them to use the same feeding routines you use.

Know when to ask for help

If you're having trouble breastfeeding, ask a lactation consultant or your baby's healthcare professional for help. Ask for help especially if every feeding is painful or your baby isn't gaining weight. If you haven't worked with a lactation consultant, ask your healthcare professional for a referral. Or check with the obstetrics department at a local hospital.

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