how much should a newborn eat

how much should a newborn eat

3 hours ago 2
Nature

A newborn's feeding needs vary as they grow, but here are general guidelines for how much a newborn should eat:

  • In the first few days after birth, babies typically consume about 0.5 to 1 ounce (15-30 ml) per feeding. This amount gradually increases over the first two weeks to about 2 to 3 ounces (60-90 ml) per feeding, with feedings occurring every 2 to 3 hours, totaling 8 to 12 feedings in 24 hours
  • By around 1 month of age, a baby may take 3 to 4 ounces (90-120 ml) per feeding, and by 2 months, about 4 to 5 ounces (120-150 ml) every 3 to 4 hours
  • At 4 months, feedings may increase to 4 to 6 ounces (120-180 ml), and by 6 months, babies often consume 6 to 8 ounces (180-230 ml) about 4 to 5 times daily
  • A useful rule of thumb for formula feeding is to offer approximately 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of the baby's body weight daily (e.g., an 8-pound baby would need about 20 ounces per day)
  • It is important to feed on demand, responding to the baby's hunger cues such as rooting, sucking on hands, or fussiness, and to allow the baby to stop feeding when full
  • Newborns typically feed every 2 to 3 hours, and during growth spurts (common around 7–14 days, 3–6 weeks, 4 months, and 6 months), they may seem hungrier and require more frequent or larger feedings

In summary, newborns start with small, frequent feedings that gradually increase in volume as they grow, with feeding frequency typically every 2 to 3 hours and amounts increasing from about 1-2 ounces per feeding in the first week to 6-8 ounces by 6 months

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