Newborns typically eat every 2 to 3 hours, amounting to about 8 to 12 feedings in a 24-hour period. This frequency applies to both breastfed and bottle-fed babies
. Details on feeding amounts and patterns:
- In the first day or two, newborns may take in as little as half an ounce per feeding, increasing to 1 to 2 ounces per feeding shortly after birth
- By the end of the first month, babies usually consume 3 to 4 ounces per feeding every 3 to 4 hours
- Breastfed babies often feed more frequently but take smaller amounts per feeding compared to formula-fed babies
- Feeding on demand is recommended, meaning feeding whenever the baby shows hunger cues such as rooting, sucking on hands, or fussiness
- Some newborns may feed as often as every hour, especially in the first few days, a behavior sometimes called cluster feeding
- It's common and recommended to wake newborns to feed if they sleep longer than 4 to 5 hours in the first weeks to ensure adequate nutrition
In summary, newborns eat frequently, roughly every 2 to 3 hours, with the number of feedings typically ranging from 8 to 12 times per day, and feeding amounts gradually increasing as they grow