How often should a newborn eat?
Most newborns feed 8-12 times in 24 hours, both day and night. That can feel like constant feeding in the first weeks, and that is normal: a newborn's stomach is tiny and breast milk digests quickly.
Feed on demand, not by the clock
In the first weeks it is recommended to feed whenever your baby shows hunger cues rather than waiting for set times. Early cues include stirring, turning the head, smacking lips and bringing hands to the mouth. Crying is a late sign, so try to feed before that.
Intervals vary. Some babies cluster-feed in the evening with short breaks, others sleep a longer stretch. A sleepy newborn who goes more than 3-4 hours without feeding in the first weeks may need to be woken gently, especially if your midwife or health nurse has asked you to.
How do you know your baby gets enough?
Good signs are steady weight gain, a baby who is alert and content between feedings, and enough wet and dirty diapers. After the first week, expect around 5-6 wet diapers a day and regular stools.
Most babies lose a little weight in the first days and are back at birth weight after about 10-14 days. Logging each feeding, including which breast and for how long, makes it much easier to see patterns and to give your health nurse real numbers at check-ups.
Bottle feeding and formula
Formula-fed newborns often eat a little less frequently, roughly every 3-4 hours, and take 60-90 ml per feeding at first, increasing as they grow. Follow the instructions on the formula packaging and let your baby decide when they are full.
When to contact a health professional
Contact your health nurse, doctor or midwife if your baby has fewer wet diapers than expected, seems unusually sleepy or hard to wake for feeds, is not gaining weight, or if feeding is painful for you. Trust your instincts: you know your baby best.