Feeding a Newborn Baby for the First 5 Months

Feeding a newborn baby can become overwhelming rather you decide to use formula or breastfeed. Regardless of the source of milk, the most important consideration is feeding your baby the correct amount. Parents will often state that “I feed my baby on demand.”  What does that really mean, I will counter the statement?  On demand is a perception for each person. For example, a mother has a different perception of “on demand” than the father.  To make feedings less confusing, here is some information that will help. Keep in mind this information is for full-term babies. Premature babies feeding schedules should be discussed with a pediatric health provider to ensure they are meeting their caloric intake.

How much are you feeding you baby?

– For the first 1-2 weeks your baby should be fed every 1-2 hours, 1-2 ounces (30-60 mls).

– For the 2-8 weeks your baby should be fed every 3-4 hours, 3-4 ounces or (90-120 mls).

– For 12-24 weeks- month your baby should gradually increase their feeds every 4-5 hours 6-8 ounces (180-240 mls).

– Between 1-3 months, I recommend waking the baby up and feed the baby. By then the baby’s own biological clock will know if they should be feed.

What is on demand feedings?

In a nutshell, these are some tell-tell signs that the baby is hungry. Eventually, you will learn your baby particular cry for being hungry.

– Crying or fussiness

– Frequently opening mouth trying to find something to suck on

– Sticking tongue in-out

– Putting hand in mouth frequently

– Smack lips

When you see these signs, I recommend gradual feeds by giving your baby 0.5-1 ounces more of milk.  After this try to distract your baby with a pacifier or playful, stimulating activities.

How do you know if your baby is full? Your baby may:

– Start and stop feedings

– Falls asleep

– Ignore the nipple/bottle or turns head away from the bottle

– Get distracted easily or have

– low interest

Signs of overfeeding?

– Large vomiting/spit ups- if it more than half of the feed

– Irritability due to stomach pains

– Risk for obesity

The first 0-6 months can be challenging of learning how to feed your baby. Over time, you will understand your baby’s temperaments, meaning a different cries for each need.  In addition, your baby will be able to recognize when they are hungry, and the clues will be easier to be determined. If you have further questions please contact Pediatric Heroes to get your questions addressed.