Complete Guide to Newborn Feeding: Breastfeeding, Formula, and More
Complete Guide to Newborn Feeding: Breastfeeding, Formula, and More
Feeding your newborn is one of the most important aspects of early parenthood. Whether you choose breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both, understanding the basics will help you feel confident and ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need to thrive.
Breastfeeding Basics
Breast milk is uniquely designed for your baby, providing perfect nutrition along with antibodies that help protect against infections. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
Getting Started: Your baby should breastfeed within the first hour after birth when possible. This early feeding helps stimulate milk production and provides important colostrum—the first milk that's packed with antibodies. In the first few days, your breasts produce small amounts of colostrum. By day 3-5, your mature milk will come in.
How Often to Breastfeed: Newborns need to eat 8-12 times in 24 hours, typically every 2-3 hours. Learn your baby's hunger cues: rooting, bringing hands to mouth, smacking lips, fussiness, and crying. Never let a newborn go more than 4 hours without feeding during the day.
Signs Baby Is Getting Enough: Your baby has 6-8 wet diapers per day by day 5, regular bowel movements (3-4 per day in early weeks), seems satisfied after feedings, and is gaining weight appropriately.
Formula Feeding Fundamentals
Formula feeding can be a healthy choice for your baby. Today's infant formulas are carefully designed to provide complete nutrition for babies who aren't breastfed or need supplementation.
Choosing the Right Formula: Most babies do well on standard cow's milk-based formula. Special formulas are available for specific needs including partially hydrolyzed formulas for fussiness, extensively hydrolyzed formulas for milk protein sensitivity, soy formula for specific medical indications, and specialized formulas for premature babies.
How Much Formula to Feed: Formula-fed newborns typically start with 1-3 ounces per feeding, gradually increasing to 3-4 ounces by one month. By 6 months, most babies take 6-8 ounces per feeding, 4-5 times per day.
Preparing Formula Safely: Always wash hands before preparing bottles, use clean bottles and nipples, follow formula preparation instructions exactly, and use prepared formula within 1 hour at room temperature or 24 hours if refrigerated.
Combination Feeding
Many families successfully combine breastfeeding and formula feeding. This can work well if: you're returning to work, you have low milk supply, you want to share feeding responsibilities, or your baby needs supplementation.
Feeding Schedules and Hunger Cues
Newborns should be fed on demand, not by a strict schedule. Watch for hunger cues and feed promptly. Most babies naturally develop a feeding pattern by 2-3 months.
Burping and Spit-Up
Burp your baby during and after feedings to release swallowed air. Try burping: mid-feed, after switching breasts, and after finishing the bottle. Some spit-up is normal—contact your doctor if it's forceful, projectile, or if baby isn't gaining weight.
When to Introduce Solids
Wait until around 6 months to introduce solid foods. Signs of readiness include: sitting with support, showing interest in food, and loss of tongue-thrust reflex.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
Contact us if your baby: refuses to eat for more than 8 hours, has fewer than 6 wet diapers per day after day 5, shows signs of dehydration, isn't gaining weight, or has persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I should breastfeed or formula feed?
Both breast milk and formula can provide complete nutrition for your baby. Breast milk offers antibodies and may reduce infection risk, while formula allows others to help with feeding. The best choice depends on your health, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Your pediatrician can help you decide.
How much should my newborn eat?
Breastfed newborns typically nurse 8-12 times per day. Formula-fed babies usually take 2-3 ounces per feeding every 3-4 hours in the first weeks, gradually increasing to 3-4 ounces by one month. Watch your baby's hunger cues rather than focusing solely on amounts or schedules.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?
Signs of adequate feeding include 6-8 wet diapers per day after the first week, steady weight gain (back to birth weight by 2 weeks), contentment between feedings, and meeting developmental milestones. Your pediatrician will monitor growth at regular check-ups.
Is it okay to supplement breastfeeding with formula?
Yes, combination feeding (both breast milk and formula) can work well for many families. If you're supplementing, try to establish breastfeeding first (3-4 weeks) before introducing formula to build milk supply. Pump when giving formula to maintain supply if continuing to breastfeed.
What type of formula should I use?
Standard cow's milk-based formula with iron is appropriate for most babies. Special formulas (soy, hypoallergenic, or lactose-free) are only needed for specific medical conditions or allergies. Consult your pediatrician before switching formulas or using specialized types.
How do I prepare formula safely?
Always wash hands first, use clean bottles and nipples, follow mixing instructions exactly, and use water that's safe for drinking. Prepared bottles can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Discard any formula left in the bottle after feeding, and never microwave bottles as it creates hot spots.
When should I burp my baby?
Burp your baby when switching breasts during breastfeeding or every 2-3 ounces during bottle feeding, and always after feeding. Some babies need more frequent burping, while others need less. If your baby seems comfortable and isn't spitting up excessively, your burping routine is probably adequate.
Need Personal Guidance?
This article provides general information. For questions specific to your child's health, please call our office or book an appointment online.