Feeding Your Newborn: Everything You Need to Know for the First Months

One of the most common concerns for new parents is making sure their baby is getting enough to eat. It’s natural to wonder how often your newborn should eat, how much they need, and whether you’re feeding too much or too little. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, you’re not alone—I’ve been there with both of my babies.

The truth is, there isn’t one perfect schedule that works for every newborn. But understanding typical feeding patterns, signs of hunger and fullness, and how needs change over time can make this journey feel a lot more manageable.

Let’s walk through what to expect during your baby’s first months and how to build a feeding routine that works for both of you.

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How Much Should a Newborn Eat?

The amount your baby needs depends on their age and whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding.

If you’re breastfeeding:
It’s hard to measure exactly how much milk your baby is getting, but if they’re nursing for 10–20 minutes on each side and seem satisfied afterward, that’s a good sign.

In the early days, your newborn’s tummy is tiny, so they’ll only need a few ounces per feeding. In the first hours after birth, newborns benefit from receiving colostrum, a nutrient-rich fluid produced by the mother’s breasts.

Despite their tiny stomach size, colostrum provides essential nutrients and antibodies crucial for their development.

If you’re formula feeding:
Here’s a general guide to formula amounts by age:

• 0–1 week: 1–3 oz every 2–3 hours
• 1–2 weeks: 2–4 oz every 3–4 hours
• 1 month: 4 oz every 4 hours
• 2–4 months: 4–6 oz every 4–5 hours
• 4–6 months: 6–8 oz every 4–6 hours

As always, follow your baby’s cues—they’ll tell you when they’re hungry or full.

How Often Should a Newborn Eat?

In the first month, babies will want to eat every 2-3 hours, or whenever they show baby hunger cues like rooting or sucking on their fists. As they grow, so does their appetite.

By around 5-6 months, they might be chugging down 7-8 ounces per feeding, about 6-8 times a day.

To figure out if your baby’s getting enough to eat, keep an eye on how many wet diapers they go through each day. Ideally, you want to see at least six wet diapers daily. This tells you they’re likely getting the right amount of milk, whether from breastfeeding or formula.

If you notice a big drop in the number of wet diapers or have any worries about feeding, it’s a good idea to chat with your healthcare provider for advice.

How to Know if I’m Overfeeding My Newborn?

While it’s uncommon, overfeeding can happen, especially with bottle-fed babies. Signs of overfeeding include:

• Excessive or projectile spit-up
• Vomiting
• Extreme discomfort after feeds
• Rapid weight gain

To prevent overfeeding, practice responsive feeding by paying attention to baby hunger cues rather than only aiming for a specific number of ounces per day.

Recognizing Hunger and Fullness Cues

Knowing when to feed your baby involves paying attention to their hunger cues and recognizing when they’re full.

Hunger cues can vary from baby to baby but may include things like smacking lips, sucking on hands, rooting (turning their head toward your hand or breast), or becoming fussy or restless. When you notice these signs, it’s usually a good indicator that your baby is ready to eat.

On the other hand, to recognize when your baby is full, watch for cues like turning away from the breast or bottle, releasing the nipple, or becoming more relaxed and content.

It’s essential to respect your baby’s cues and not force them to continue eating if they seem satisfied. This helps them develop a healthy relationship with food and learn to recognize their own hunger and fullness cues as they grow.

Dealing with Baby’s Feeding Preferences

Sometimes, babies can be picky little creatures, preferring either the bottle or the boob.

With Emily, she definitely had a preference for the bottle at first. To encourage breastfeeding, I made sure to offer the breast first when she was hungry, and then follow up with a bottle if needed. Gradually, she got the hang of breastfeeding and received them both happily.

Babies can be picky about their bottles too, so it’s good to give them a few choices if you can. One approach is to take advantage of free or discounted sample boxes, which allow you to provide a variety of bottle brands. I did the same thing, making sure my babies were comfortable with all sorts of bottles without any fuss.

Through all of this, I eventually found that I preferred glass baby bottles over plastic ones. They’re safer, easier to clean, and don’t absorb odors or stains like plastic can. Read more about why I switched to glass bottles in this post.

And the worst thing is dealing with preferences between boobs!

When your baby starts favoring one over the other, it can be frustrating. But don’t worry, you’re not alone.

If your little one seems to have a favorite boob, try mixing things up. Start with the less preferred one first during feedings or try different positions to make it more enticing. With a little trial and error, you’ll hopefully find a way to even things out.

Essential Products for Feeding Your Baby

When it comes to essential products for feeding your baby, having the right gear can make a big difference.

A nursing pillow isn’t just for breastfeeding moms; it’s handy for both breastfed and formula-fed babies. Its benefits extend beyond nursing, providing comfortable support during feeding sessions for both you and your baby.

For breastfeeding moms, a comfy nursing bra is a must-have. Look for ones with soft, stretchy fabric and easy-to-use clasps for quick access during feeding sessions.

I breastfed both my babies, so having a reliable breast pump was super important. I stuck with the same one for both of them – the Spectra Breast Pump. It worked like a charm, I just swapped out the parts when needed. 

Nursing pads are also essential to help absorb leaks and keep you feeling dry and comfortable throughout the day.

Another game-changer for breastfeeding moms is the Haakaa cup! It collects milk from the side you’re not feeding from and collects several ounces to store.

For bottle feeding, you’ll need a few key items to get started. Obviously, you’ll need bottles and nipples. Look for bottles that are easy to hold and come in different sizes to accommodate your baby’s growing appetite.

With Emily, I used glass baby bottles, and I swear by them! Check out my comprehensive review of the 9 Best Glass Baby Bottles of 2025 here.

If you’re using formula, be sure to have a supply on hand. And to keep your bottles squeaky clean, invest in a good bottle brush.

And don’t forget to sterilize all parts once a day. A sterilizer ensures that bottles, nipples, and pumping equipment are thoroughly cleaned and free from harmful bacteria, providing peace of mind and promoting your baby’s health.

With these essential products, you’ll be well-equipped to feed your baby comfortably and efficiently, whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

Overcoming Common Feeding Challenges

Breastfeeding can come with its fair share of challenges:

• Sore nipples: This is a common issue, especially in the early days of breastfeeding. Ensure your baby is latching correctly to avoid soreness. Use lanolin cream or breast pads to soothe sore nipples between feedings.
• Low milk supply: Some mothers may worry about not producing enough milk. Ensure you’re nursing frequently to stimulate milk production. Consider consulting with a lactation consultant for personalized advice and techniques to increase milk supply, such as power pumping or using a breast pump after feedings.
• Engorgement: Occurs when breasts become overly full and uncomfortable. Nurse frequently and use warm compresses or express milk to relieve engorgement. A cold compress can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

And if you’re formula feeding, you may have all kind of challenges:

• Colic or gas: Formula-fed babies may experience colic or gas, leading to fussiness and discomfort. Try using a formula specifically designed to reduce gas or colic symptoms. Burp your baby frequently during feedings and ensure proper bottle feeding technique to minimize air intake.
• Formula intolerance: Some babies may have difficulty digesting certain types of formula, leading to fussiness, gas, or other digestive issues. Consult with your pediatrician to identify and switch to a formula better suited to your baby’s needs.
• Constipation: Babies may experience constipation, characterized by hard stools or difficulty passing stools. Consider switching to a formula with added prebiotics or probiotics to support digestive health.

No matter how you choose to feed your baby, just know that you’re doing an amazing job.

Seeing those chubby cheeks and happy smiles makes it all worth it.

So, Trust your instincts, listen to your little one, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

I hope this post have addressed some of your concerns regarding feeding your little one.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below.

With love,
Shely