Feeding Your Baby

Feeding your baby is best. Find helpful information below for however you choose to feed.

Breastfeeding

What are the signs that my baby isn't getting enough breast milk?

Watch for these signs if you're concerned about your baby's milk intake:

Your baby continues to lose weight. If your baby doesn't start gaining weight after five days, or if he starts losing weight again any time after that, talk with his doctor.
Your baby is wetting fewer than six diapers in a 24-hour period after the five days following his birth.
Your baby has small, dark stools after his first five days.
Your baby's urine is very dark, like the color of apple juice. (If his urine is pale or clear, he's getting enough liquid. If it's more concentrated, it may be a sign that he's low on fluids.)
Your baby is fussy or lethargic much of the time. He may fall asleep as soon as you put him to your breast but then fuss when you take him off.
Your baby appears to have a dry mouth or eyes.
Your baby just doesn't seem satisfied, even if feedings consistently take longer than an hour.
Your breasts don't feel softer after nursing.
You rarely hear your baby swallow while nursing. (Some babies are very quiet feeders, so if all other signs are positive, don't worry about this one!)

What happens if my baby doesn't get enough breast milk?

Although most moms are able to provide their babies with all the milk they need, sometimes babies don't get enough. And when the problem isn't addressed, a baby can suffer from dehydration and failure to thrive, which are uncommon but serious problems.

If you're concerned that your baby isn't getting enough milk, call your baby's doctor or check in with a nurse or lactation consultant. At these appointments, you'll typically feed your baby while the consultant observes you and gives you valuable tips for breastfeeding success.

Formula Feeding

Prepared infant formulas are a nutritious alternative to breast milk. They even contain many vitamins and nutrients that is found in breastmilk. Formula feeding is also great nutrition for your baby.

Things to remember when formula feeding your infant

Ensure the formula is FDA approved.
Ensure the formula is age appropriate for your child.

How much to feed my baby:

Formula-fed newborns feed about every 2–3 hours. As they get bigger and their tummies grow and can hold more milk, they usually eat about every 3–4 hours. Each newborn & baby is different.
- Baby may go through a growth spurt and want to eat more around the ages of 7 – 14 days old, between 3-6 weeks old, 4 months and 6 months are the common times for growth spurts.
Newborns and young babies should be fed whenever they seem hungry. This is called on-demand feeding. Cues to watch for are below:
- moving their heads from side to side
- opening their mouths
- sticking out their tongues
- placing their hands, fingers, and fists to their mouths
- puckering their lips as if to suck
- nuzzling again their mothers' breasts
- showing the rooting reflex (when a baby moves its mouth in the direction of something that's stroking or touching its cheek)