Feeding Your Newborn: Care Instructions

Overview

Feeding a newborn is an important concern for parents. Experts recommend that newborns be fed on demand. This means that you breastfeed or bottle-feed your infant whenever they show signs of hunger, rather than setting a strict schedule. Newborns follow their feelings of hunger. They eat when they are hungry and stop eating when they are full.

Experts recommend feeding your baby only breast milk for about 6 months. They also support breastfeeding for 2 years or longer. Try to breastfeed for as long as it works for you and your baby.

A common concern for parents is whether their baby is eating enough. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about how much your baby is eating. Most newborns lose weight in the first several days after birth but regain it within a week or two. After 2 weeks of age, your baby should continue to gain weight steadily.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

  • Allow your baby to feed on demand.
    • During the first 2 weeks, your baby will breastfeed at least 8 times in a 24-hour period. These early feedings may last only a few minutes. Over time, feeding sessions will become longer and may happen less often.
    • Formula-fed babies may have slightly fewer feedings, at least 6 times in 24 hours. They will eat about 2 to 3 ounces every 3 to 4 hours during the first few weeks of life.
    • By 2 months, most babies have a set feeding routine. But your baby's routine may change at times, such as during growth spurts when your baby may be hungry more often.
  • You may have to wake a sleepy baby to feed in the first few days after birth.
  • Do not give any milk other than breast milk or infant formula until your baby is 1 year of age. Cow's milk, goat's milk, and soy milk do not have the nutrients that very young babies need to grow and develop properly. Cow and goat milk are very hard for young babies to digest.
  • If you're breastfeeding, your baby may need a vitamin D supplement. Ask your doctor about giving a vitamin D supplement starting within the first few days after birth.
  • If you choose to switch your baby from the breast to bottle-feeding, try these tips.
    • Try letting your baby drink from a bottle. Slowly reduce the number of times you breastfeed each day. For a week, replace a breastfeeding with a bottle-feeding during one of your daily feeding times.
    • Each week, choose one more breastfeeding time to replace or shorten.
    • Offer the bottle before each breastfeeding.

When should you call for help?

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You have questions about feeding your baby.
  • You are concerned that your baby is not eating enough.
  • You have trouble feeding your baby.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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