This post is all about a newborn feeding guide.
There are soo many things to think about with a new baby, am I right?!
Newborn baby care, newborn eating, newborn sleep schedule and so much more!
I will be specifically talking about all things having to do with newborn eating as it relates to formula feeding. This includes newborn feeding amount, newborn feeding schedule, cluster feeding and my best newborn feeding tips.
Plus if you read until the end you can download your own newborn feeding tracker too to help simplify your days and nights!
This post is all about a newborn feeding guide.
Newborn Feeding
It does not matter if you are an expectant mother or you are holding your newborn baby earth side – welcome! I’m so glad you are here 🙂
As a new mom, newborn eating can feel sooo overwhelming at first. And that was the case for me too.
Many moms want specific directions about when and how to feed their newborn and my best advice is to feed as much and frequently as your baby needs.
Of course you should follow the advice of the doctors and nurses but when it comes down to it, your baby will let you know when he is hungry by getting fussy and crying.
Newborn Feeding Amount
Newborn babies have very tiny stomachs so they do not drink as much formula in one feeding as you might think. But for that reason, your baby will be looking for a bottle pretty frequently, especially in the first few days.
But to give you a sense for how much to feed a newborn, here is a newborn feeding chart.
| Age | Amount |
| Newborn | About 2-2.5oz per lb of weight |
| 1 Month | 22-26oz |
| 2-4 Months | 25-30oz |
| 6+ Months | 24-32oz + some babies are starting to eat solid foods. |
| 12 Months | Transition from formula to milk + eating solids. |
This newborn feeding chart is just an average though so do not panic if your baby is eating more or less than this. You will be working alongside the pediatrician and seeing them frequently, which will include weighing your baby.
Related: 37 Baby Essentials You Need in the First Three Months
Newborn Feeding Schedule
The newborn feeding schedule, especially in the first week, can be ALL over the place. You should expect to feed on demand, or about every 3 hours.
Most days it will probably feel like you are feeding your baby around the clock – it can be exhausting – but there really is not a set “schedule” quite yet.
Did you know that it is totally normal for your baby to lose a little weight in the first few days? IT might come as a shock but your baby will probably leave the hospital weighing less than his birth weight.
Think about this: Your baby is just getting used to life outside of the womb. He can no longer rely on the umbilical cord and placenta for constant nutrients and is no longer snug as a bug in the womb. What a transition right?!
Because of weight loss, the hospital and/or pediatrician will most likely instruct you to wake the baby to eat at least every 3 hours (yep even overnight..) until your baby is back up to his birth weight. But let’s be real, your baby’s newborn feeding schedule will involve nighttime feeding for weeks to come. Although it sounds daunting, there is something oddly special about feeding and rocking your newborn while the rest of the house sleeps.
But there’s one important thing I have not mentioned yet… and that is the dreaded cluster feeding.
Cluster Feeding
What is cluster feeding you ask? It is a short period of time where your baby wants a lot of short feeds over a few hours. Think of it like little growth spurts!
This is totally normal of newborn eating and should be expected in the early days of formula feeding (or breastfeeding).
Cluster feeding can happen any time but typically occurs in the afternoon or at night. Just remember that although it is exhausting, cluster feeding is temporary and will pass before you know it. Babies will typically fully outgrow it by three to four months of age.
Newborn Feeding Tips
- Burp baby frequently. For newborns, it’s recommended that you burp your baby every few ounces or so. For older babies, you can typically burp halfway through and then after the feeding.
- Always have a burp cloth on hand. Babies have a tendency to spit up a lotttt so this is a must in the first few months.
- Alternate sides for feedings (bottle feedings too!) This can help to prevent torticollis in your baby and keep his neck muscles loose. But if your baby does develop torticollis like mine did, do not panic! Physical therapy works wonders for us.
- Hold baby upright during feeding. This is especially important for babies with reflux but keeping your baby’s head and chest above his stomach is helpful for consumption and digestion.
- Pre-fill bottles with water. This will be a little more difficult in the beginning when your newborn may be cluster feeding but anything to cut down on time when you have a crying baby in your arms is a win in my book!
- Use a formula dispenser. This is one of my formula feeding essentials! I recommend measuring out the formula in a container like this ahead of time. You will be amazed at how much time and aggravation you save.
- Fill a basket with items for overnight feeds. Think bottles, formula, pump parts, burp cloth, snacks (for you), and anything else you might need overnight. This will make middle of the night feeds quicker and less frantic when the baby is crying and you are running around trying to grab everything.
- Give yourself grace! This is a must as a new mom and just a mom in general. Keeping going mama – you are doing amazing!
Related: Bottle Feeding Tips for New Moms
This post is all about a newborn feeding guide.