How Much Should A Newborn Eat

Newborn nutrition is a topic that frequently causes confusion and anxiety for new parents. There is no universal one-size-fits-all answer to how much a newborn should eat, as every baby’s needs and breastfeeding patterns are unique. Generally, the first few weeks of a baby’s life will require frequent and small feedings of breast milk, around 8-12 times a day, with each feed lasting between 10-20 minutes.

The amount of breast milk newborns drink will naturally vary, but two to five ounces per feed is a common general range. As the baby will not consume a full bottle every time, the average amount of breast milk a newborn drinks in 24 hours is somewhere between 16 to 32 ounces.

If you’re formula feeding, infants typically drink a bit more formula at each feeding than breastfed babies, usually around two to four ounces per feeding. Some infants may require more volume at one feeding, while others may need several smaller feedings in order to meet their energy needs for the day.

It is important to remember that a baby’s stomach is smaller and doesn’t need as much food as an adult’s. Since the frequency and length of each feeding is more important than the volume consumed, there is no specific amount a baby needs to eat. It is also important to watch for signs that they are full and signs they may be hungry and adjust according to the baby’s needs.

At each feeding, babies should be burped at least once since taking in a lot of milk in a short period of time can cause them to swallow air and cause discomfort. This may require several burps before, during, and after feedings.

The best way to determine how much a newborn should eat is to pay attention to your baby and watch for cues or signs of hunger or need to be burped. Every baby is different, so simply observe and adjust the frequency and volume accordingly.