Welcoming a new baby into your life is an exciting time, filled with joy, wonder, and a lot of learning, especially when it comes to feeding! You might be wondering if your
newborn needs a strict feeding schedule.
This guide, drawing on recommendations from Canadian paediatric and health authorities, will help you navigate your baby's early nutritional needs.
The most consistent advice from experts like the Canadian Paediatric Society and Health Canada is to feed your newborn on demand, also known as responsive or cue-based feeding. This means feeding your baby whenever they show signs of hunger, rather than trying to stick to a rigid clock-based schedule. Newborns have tiny stomachs and they know when they are hungry and when they are full.
Understanding Your Baby's Hunger Cues
Learning to recognize your baby's hunger cues is key to successful on-demand feeding.
Responding to early cues makes feeding easier and more pleasant for both you and
your baby.
Early Hunger Cues:
o Stirring or waking up
o Sucking motions, smacking or licking lips
o Opening and closing their mouth
o Bringing hands to their mouth or face
o Rooting (turning their head and opening their mouth as if searching for the nipple,
especially when their cheek is stroked)
Active Hunger Cues:
o Increased physical movement, fidgeting, or squirming
o Trying to position for nursing
o Fussing or breathing fast
Late Hunger Cues:
o Crying is a late sign of hunger. A baby who is very upset may have more
difficulty latching or settling to feed. If your baby is crying, try to calm them with
cuddles or skin-to-skin contact before attempting to feed.
How Often Should My Newborn Eat?
While on-demand feeding is paramount, it's helpful to have a general idea of what to expect:
o Breastfed Babies: Breast milk is easily digested. In the first few weeks, most
breastfed newborns will feed at least 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period. This might
mean feeding every 1.5 to 3 hours, but intervals can vary. Sometimes babies will
"cluster feed", wanting to feed very frequently for a period, which is normal and can
help stimulate milk production.
o Formula-Fed Babies: Formula takes a bit longer to digest. Formula-fed newborns
typically feed at least 6 to 8 times in 24 hours in the first few weeks, often every 2
to 4 hours.
It's important to remember that these are just guidelines. Every baby is different. Some
babies, especially in the first few days or if they are sleepy or jaundiced, may need to be
gently woken for feeds to ensure they are getting enough.
Breastfeeding Your Newborn: The Gold Standard
Canadian health authorities, including Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric
Society, recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life for healthy
term infants. Breastfeeding can continue for up to two years or longer, along with
appropriate complementary foods (starting around 6 months).
Key Points for Breastfeeding:
o Vitamin D: Breastfed babies require a daily supplement of 400 IU of Vitamin D from
birth to prevent deficiency.
o Colostrum: The first milk your breasts produce is colostrum. It's rich in antibodies
and nutrients, perfect for your newborn's first few days.
o Latching: A good latch is crucial for comfortable and effective breastfeeding. If you
experience pain or have concerns about your baby's latch, seek help from a
lactation consultant, public health nurse, or your healthcare provider.
o Milk Supply: Frequent feeding in the early days helps establish your milk supply.
Formula Feeding Your Newborn: A Healthy Alternative
If breastfeeding is not an option or you choose to supplement, commercial iron-fortified
infant formula is a safe and healthy alternative.
Key Points for Formula Feeding:
o Type of Formula: Use a cow's milk-based, iron-fortified infant formula unless
specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
o Preparation: Carefully follow the instructions on the formula label for preparation
and storage. Health Canada provides specific guidelines for preparing powdered
infant formula to minimize any risk, including using boiled water cooled to 70°C for
infants under two months, premature infants, or those with weakened immune
systems, unless the specific formula requires different preparation. For healthy, full-
term infants, boiled water cooled to room temperature can be used.
Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before preparing formula and ensure
bottles and nipples are sterilized.
o Never Dilute: Do not add extra water to formula, as this can be dangerous for your
baby.
o Vitamin D: Commercial infant formulas sold in Canada are fortified with Vitamin D,
so an additional supplement is usually not needed if your baby is exclusively
formula-fed.
How Much Milk Does My Newborn Need?
This is a common question, but again, your baby is the best guide.
First Few Days: Your newborn's stomach is very small (about the size of a cherry
on day one, growing to the size of an apricot by day three). They will take small
amounts of colostrum or formula frequently.
o Day 1-2: Around 5-15 mL (0.17-0.5 oz) per feeding.
o Day 3-4: Around 30-60 mL (1-2 oz) per feeding.
o By 1-2 Weeks: Many babies will take 60-90 mL (2-3 oz) per feeding.
o By 1-2 Months: This may increase to 90-150 mL (3-5 oz) per feeding.
Let your baby decide when they are full. They will show you by:
o Slowing down their sucking
o Releasing the nipple or turning away from the bottle
o Appearing relaxed and content, possibly falling asleep
And remember to never force your baby to finish a bottle.
Signs Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk
It can be worrying not knowing exactly how much milk your baby is taking, especially
when breastfeeding. Here are reliable signs your baby is well-fed:
o Wet Diapers: By day 5-7, expect at least 6 heavy wet diapers in 24 hours. Urine
should be pale and odorless.
o Bowel Movements:
Breastfed babies: After the first few days of dark, tarry meconium, stools should
become looser, seedy, and yellowish, usually at least 3-4 times a day in the
early weeks. Some older breastfed babies may go less frequently.
Formula-fed babies: Stools are typically pastier and may be yellow, tan, or
greenish. They may have fewer bowel movements than breastfed babies, but
usually at least one a day.
o Weight Gain: Your healthcare provider will monitor your baby's weight. After an
initial small weight loss in the first few days, babies should regain their birth weight
by 10-14 days and continue to gain steadily.
o Alertness and Contentment: A well-fed baby will be alert when awake and seem
generally content after feedings.
When to Seek Advice
While most babies thrive with on-demand feeding, trust your instincts. Consult your
doctor, midwife, or a lactation consultant if you have any concerns, including if your
baby:
o Is consistently feeding fewer than 8 times in 24 hours (especially in the early
weeks).
o Seems very sleepy and difficult to wake for feeds.
o Is not having enough wet or dirty diapers.
o Is not gaining weight appropriately.
o Shows persistent signs of hunger shortly after feeds.
o You are experiencing pain during breastfeeding.
Trust Your Baby, Trust Yourself
Navigating your newborn's feeding needs is a journey of learning and bonding. By
paying attention to their cues and seeking support when needed, you can ensure your
baby gets the nourishment they need to grow and thrive. Canadian health authorities
emphasize responsive feeding as the best approach to help your baby develop healthy
eating habits from the start.