Newborn feeding

Feeding is a time to nurture your baby emotionally, as well as nutritionally. It is important to hold, cuddle and talk to your baby during feedings. Your baby will give you cues when she is hungry:

• roots or turns her head when her cheek is stroked
• opens her mouth and searches
• smacks her lips
• makes sucking movements
• puts her hand in her mouth
• squirms
• cries (the last cue).

When your baby shares these feeding cues, put her to your breast or prepare a bottle of formula. For the first couple of weeks, your baby should eat at least eight to 12 times every 24 hours.

Newborns are normally sleepy for the first few days after birth, which can make it seem like they don't want to eat this often. However, being asleep does not mean your baby is not hungry. A newborn's need to sleep can override her feelings of hunger. Babies do not understand feeding schedules. Trying to keep your baby on an artificially longer pattern can cause frantic hunger.

Forms and worksheets

To do list

Chart your baby's breastfeedings and diapers

Chart your baby's formula feedings and diapers

Questions to ask when breastfeeding worksheet