“How much should a newborn eat?” is one of the first questions every new parent Googles. Feeding a newborn can feel like a mix of science, guesswork, and a little magic—are they still hungry? Are they full? Why are they crying again? Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a little of both, this guide breaks down what you need to know to keep your little one happy and well-fed.
1. How Much Should a Newborn Eat in the First Days?
In the first few days of life, your baby’s stomach is about the size of a marble—yes, a marble. This means meals will be small but frequent. Expect your baby to eat 1-2 ounces every 2-3 hours. They’re essentially on a 24-hour buffet schedule, and you’re the chef.
Look for Feeding Cues
- Hungry: Rooting (turning their head toward a touch), sucking motions, or hands in their mouth.
- Full: Turning away, falling asleep, or the milk coma face (you’ll know it when you see it).
2. Breastfeeding: How Much is Enough?
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s harder to measure exact amounts, but babies are excellent at letting you know what they need. Feed on demand—typically every 1.5 to 3 hours in the first weeks. Your baby may nurse for 10-20 minutes per session.
Signs Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk
- 6+ wet diapers per day by the first week.
- Weight gain after the initial loss in the first few days.
- Satisfied behavior after feeds (and maybe a nap for good measure).
Pro Tip: Cluster feeding—when babies eat frequently over a few hours—is normal during growth spurts. It’s not a sign of low milk supply; it’s just your baby leveling up.
Must-Have Breastfeeding Tools:
3. Formula Feeding: How Much Should You Offer?
Formula-fed babies typically start with 1-2 ounces every 3-4 hours, gradually increasing as they grow. By the end of the first month, most babies take 3-4 ounces per feeding. A good rule of thumb: Multiply your baby’s weight in pounds by 2.5 to estimate their daily intake in ounces.
Example
An 8-pound baby will need about 20 ounces per day, divided across their feedings.
Essential Formula Feeding Gear:
4. What About Night Feedings?
Sorry, but yes—newborns need to eat at night. During the first few months, they’ll wake every 2-4 hours to eat. As exhausting as it sounds, night feedings are crucial for their growth and development.
Pro Tip: Prep bottles or set up a nursing station before bed to make those middle-of-the-night feedings smoother. And invest in a soft nightlight—nobody needs a glaring overhead light at 3 a.m.
Helpful Night Feeding Tools:
- Hatch Rest+: A versatile all-in-one device that combines a nightlight, white noise machine, and time-to-rise clock for seamless feedings and sleep support.
5. When to Call the Pediatrician
Sometimes, it’s tricky to know if your baby is eating enough. Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Not gaining weight after the first two weeks.
- Fewer than 6 wet diapers per day.
- Persistent fussiness during or after feedings.
When in doubt, consult your pediatrician. They’re your go-to for any concerns about feeding and growth.
6. Tips to Make Feeding Easier
- Track Feedings: Use an app like Baby Connect to log feed times, amounts, and which side you nursed from.
- Prep Ahead: Keep bottles ready or set up a breastfeeding station with water, snacks, and burp cloths.
- Accept Help: If someone offers to take a feeding shift, let them. Sleep is a precious commodity.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much your newborn should eat is a learning curve, but you’ll find your rhythm soon enough. Whether you’re measuring ounces or counting minutes, remember that every baby is different. Follow their cues, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. And if you’re ready to start building healthy sleep habits alongside feeding routines, check out my Newborn Sleep Shaping Course for gentle strategies that work. Learn more here!
