How often should a newborn feed?

More often than you expect, and not on a schedule. That is the honest answer, and it is also the official one.

The number

The NHS gives a rough guide of at least 8 to 12 feeds, or more, every 24 hours in the first few weeks. That works out at a feed every two to three hours counted from the start of one to the start of the next, including overnight.

Responsive feeding

The NHS describes responsive feeding as feeding your baby whenever they show signs of hunger, and for as long as they want. The clock tells you how many feeds have happened. Your baby tells you when the next one is.

Is it enough? Look at the nappies

You cannot see how much milk a breastfed baby takes, but you can count what comes out.

Age	Sign that feeding is going well
First 48 hours	Likely only 2 or 3 wet nappies
From day 4	At least 2 soft, yellow poos a day
From day 5	At least 6 heavy, wet nappies every 24 hours

Use the newborn nappy chart to see today’s line for your baby. If you are seeing fewer, speak to your midwife or health visitor the same day and ask them to watch a feed.

If you are bottle feeding

• Hold your baby semi-upright for feeds.
• Never leave a baby alone with a propped-up bottle.
• Make up each formula feed fresh, and throw away what is left.

More detail in how to make up formula and store breast milk.

Keeping count at 3am

“Which side did I feed on last?” is the most common question in a new parent’s head. A hair band on the wrist works. So does a tracker with a left/right timer, which also means the other adult can see when the last feed was without waking you. See what to track for a newborn.