Newborns should breastfeed about 8 to 12 times per day, roughly every 1.5 to 3 hours in the first few weeks. They should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding, even at night. Feeding should be on demand, meaning whenever the baby shows early hunger cues such as rooting or sucking motions, rather than on a strict schedule.
Frequency and Timing
- In the early days, newborns may nurse as often as every hour at times.
- Over the first few weeks, the interval between feedings gradually lengthens to every 2 to 3 hours on average.
- Some babies cluster feed, meaning they feed very frequently for several hours, which is normal.
- Night feedings are important to maintain milk supply.
Duration and Cues
- Feed newborns for as long as they actively suckle; each session can last up to an hour initially.
- Babies usually stop when full and content.
- Watch for hunger signs (restlessness, sucking on hands, rooting) to begin feeding before crying.
Milk Supply and Growth
- Frequent feeding stimulates milk production.
- Babies should have several wet diapers per day and show steady growth as signs that they are feeding well.
This approach is called responsive or on-demand feeding and supports the baby's nutritional needs and the mother's milk supply effectively.