Feeding your baby is one of the most important tasks in their early life, and understanding how often to feed them can sometimes be confusing, especially for new parents. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but knowing the general guidelines based on your baby’s age and nutritional needs can help you respond to their hunger cues and ensure they’re getting enough food. Let’s break down what you need to know about feeding frequency for newborns, infants, and babies transitioning to solid foods.

Feeding Frequency for Newborns

In the early days, feeding is all about frequency and responsiveness. Newborns, whether breastfed or bottle-fed, tend to eat often, sometimes as much as every hour. This is completely normal and is referred to as “on-demand” feeding, where the baby is fed whenever they show signs of hunger, rather than following a strict schedule.

For breastfed babies, the NHS recommends feeding your newborn at least 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period during the first few weeks. Frequent feeding not only meets your baby’s nutritional needs but also stimulates your milk supply. Responsive feeding helps your baby get the right amount of food and ensures that their growth is supported without the risk of overfeeding​.

 For formula-fed babies, similar principles apply. Babies usually take small, frequent feeds and may not finish every bottle, which is perfectly normal. The key is to pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues, such as rooting (turning their head and opening their mouth) or sucking on their hands. These early signals indicate hunger, and feeding your baby before they get too upset or start crying makes the process easier​.

The Importance of Night Feeds

Newborns, in particular, require night feeds because their stomachs are small, and they need frequent nourishment to grow and stay hydrated. The NHS emphasizes that breastfeeding at night is particularly important as it helps maintain milk supply by increasing the production of prolactin, a hormone crucial for milk production. Night feeds gradually reduce as the baby grows older and starts eating more during the day.

For formula-fed babies, night feeds are also common during the early months, though some parents may find their baby starts to sleep for longer stretches at night as they grow.

However, even with larger feeds at bedtime, babies typically still need to eat during the night until they’re a bit older.

Transitioning to a Feeding Routine

After the first few weeks, babies typically begin to settle into a more predictable feeding pattern. Breastfed babies may still feed every 2-3 hours, while formula-fed babies might stretch to every 3-4 hours. However, every baby is different, and it’s important to continue feeding responsively. As your baby grows, their feeding frequency will gradually decrease, with fewer, but longer, feeds.

It’s also essential to remember that growth spurts can temporarily disrupt these patterns, leading to increased feeding. Growth spurts commonly occur around 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, during which time babies may suddenly want to feed more frequently​.

Introducing Solid Foods (Weaning)

Around 6 months of age, babies are typically ready for solid foods, but breast milk or formula will still be the main source of their nutrition until they are at least one year old. As you introduce solids, it’s important to trust your baby’s appetite and allow them to explore new tastes and textures. At this stage, feeding becomes a mix of solid foods and milk, with meals gradually increasing in size and variety​.

The NHS advises starting with smooth purees or finger foods, progressing to mashed or chopped foods as your baby becomes more adept at eating. Keep in mind that babies do not need salt or sugar added to their food, and their portion sizes will vary depending on their appetite​.

During this transitional phase, it’s crucial to continue offering milk feeds, as breast milk or formula remains an important source of nutrients. Offer these milk feeds after solid food meals so your baby doesn’t fill up on milk before they have a chance to try new foods.

Responsive Feeding: The Key to Success

The term “responsive feeding” is often used by health professionals to describe feeding based on your baby’s cues rather than adhering to a strict schedule. This approach works for both breastfed and formula-fed babies. Responsive feeding allows babies to eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full, which helps regulate their intake naturally​.

Signs of hunger, such as sucking on hands, making small murmuring noises, or rooting, are early indicators that your baby is ready to feed. Feeding them before they start crying makes the process smoother and helps prevent distress during mealtime.

How to Tell If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Food

One of the most common concerns for new parents is whether their baby is getting enough to eat. Thankfully, there are several signs that can help you gauge if your baby is feeding well:

• Steady weight gain: Babies typically regain their birth weight by 2 weeks and continue to gain steadily from there. Regular health checkups with your midwife or health visitor will track your baby’s growth.
• Wet and dirty nappies: Your baby should have around 6 wet nappies a day, and their stools will change in color and consistency as they grow.
• Contentment after feeds: A well-fed baby will usually be calm and satisfied after feeding, although some babies may want to nurse for comfort even when they’re not hungry​.

Feeding your baby is a dynamic and ever-changing process that evolves as your child grows. In the early weeks, frequent on-demand feeding is the norm, with babies feeding at least 8 to 12 times a day. As they grow, the frequency may decrease, but it’s important to stay responsive to their hunger cues. Introducing solid foods around 6 months adds a new dimension to feeding, but breast milk or formula remains an essential part of their diet. Every baby is different, so trust your instincts, respond to their needs, and consult with healthcare professionals if you have concerns.