How often should I feed my newborn?

Feeding a newborn is a crucial part of their care and growth. Newborns have small stomachs and need to be fed frequently to ensure that they get enough nutrition. The general rule of thumb is to feed your newborn on demand, meaning whenever they show signs of hunger. For the first few weeks after birth, your newborn may feed as often as every two to three hours, which means that they may need to be fed as many as eight to twelve times per day.

You should look for signs that your baby is hungry, such as smacking their lips or making sucking noises, opening their mouth, or rooting (turning their head toward your hand or breast). Once your baby is latched on or drinking from a bottle, they will typically feed for about 20 to 40 minutes before they are satisfied.