Essential Newborn Feeding Tips: Weeks 1-4 Overview

Establishing a newborn baby feeding schedule for the first 4 weeks home from the hospital is an exciting and overwhelming experience. It’s one of the most critical aspects of your baby’s early days.

Whether you choose to breastfeed, bottle-feed, or use a combination of both, understanding your newborn’s feeding needs during these initial weeks is essential for their growth and development.

This guide will provide a detailed overview of feeding schedules, tips, and best practices to help you navigate this important phase.

Week 1: The First Days Home

Frequency of Feeding

Newborns have tiny stomachs and need to eat frequently. In the first week, you should expect to feed your baby about 8-12 times daily.

This roughly translates to feeding every 2-3 hours, including nighttime feedings.

Breastfeeding

• Initial Milk (Colostrum): In the first few days, your breasts produce colostrum, a thick, yellowish fluid rich in nutrients and antibodies.
• Latch and Position: Ensure your baby has a good latch and is in a comfortable feeding position. This helps prevent nipple soreness and ensures effective milk transfer.

Bottle-Feeding

• Formula Preparation: Follow the instructions on the formula package carefully to ensure proper nutrition.
• Feeding Amounts: Newborns typically consume 1-2 ounces of formula per feeding during the first week.

Week 2: Establishing a Routine

Recognizing Hunger Cues

You’ll become more attuned to your baby’s hunger cues by the second week. These may include rooting, sucking on hands, or making sucking noises.

Breastfeeding

• Increasing Milk Supply: Your milk supply will increase as your baby nurses frequently. Aim for at least 15-20 minutes of feeding per breast.
• Burping: Burp your baby halfway through and after each feeding to help release any trapped air.

Bottle-Feeding

• Feeding Amounts: Your baby may start to drink 2-3 ounces of formula per feeding.
• Sterilizing Bottles: Keep bottles and nipples clean by sterilizing them before each use.
• Ensure you have the best bottle for your baby. Read our article on the best baby bottles for breastfed babies.

Week 3: Adjusting to Growth Spurts

Frequency and Duration

Newborns often experience growth spurts around the third week. During this time, they may seem hungrier and want to feed more often.

Breastfeeding

• Cluster Feeding: Your baby may want to nurse more frequently in short bursts. This is normal and helps increase your milk supply.
• Comfort Nursing: Sometimes, your baby may nurse for comfort rather than hunger. This is perfectly fine and provides emotional security.
• There are many breastfeeding techniques; for more information on best practices, read our basics of breastfeeding guide.

Bottle-Feeding

• Feeding Amounts: Your baby may now consume 3-4 ounces of formula per feeding.
• Responsive Feeding: Pay attention to your baby’s cues and avoid overfeeding. Let them dictate the pace.

Week 4: Settling into a Schedule

Developing a Pattern

By the fourth week, a more predictable feeding pattern may emerge. Continue to feed on demand, but you may notice longer intervals between feedings.

Breastfeeding

• Milk Supply: Your milk supply should be well-established by now. Trust your body and your baby to maintain a good feeding rhythm. Read INCREASING BREASTMILK SUPPLY – La Leche League International (llli.org) for more information to increase your milk supply.
• Pumping: If you plan to return to work or need a break, consider introducing pumping to build a milk stash.

Bottle-Feeding

• Feeding Amounts: Your baby may take 4-5 ounces of formula per feeding.
• Nighttime Feeding: Gradually, your baby may start to sleep longer stretches at night. However, be prepared for night feedings as needed.

Tips for Successful Feeding

1. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: For breastfeeding mothers, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for a healthy milk supply.
2. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Encourage skin-to-skin contact during feeding to strengthen the bond with your baby and promote milk production.
3. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek help from lactation consultants, pediatricians, or support groups if you encounter challenges.
4. Create a Feeding Log: Keeping a feeding log can help track your baby’s intake and identify any patterns or concerns.

Common Concerns and Solutions

Sore Nipples

Solution: Ensure a proper latch, use lanolin cream, and allow nipples to air dry.

Gassiness

Solution: Burp your baby frequently, use anti-gas bottles, and consider dietary changes if breastfeeding.

Spit-Up

Solution: Keep your baby upright after feedings, avoid overfeeding, and ensure a proper latch.

Understanding and establishing a feeding schedule during the first four weeks at home sets a strong foundation for your baby’s growth and development.

By being responsive to their needs and staying informed, you can navigate this period with confidence and ease.

You can also find more resources about baby feeding schedules at Infant Food and Feeding (aap.org).