Feeding your newborn: Remember the basics

A newborn's feeding schedule can be unpredictable. Here's what, when and how to feed your baby.

Your newborn is changing and growing quickly. How much and how often you feed your baby may vary from day to day. To make sure you're meeting your newborn's nutritional needs, remember the basics.

Stick with breast milk or formula

Breast milk or formula is the only food your newborn needs. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast-feeding for about the first six months. Newborns don't need water, juice or other fluids. In fact, introducing juice or other fluids too early may cause diarrhea. You can gradually begin introducing solid foods when your baby's doctor gives the OK — often by age 6 months.

Feed your baby on demand

Most newborns breast-feed eight to 12 times a day — about every two to three hours. Within two to three months, your baby may be satisfied with six to eight feedings a day. Eventually your baby will fall into a fairly predictable feeding schedule, taking in more milk in less time at each feeding.

Follow your baby's feeding cues

Look for early signs of hunger, such as stirring and stretching, sucking motions and lip movements. Fussing and crying are later cues. The sooner you begin each feeding, the less likely you'll need to soothe a frantic baby. Of course, not every cry means hunger. Sometimes your baby may simply need a clean diaper, a change of scenery or some cuddle time.

When your baby stops sucking, closes his or her mouth, or turns away from the nipple, he or she may be full — or simply taking a break. Try burping your baby or waiting a minute before offering your breast or the bottle again. If your baby is ready to end the feeding, he or she will resist more vigorously.

Expect variations in your baby's eating patterns

Your baby won't necessarily eat the same amount every day. During growth spurts — often at 10 to 14 days after birth, as well as at three weeks, six weeks, three months and six months — your baby may take more at each feeding or want to feed more often. After a few days, the pattern should become more predictable. When your baby begins to drop middle-of-the-night feedings, he or she may want a morning "catch-up" feeding.

Consider each feeding a time to bond with your baby

For babies, feeding is as much a social activity as a nutritional one. Your baby's growth and development are based, in part, on the powerful bond that forms during feedings. Hold your baby close during each feeding. Look him or her in the eye. Speak with a gentle voice. If you're using a bottle, resist the temptation to prop it in your baby's mouth while you do other things. This could lead to choking or tooth decay — and a missed opportunity to build your baby's sense of security, trust and comfort.

Trust your instincts

Every baby is unique. Soon you'll become familiar with your baby's eating habits and recognize when they're disrupted. Don't worry about how much, how often and how regularly your baby eats. Instead, look for steady weight gain and contentment between feedings. Your baby's doctor will monitor your baby's growth as well. If you're concerned about your baby's eating patterns, contact your baby's doctor.