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A newborn's feeding schedule can be unpredictable. Find out the best way to feed your newborn.

Whether you're a new parent or an experienced one, you may have questions about feeding your growing newborn. Here's what you need to know.

Stick with breast milk or formula

In most cases, breast milk is the ideal food for babies. If breast-feeding isn't possible, use infant formula. Don't give your newborn water, juice or other fluids. Introducing these liquids before your baby is age 6 months is unnecessary and can interfere with his or her desire for breast milk or formula, which may lead to malnourishment.

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. If you use infant formula, you may need to feed your baby a little less often because formula digests more slowly than breast milk does. Eventually your baby will fall into a fairly predictable feeding schedule, taking in more milk in less time at each feeding.

Discuss vitamin D

Talk with the doctor about vitamin D supplements for your baby. Breast milk and formula may not provide enough vitamin D, which is essential to help your baby absorb calcium and phosphorus — necessary for strong bones. Too little vitamin D may also cause rickets, a softening and weakening of bones.

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.

Know when your baby is full

When your baby stops sucking, closes his or her mouth, or turns away from the nipple or bottle, 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 between three and six weeks — your baby may take more at each feeding or want to be fed 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 daytime "catch-up" feeding.

Trust your instincts — and your baby's

You may worry that your newborn isn't eating enough, but babies usually know just how much they need. Don't focus on how much, how often and how regularly your baby eats. Instead, look for contentment between feedings, six to eight wet diapers in 24 hours, alertness, good skin tone and steady weight gain — about 4 to 7 ounces (113 to 198 grams) a week for the first month.

Still, it's important to know the signs of underfeeding. Contact the doctor if your newborn:

• Isn't gaining weight
• Wets fewer than six to eight diapers a day
• Has a change in bowel movement frequency
• Shows little interest in feedings

Get regular well-baby checkups

Your baby's doctor will likely want to weigh your newborn and do a physical exam three to five days after you and your baby leave the hospital. Be sure to keep this and other follow-up appointments so that you and the doctor can track your baby's progress.

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.

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