CG Infant Feeding Cues & Frequency of Feedings -

Infant Feeding Cues & Frequency of Feedings

How Often Will My Baby Eat?

Most newborns need to feed at least 8-12 times per day.¹ As a new parent, you might expect your baby to eat every 2-3 hours, but their feeding times might be unpredictable, especially when they’re very young. Sometimes they may need to eat more often, and occasionally, they may even go longer between feedings. Since babies can’t tell time, the best schedule for your baby to be fed on is their own.²

Why Follow Your Baby’s Cues?

Following your baby’s feeding cues, instead of watching the clock, has many benefits. It will ensure that they are eating when they are ready, which can make latching and breastfeeding easier for both of you. It helps your baby grow and gain weight as they should and helps your milk supply continue to meet their needs as they grow. At some point, your baby may want to breastfeed for reasons other than hunger, but especially at the beginning, it is best to be responsive and feed them “on cue”.

Feeding Cues:

Your baby may show these common feeding cues while asleep or awake³:

Waking up from sleep
Opening and closing their mouth
Sticking out their tongue
Bringing their hands to their mouth
Rooting or turning their head to the side
Smacking lips
Crying

Crying is a late stage of hunger.³ Babies usually show other signs that they are ready to feed before they start crying. It’s better to respond to these early cues instead of waiting until they are crying. If your baby gets too hungry or upset, it might help to calm them first before trying to latch. As your baby grows, their feeding cues can change.³ For example, a four-month-old might suck on their hands for reasons other than hunger, like teething. Continue to watch your baby closely and feed them based on their cues for hunger and fullness.

Starting and Ending a Feed

A healthy baby will show signs when they are hungry and full. It is important to respond to early feeding cues and not wait until they are crying, which can make feedings harder. Try to keep your baby close to watch for their first signs of hunger. Practicing skin-to-skin, babywearing, and rooming-in can help you notice these signs more easily. You will have an easier time latching your baby if they are calm and not too hungry.³

Fullness Cues:

Your baby should breastfeed until they either fall deeply asleep or unlatch on their own and appear very relaxed. After a burp and a diaper change, try offering your baby the second breast. Offering the second breast each feeding is a good habit to ensure your baby gets plenty of milk and is satisfied with each feeding. Here are some common fullness cues:³

Open hands
Relaxed face and body
Stops seeking breast
Stops swallowing or suckling the breast
Releases breast from mouth
Falls asleep at the breast

Special Circumstances

If your baby was born early, is very small, or has a health issue, they might not show clear signs when they are hungry. They may need to be woken up to eat, on a schedule. Work with your lactation consultant and baby’s doctor to make a feeding plan that supports your breastfeeding goals.^4,5

If your baby is cluster feeding every hour for more than 3 days, always seems hungry between feedings, isn’t having enough wet or dirty diapers, or if you’re worried about weight loss or slow weight gain – especially if you are having trouble with latching or sore nipples – get help from your healthcare provider and lactation consultant right away.^4,5

It’s More Than Just Breast Milk

As your baby grows and experiences things like growth spurts, teething, or their first cold, they might want to nurse more often or even cluster feed occasionally. During these times, you might worry that you’re not producing enough milk, but this might not be the case. Breast milk is not just about nutrition; it also acts as your baby’s comfort and their medicine. Breastfeeding on cue helps your baby feel close and secure and enables your milk supply to adjust to their needs and grow with them.^4,5

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
Babycare for the Breastfed Baby

To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

https://www.hersourcehealth.com/aeroflow-care-guides/ ‎

References