How Often Should Newborns Be Fed?

Navigating the world of newborn nutrition can be as complex as decoding ancient hieroglyphs—but fear not, as we've cracked the code for you! Our latest Parenting Powerhouse episode is your treasure map to establishing a feeding routine that nourishes both your baby's health and your peace of mind. We delve into the reasons why your little one needs to refuel so frequently and how recognizing hunger cues early on can prevent a chorus of cries. Whether you're team breast or formula, we've got the insights to keep your baby thriving and your milk supply flowing.

Discover the secret rhythms of your baby's feeding and nappy patterns with our downloadable logs, and unlock the potential for a more predictable daily schedule. And when mysteries persist, we remind you that professional help is just around the corner—be it from pediatricians or lactation consultants. Join us as we embark on this journey together, ensuring your newborn's feeding journey is as smooth as a lullaby, and just as sweet.

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Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Hello wonderful parents and soon-to-be parents. Welcome to the Parenting Powerhouse podcast brought to you by Parenting Genie. I'm Bob, your guide on this incredible journey through pregnancy and parenting. We're thrilled to announce that we'll be releasing two episodes every week. Tune in every Tuesday for insights, tips and expert advice on pregnancy, and join us again on Thursdays as we explore the adventures and challenges of parenting and postpartum life. Whether you're eagerly awaiting your little one or are during parenting, you're in the right place. Let's dive into today's episode.

Speaker 1: 0:44

How often should newborns be fed? Welcome back to the Parenting Genie podcast. In today's episode, we're addressing a vital question for all new parents how often should newborns be fed? Navigating the feeding schedule of a newborn can sometimes feel like decoding a mystery. Schedule of a newborn can sometimes feel like decoding a mystery, but we're here to make it clearer and help you establish a routine that works for both you and your baby. Plus, we have a helpful resource for you Our feed and nappy logs, available for download at parentinggeniecomau, designed to make tracking feeding times and nappy changes simpler. Let's dive into understanding your newborn's feeding needs and making your parenting journey smoother.

Speaker 1: 1:33

How often should newborns be fed? Newborns need to be fed frequently. Their tiny tummies can't hold much, so they need to eat often to grow healthy and strong On demand can't hold much, so they need to eat often to grow healthy and strong On-demand. In the early weeks, it's recommended to feed newborns on-demand. This can mean feeding your baby every 2 to 3 hours or 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Feeding on-demand helps ensure your baby is getting enough to eat and supports healthy weight gain. Signs of hunger Look for cues that your baby is hungry, such as stirring, stretching, sucking motions and putting their hand to their mouth. Crying is a later sign of hunger, so try to feed before your baby gets to that point. Breastfeeding versus formula feeding Breastfed babies may need to eat more frequently than formula-fed babies because breast milk digests more quickly than formula. Both are perfectly fine as long as your baby is fed on demand and receiving the nourishment they need.

Speaker 1: 2:46

Understanding why frequent feeding is crucial for your newborn is key to their health and happiness. Here's why it's so important. Tiny tummies frequent needs. Newborns have very small stomachs, which means they can't hold a lot of milk at once. This is why they need to be fed often, so they can get the nutrients they need to grow without overloading their tiny tummies.

Speaker 1: 3:11

Supports rapid growth. The first few weeks and months of a baby's life are a period of rapid growth. Frequent feedings provide the constant supply of nutrients needed for this intense growth phase. Establishes and maintains milk supply For moms who are breastfeeding. Feeding your baby frequently is essential for establishing and maintaining a healthy milk supply. The more your baby feeds, the more milk your body is stimulated to produce. Keeps baby hydrated. In addition to providing nutrition, frequent feeding also ensures your baby stays well hydrated. Hydration is crucial, especially in the very early days of your baby's life. Frequent feeding is not just about nutrition. It's a foundational practice that supports your newborn's overall health and well-being during this vital stage of development.

Speaker 1: 4:10

Managing and tracking feedings Keeping track of feedings and nappy changes can help you understand your baby's patterns and ensure they're eating enough. Use feed and nappy logs. Download our feed and nappy logs from parentinggeniecomau. These logs are great tools for recording feeding times, which breast was used last for breastfeeding mothers, the number of wet and dirty nappies and other important notes. Look for patterns. Over time, you may start to notice patterns in your baby's feeding and sleeping habits. These insights can help you anticipate their needs and establish a more predictable routine when to seek help. If you're concerned about your baby's feeding, whether they're not feeding frequently enough, or you're worried they're not getting enough milk, don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can provide support and guidance tailored to your and your baby's needs. Closing thoughts Understanding how often to feed your newborn is key to their health and your peace of mind. Remember, every baby is different and what works for one may not work for another. Trust your instincts, use the resources available to you and know that you're doing a great job.

Speaker 1: 5:41

Thank you for tuning into the Parenting Genie podcast. We're dedicated to guiding you through both the magical moments and the hurdles of parenting. Should you have any queries or desire us to explore specific topics in future episodes, we're all ears and eager to provide the insights you seek Coming up. We'll delve into everything you need to know about your newborn's nappy changes how many nappies per day to expect, what's normal and what's not. This essential guide will help you understand your little one's needs even better. Until our next episode, hold these precious moments with your newborn close to your heart.

Speaker 1: 6:24

Thank you for tuning into Parenting Genie today. We hope our insights have enriched your journey through pregnancy or parenting. If you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes. Your thoughts and feedback mean the world to us, so don't hesitate to leave your questions or suggestions for future topics in the comments below or connect with us on social media. Remember, we're here for you every Tuesday with everything pregnancy related, and every Thursday with tips for parenting and postpartum care. For more resources, visit us at parentinggeniecomau. Let's continue to support each other in this parenting community. Until next time, keep embracing the joy of parenting.