Feeding Your Newborn (0-4 months)

During this period of time, your baby's sole source of nutrition is either breastmilk or infant formula. Water can be introduced at about 3 - 4 months. We do not recommend:

  • Starting any solids until about 4 months.
  • Giving juices until 6 months.
  • Giving Cow’s milk until 12 months.

Breastfed babies will feed every 2 - 3 hrs initially, and usually a feed will last about 20-30 minutes. You will know your baby is feeding enough if he or she is producing at least 4-5 wet diapers a day and at least 2 stools a day. Babies will feed every 3-4 hours at night time.

Babies fed infant formulas usually will feed every 3 - 4 hours during the day. During the first 2 weeks, babies will eat on average 1 - 2 oz at a time. By the end of the first month they eat about 4 oz at a time. By 2 months, increase to 6 oz per feed, and by 4 months, about 6-8 oz per feed. By 4 months, most babies are drinking about 32 oz in 24 hrs.

Feedings for your newborn vary between breastfed babies and formula fed babies. Please find additional information on breastfeeding and formula feeding below.


Bottle Feeding


Age Pumped Breast Milk Infant Formula
0 - 2 Months 6 - 9 feedings per day,
2 - 4 oz per feeding		 6 - 8 feedings per day,
2 - 4 oz per feeding
2 - 3 Months 5 - 8 feedings per day,
4 - 5 oz per feeding		 5 - 7 feedings per day,
4 - 5 oz per feeding

Breastfeeding

  • The number of daily feedings will vary with each baby. Your baby may breast feed every two to three hours on request. This may be 8 - 12 times a day.
  • Each feeding may last 20 - 30 minutes where you will breast feed 10 -15 minutes on each breast. Burp after the first 10 - 15 minutes and then continue to the second breast to finish the feeding.
  • There will be days where the baby will want to feed more frequent than every 2 - 3 hours, this is called Cluster Feeding. Cluster feeding is when a baby’s feeding schedule is more frequent and bunched together in a day. It is most common in the evening, although it may differ between babies. This tends to happen during your baby’s growth spurts. It is a way of your baby telling your body to start producing more milk because it is growing bigger.
  • Breastmilk contains all the needed vitamins and minerals except Vitamin D. Therefore it is recommended to give your baby a Vitamin D supplement. Please consult with your provider before starting any supplements.
  • Freshly pumped breastmilk can be stored at:
  • Room Temperature (66 - 78 degrees Fahrenheit): 4 - 6 hours
  • Refrigerator (39 degrees Fahrenheit or lower): 3 - 8 days
  • Freezer (0 - 4 degrees Fahrenheit): 6 - 12 months
  • To thaw frozen milk, place the bag or the bottle in the refrigerator. It will take a few hours to thaw. For quicker thawing, place it in a pan of warm water. Do this until it has warmed up to the temperature your baby likes.
  • Never warm up breastmilk in the microwave or boiling water. This destroys the protective antibodies in the breastmilk.
  • Remember to throw out any remaining milk in the bottle when your baby is done feeding.

Formula Feeding

Infant formulas are a safe alternative to breastmilk. Your provider will be recommending a formula for you when we see your baby initially in the hospital or at the office. Your baby will be on formula for the first year of life. Most infant formulas are available in ready to feed, powder, or concentrates. Follow the directions on the containers. Always make sure the bottle and nipples you use are clean.

  • Most babies will take 1 - 2 ounces of formula per feeding and will eat every three to four hours for the first 1-2 weeks. Give your baby about 20 minutes to eat. If your baby is eating 2 ounces in less than 15 minutes, then you may consider increasing the amount you give for the next feed. By the time your baby is one month old, he/she may be drinking 4 ounces at a time. Keep in mind that each baby has its own pace. Do not force feed your baby to finish the bottle. ALWAYS USE NURSERY WATER TO MIX FORMULA.
  • For all infants, use formula that has iron in it. This helps to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Iron-fortified formulas contain all the vitamins and minerals needed. Extra vitamins are therefore not needed for infants taking formula.
  • Formula Storage:
  • If you decide to prepare the formula ahead of time, make sure you refrigerate it. Formula that is refrigerated must be consumed within 24 hours.
  • Formula at room temperature should be discarded after 1 hour.
  • Leftover used formula should always be tossed. Reason: Contains germs that can grow.