Overview

Feeding a newborn is an important concern for parents. Experts recommend that newborns be fed on demand. This means that you breastfeed or bottle-feed your infant whenever they show signs of hunger, rather than setting a strict schedule. Newborns follow their feelings of hunger. They eat when they are hungry and stop eating when they are full.

Experts recommend feeding your baby only breast milk for about 6 months. They also support breastfeeding for 2 years or longer. Try to breastfeed for as long as it works for you and your baby.

A common concern for parents is whether their baby is eating enough. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about how much your baby is eating. Most newborns lose weight in the first several days after birth but regain it within a week or two. After 2 weeks of age, your baby should continue to gain weight steadily.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Allow your baby to feed on demand.
  • During the first 2 weeks, your baby will breast feed at least 8 times in a 24-hour period. These early feedings may last only a few minutes. Over time, feeding sessions will become longer and may happen less often.
  • Formula-fed babies may have slightly fewer feedings, at least 6 times in 24 hours. They will eat about 60 to 90 millilitres (2 to 3 ounces) every 3 to 4 hours during the first few weeks of life.
  • By 2 months, most babies have a set feeding routine. But your baby's routine may change at times, such as during growth spurts when your baby may be hungry more often.
• You may have to wake a sleepy baby to feed in the first few days after birth.
• Do not give any milk other than breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula until your baby is 9 to 12 months of age and eating a variety of iron-rich foods. Cow's milk, goat's milk, and soy beverage do not have the nutrients that newborns need to grow and develop properly. Cow and goat milk are very hard for young babies to digest.
• Give your baby a liquid supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D every day. Follow the directions on the bottle. If you have questions about giving your baby vitamin D, call Health Link at 811 or talk to your healthcare provider.
• If you choose to switch your baby from the breast to bottle-feeding, try these tips.
  • Try letting your baby drink from a bottle. Slowly reduce the number of times you breastfeed each day. For a week, replace a breastfeeding with a bottle-feeding during one of your daily feeding times.
  • Each week, choose one more breastfeeding time to replace or shorten.
  • Offer the bottle before each breastfeeding.