Health & Baby

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Breast-Feeding - Feeding and Diapering Habits

Knowing your baby's feeding and diapering habits are important, especially during the first few months of breast-feeding. There are usually patterns to how often he or she feeds and how often you will change his or her diaper. You may also notice changes in how long each feeding lasts and begin to recognize signs that your baby is getting enough milk. As your baby gets older, you may add supplements and other foods and eventually you will reach the time for weaning.

How often and how long to feed

The general recommendation is to feed your baby on demand. This means that you breast-feed whenever you notice signs that your baby is hungry, such as when he or she is eagerly sucking on fingers or rooting. This strategy also helps you produce more milk and ensures that the baby is well nourished.

Recommended Related to Parenting - Baby (0-12 months)

Baby Maintenance: Baths, Nails, and Hair

Unfortunately for new parents, babies don't come with instruction manuals. So when it comes to even the simplest tasks, like baths and nail trimming, some parents feel confused. If you're unsure about the baby grooming basics, here's a handy guide to help make hygiene as easy as loving your baby.

Read the Baby Maintenance: Baths, Nails, and Hair article > >

During the first few days or weeks, on-demand feedings usually occur every 1 to 3 hours (about 8 to 12 feedings in a 24-hour period). You may have to wake a sleepy baby to feed in the first few days after birth. These early feedings often are short. Sometimes a newborn breast-feeds for only a few minutes on each breast or only on one breast. These feedings are important to increase your milk supply over the first few days. Try to let your baby breast-feed at least 15 minutes on a breast. This allows your baby to get the foremilk, which has water and needed nutrients, and hindmilk, which has more fat and calories to satisfy your baby's appetite. Over time, feeding sessions will become longer.

At around 3 months of age, feedings may become less frequent. Your baby is able to drink more milk at one time and your milk supply naturally increases as your baby's needs increases.

Needs typically increase during growth spurts. When your baby has a growth spurt, he or she may seem to be hungry more often. By feeding your baby on demand, you increase your milk supply. After about 2 to 4 days, you will have increased your milk supply at each feeding to satisfy your baby for a longer period. After the growth spurt, the number of feedings will then gradually decrease.

Signs that your baby is getting enough milk

It is common to wonder if your baby is getting enough milk. Most babies lose weight in the first several days after birth but regain it within a week or two. Weight gain is more rapid after mature milk is produced, about 10 to 15 days after you deliver your baby. After breast-feeding is established, your baby will also get more hindmilk, which provides additional fat and calories. Look for signs that your baby is getting enough milk and is growing well. If you still have concerns, see When to Call a Doctor.

1 | 2

Next Page >

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 14, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.