Feeding Resources
Feeding and sleeping go hand-in-hand. While it can be easier to determine when a toddler or child may be hungry (given they can often tell you), newborns and infants can be a little more difficult to decipher.
For the nursing parent, it can be tempting to feed by the clock rather than nurse on demand. Many sleep consultants will recommend that you nurse by the clock to make sleep more predictable, but this is not to the benefit of the baby. This page provides resources for those who are nursing or breastfeeding. It is important to discuss further questions about nursing with a licensed lactation consultant or your local La Leche League.
For the bottle-feeding parent, it can be confusing to determine how much the baby needs (especially if they are using breastmilk in even 1 bottle a day). This page provides general feeding guidelines for bottle feeding formula and/or breastmilk. It is important to discuss further questions about bottle feeding with your pediatrician.
The following written information comes from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The feeding guidelines are pulled from HealthyChildren.org. Please remember to consult your child's pediatrician for unique feeding situations that may apply to your child.
Breastfeeding
The AAP recommends exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months after birth and to continue breastfeeding once solids are introduced until at least 2 years of age, or as long as mutually desired by the mother and baby. The AAP recommends that babies should be fed on demand (responsive feeding), not by schedule unless directed by a pediatrician.
According to HealthyChildren.org, this generally ends up being about every 2 hours as a newborn (10-12 sessions in a 24 hour period) moving towards 4-8 feeds by the end of the first year depending on solid intake. It is normal and protective for newborns to wake frequently through the night to nurse. From my personal experience with clients, I have found that many nursing toddlers still wake to nurse 1-2 overnight.
It is generally advised to focus on daily diapers and growth charts to ensure your baby is getting enough breastmilk. Lactation consultants are often able to do weighted feeds to validate your baby is taking in enough milk.
Bottle Feeding
The AAP states only breastmilk or formula should be in the bottle unless otherwise directed by a physician. Babies are encourages to drink from a cup starting at 6 months old. Remember, babies should be consuming either breastmilk or formula (not cow milk) until 1 year of age unless a pediatrician says otherwise for your specific child.
Most bottle-fed newborns eat every 2-3 hours, 8 times a day within a 24 hour period. By 6 months of age, they may move from 1-2 ounces each feed to 6-8 ounces each feed. Please be sure to discard any leftover formula after feeding to prevent bacterial growth. Most medical bodies agree to stop bottle use entirely shortly after the first year (12-15 months) to prevent dental issues.
Ounces and Frequency Based on Age:
These are generalized guidelines. Please consult your pediatrician for specifics for your baby.
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0-1 month | 1-2oz | every 2-3 hours (8-12 times a day) | 24oz in 24 hours
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1-3 months | 3-4oz | every 3-4 hours (6-8 times a day) | 24-32oz in 24 hours
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3-6 months | 4-8oz | every 4-6 hours (4-6 times a day) | 24-32oz in 24 hours
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6-9 months | 6-8oz | every 4 hours or so (6 times a day) | 32oz in 24 hours
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Depending on solid intake, this can vary. Many children still need 24-32oz of formula or breastmilk as they get used to solids using more of their daily caloric intake. I have always been advised to follow baby-led weaning with solid introduction which is child-led exploration of food. "Food is Just for Fun Before Age One" type of messaging, so formula or breastmilk helps bridge the caloric gap.
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9-12 months: varies based on solid intake
As a final reminder, this is not medical advice. This is information that is generally adhered to by most doctors and lactation consultants I have spoken to, and I am often referred to the AAP or Healthy Children when I have feeding questions. Please connect with a pediatrician or lactation consultant for feeding questions for your child.