Feeding without the guesswork: amounts, frequency, and cues

One of the biggest questions for new parents is "Am I feeding my baby enough?" Learning to read your baby's hunger and fullness cues is a more reliable and calming guide than strictly following the clock or the ounce markings on a bottle. This can create a great deal of stress if your baby wants to eat "off schedule" or doesn't finish every bottle. Every baby's appetite is different and can change from one day to the next, so a flexible, responsive approach is key.

The most important skill in feeding is learning to recognise your baby's early hunger cues. Long before they begin to cry, most babies will show you they are hungry by turning their head and opening their mouth (rooting), bringing their hands to their mouth, or making sucking motions. Responding to these early cues, often called "responsive feeding", typically leads to calmer, more successful feeds for everyone.

Newborns have tiny stomachs and need to eat very frequently, often every two to three hours around the clock. It is also very normal for them to want to eat more often during certain times, a behaviour known as "cluster feeding". As they grow, the time between feedings will naturally start to stretch. While your pediatrician will give you the best guidance on amounts, a newborn may only take half an ounce to an ounce per feeding in the first few days, gradually increasing as their stomach grows. The best indicators that your baby is getting enough are steady weight gain and producing a sufficient number of wet and dirty diapers.

Just as important as recognising hunger cues is recognising fullness cues. A baby who is full will often turn their head away from the nipple, relax their body, or simply fall asleep. It is important not to pressure your baby to finish a bottle. Trusting their ability to regulate their own intake is the foundation of a healthy feeding relationship.

By focusing on your baby's unique signals rather than a rigid set of rules, you can take the guesswork out of feeding and feel confident that you are meeting their needs.

A gentle reminder: The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your pediatrician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you are facing a problem that feels sharp, persistent, or overwhelming, reaching out for professional help is a sign of strength.