Feeding in the early days

One of the biggest uncertainties parents have in the early days and weeks is whether their baby is getting enough milk or gaining too much or too little weight. What is important is that you feel comfortable with how feeding is going. Learn to trust your own instincts about your baby’s feeding and development. This article has been divided into the following sections:

How often should I feed my baby?
How do I know my baby is getting enough milk?
Weighing it all up
How does she seem to you?
What’s in her nappy?
One feed at a time
It can help to bear in mind
Further information

You can generally tell if your baby is thriving by her behaviour, by the contents of her nappy, and by whether she is growing and putting on weight. And if you do feel worried, there is plenty of help and support for you. See our collection of articles on feeding. You can talk to your midwife or health visitor and, of course, you can always get in touch with NCT where you can talk to a trained breastfeeding counsellor about any concerns you have however you are feeding your baby.

How often should I feed my baby?

With a new baby it helps to be aware of ‘early feeding cues’, which are signals that your baby is hungry. You may notice your baby putting her hands to her mouth or turning her head to the side. If you wait until she starts crying for milk, your baby is likely to find it more difficult to settle for a feed, particularly for breastfeeding. As time goes on you will get better at knowing whether your baby is ready to feed or whether she just wants a cuddle or to suck, babies enjoy sucking things but it doesn’t always mean they’re hungry.

A breastfed baby who is fed whenever she shows that she is hungry cannot be overfed. In the early weeks, babies tend to feed at least 8-12 times within a 24-hour period. At first, they often feed more at night than during the day. Even though you can't measure how much milk a breastfed baby is taking, if she is well attached at the breast and feeding effectively, she will tend to come off when she has had enough. It’s a good idea to allow her to feed for as long as she likes from one breast and then to offer her the other. If your baby frequently still seems hungry after a breastfeed, do ask for help as she may not be latching on to your breast well enough.

If you are using formula milk, the manufacturer will provide guidelines regarding the amount to give based on a baby’s weight and age. However, there is often little information about how babies' needs vary so do talk to your health visitor if you're unsure. It is possible to either under-feed or over-feed a baby with formula milk so it’s important to follow the instructions for the particular brand of formula you are using. For example, scoop sizes for different powdered formulas vary so it’s better to use the one which comes with the brand you’re using. Your midwife or health visitor will be able to help you with any questions you may have about using formula milk.

Replacing breastfeeds with formula milk will reduce the amount of breastmilk you make. If you're thinking of mixed feeding, talking to a breastfeeding counsellor can help.

How do I know my baby is getting enough milk?

This is a question that many new parents ask and there are various things to look out for to help you feel confident that your baby is getting what she needs.

Weighing it all up

Most babies lose some weight in the first few days but normally regain their birth weight by two weeks old. Do check with your midwife or health visitor if you have any concerns. It’s also important to remember that your baby’s weight is just one indicator that she is feeding well and other factors (see below) should always be considered at the same time. 

How does she seem to you? 

Your baby’s appearance and behaviour are useful guides to whether she is thriving. For example, a thriving baby has good skin colour, is alert when awake, makes signs when she is hungry and is usually satisfied after feeding. 

What’s in her nappy? 

You will never discuss poo as much as when you become a parent! And with good reason as the contents of your baby’s nappies help you to tell if feeding is going well. It’s likely that a baby who has dryish nappies (and few poos in the early weeks) is not taking in enough milk. We have a really useful visual guide about what to expect in your baby’s nappy.

After the first week, babies usually produce at least six heavy nappies and at least two soft poos each day. If you use disposable nappies, you can do the ‘heavy nappy’ test with water. Pour three tablespoons of water (about 45ml) into a dry nappy and pick it up. That’s roughly how heavy your baby’s nappy will be from the fifth or sixth day onwards. After several weeks, some breastfed babies poo much less often, sometimes not pooing at all for a week or more. You will know if she is constipated if her poo is hard and not soft. If your baby’s nappy contents are causing you concern it’s important to seek advice from your midwife or health visitor.

One feed at a time

Feeding your baby can be challenging in the early days but parents can generally overcome their difficulties and concerns and have a positive experience. Feel confident about your decisions and try not to be persuaded or influenced by other people to do something you don’t feel comfortable with. This may be easier said than done but with the right information and support you can do it. 

It can help to bear in mind:

• Learning to feed your baby takes time and practice.

• If you are breastfeeding, the most difficult part is usually the first few days when it can sometimes be uncomfortable. You can try different positions and keep asking for help until it gets easier. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt – if it does, seek help from a breastfeeding counsellor and call NCT’s helpline on 0300 330 0700.

• Frequent feeds when breastfeeding are normal as babies’ stomachs are so small; expect to spend a lot of time feeding at first. See articles on feeding.

All babies are different so try not to compare yours with others.
Trust your own judgement. If something doesn’t feel right for you or isn’t working, try something else.

Further information

NCT supports all parents, however they feed their baby. If you have questions, concerns, or need support, you can speak to a breastfeeding counsellor by calling our helpline on 0300 330 0700, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding or using formula milk. Breastfeeding counsellors have had extensive training, will listen without judging or criticising, and will offer relevant information and suggestions.

You might find attending one of NCT's Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

Find your Baby Café Local, part of NCT services, which are run by health practitioners or breastfeeding councellors with help from breastfeeding peer supporters, providing essential support for mothers who wish to breastfeed.

NHS Choices has information on ‘Breastfeeding your baby’ and ‘Breastfeeding tips’.

The Breastfeeding Network aims to be an independent source of information for mums who breastfeed.

NCT shop stocks a wide range of breastfeeding books and accessories.