FOOD 0-3 MONTHS
How often does my baby need to eat, and how do I know when they’re hungry? 0-3 months
How often:
- Guidelines support responsive feeding (feeding when your baby shows hunger cues, not just on the clock).
Typical Patterns:
- In the first few weeks, newborns usually eat every 2 to 3 hours, or 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, especially if breastfed.
- Formula fed newborns commonly take 1 to 2 oz per feed at first, then 3 to 4 oz by the end of the first month, usually every 3 to 4 hours.
Every baby is different and all of these are averages.
Early hunger cues (before crying)
Research and national breastfeeding resources describe these early signs:
- Bringing hands or fists to mouth
- Lip smacking or sucking motions
- Rooting (turning head toward your chest or the bottle)
- Opening and closing mouth
- Becoming more awake, wiggly, or alert
Crying is actually a late hunger cue and can make feeding harder. Try to feed your baby when you notice early signs, like hand-to-mouth or lip smacking, before they’re crying. This helps them feel safe and heard.
Want to learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). How often should I feed my baby?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). How much and how often should my baby eat?
Kent, J. C., Prime, D. K., & Garbin, C. P. (2012). Principles for maintaining or increasing breast milk production. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 41(1), 114–121.
La Leche League International. (2023). Feeding cues
Widström, A. M., Brimdyr, K., & Svensson, K. (2019). Skin‐to‐skin contact the first hour after birth and feeding cues. Acta Paediatrica, 108(7), 1192–1200.
Should I wake my baby up to eat? 0-3 Months
In the first few weeks of life, yes! You should wake your baby up to eat.
- Most newborns need to be woken to feed.
- If your newborn sleeps longer than 3–4 hours and is missing feeds, guidelines suggest waking them to eat until feeding is going well and weight gain is on track.
Once your baby:
- Has regained birth weight
- Has good diaper output
- Is gaining weight steadily
Many providers are comfortable with letting them sleep longer stretches at night and feeding when they wake on their own. Always follow the specific plan you make with the baby’s pediatrician.
In the early weeks, it’s normal to set alarms to wake your baby for feed. As they grow and gain well, you can usually follow their lead more. Your baby’s provider can help you decide when it’s okay to let them snooze.
Want to learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Feeding your newborn: How often? HealthyChildren.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Feeding your newborn.
World Health Organization. (2023). Guideline: Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Geneva: WHO Press.
Wambach, K., & Spencer, B. (2021). Breastfeeding and human lactation (7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat? 0-3 months
Most newborns get enough food when:
Your baby feeds often.
- Breastfed Babies usually nurse 8-12 times in 24 hours
- You are able to see and hear swallowing while you feed your baby
Diapers look busy.
- By day 5 to 7: your baby should have at least 6 wet diapers that show a pale yellow urine (pee)
- By the end of the first week, many babies have 3-4 yellow stools per day (some babies may have less or more ).
Your baby seems content after feeding.
Your baby is gaining weight over time.
If your baby has several wet and dirty diapers, seems satisfied after feeding, and is gaining weight, that’s a strong sign they’re getting what they need. If you ever feel unsure, that’s not a failure! That’s a reason to reach out. Your baby’s provider is there to check growth with you.
Call the baby’s provider right away if:
- You baby has fewer than 4–5 wet diapers in 24 hours after day 4
- Your baby is very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds
- Your baby is not back to birth weight by 2 weeks, or seems to be losing weight
Want to learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Newborn and infant nutrition. HealthyChildren.org.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Infant feeding guidelines.
La Leche League International. (2023). How do I know my baby is getting enough milk?
Mohrbacher, N. (2020). Breastfeeding answers: A guide for helping families. Praeclarus Press.
World Health Organization. (2023). Infant and young child feeding: Model chapter.