A 2-week-old baby should generally be fed about 8 to 12 times per day, roughly every 2 to 3 hours. At each feeding, the baby typically consumes about 2 to 3 ounces of breast milk or formula. This frequent, small feeding pattern helps ensure adequate nutrition and weight gain, as newborns have very small stomachs and digest milk quickly.
Feeding Amounts and Frequency
- Newborns often cluster feed and may nurse or bottle feed for 15 to 60 minutes at a time.
- Feedings usually occur every 2 to 3 hours, including nighttime, totaling 8 to 12 feedings in 24 hours.
- In the first days, intake might be as little as half an ounce per feeding, increasing to 2 to 3 ounces by 2 weeks of age.
- For formula-fed babies, a typical amount is about 2.5 ounces per pound of body weight daily, divided into 8 feedings.
- Breastfed babies may feed more frequently but with smaller amounts.
Feeding Cues and Tips
- Feed on demand when the baby shows hunger cues such as fussiness, rooting, sucking on hands, or increased alertness.
- If the baby doesn’t wake for a feeding within about 3 hours, gently wake them to feed.
- Cluster feeding and variability in feeding times are normal and expected during the first two weeks.
Additional Considerations
- The goal is for the baby to regain birth weight by 2 weeks.
- If there are concerns about feeding amounts or weight gain, consult a pediatrician or lactation consultant for personalized guidance.
This information aligns with guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and expert newborn care sources.
