how often should you feed a newborn

Newborns should typically be fed about every 2 to 3 hours, which amounts to around 8 to 12 feedings in 24 hours. Feeding on demand is recommended, meaning feeding whenever the baby shows hunger cues such as fussiness, sucking motions, or rooting. This schedule helps support healthy growth and adjusts naturally as the baby gets older. Some newborns may feed as often as every hour in the very first days. Breast milk or formula is the ideal food, and feedings may be shorter at first but will lengthen as the baby grows and can consume more at each feed.