Back
Print 

Feeding Your Newborn: Care Instructions

Skip Navigation

Top of the page

Bringing home your newborn baby (1 month old or younger) can be both exciting and scary. Getting to know their eating needs may take time. But after a few months, most babies have a routine. You may have to learn your baby's signals. But your baby will let you know when they are hungry and when they are full. Instead of setting a strict feeding schedule, try to feed your newborn when they show signs of hunger.

If your baby sucks on their hands, moves their lips, or turns their head, it may mean that they are hungry. If they slow down while feeding, turn away, or unlatch, they may be full.

For about the first 6 months, breast milk or infant formula can give your baby all the nutrition and fluids they need.

How can you feed your newborn?

  • The first few days. For the first few days after birth, you may have to wake your baby to feed. After that, your baby should start to form a more regular feeding schedule.

  • The first few weeks. During the first 2 weeks, expect that your baby will likely breastfeed at least 8 times in 24 hours. Talk to your doctor about whether your baby needs a vitamin D supplement.

  • The first year. Do not give any milk other than breast milk or infant formula until your baby is 1 year of age.

  • Feeding with formula. If your baby is drinking formula, they may have slightly fewer feedings, at least 6 times in 24 hours.

  • Holding your baby while feeding. If you are bottle feeding, hold your baby. It's safer, and it can strengthen your bond with your baby.

How can you introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby?

Experts recommend feeding your baby only breast milk for the first year. Using a bottle may help all caregivers feed your baby. Talk to your doctor if you plan to switch from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. Here are some tips:

Slowly reduce the number of times you breastfeed each day. Offer the bottle before each breastfeeding. Each week, choose one more breastfeeding time to replace or shorten with bottle-feeding.

Wean your baby slowly. Pumping breast milk will allow you to save milk to use later in a bottle. Using both breast- and bottle-feeding as needed may help you return to work or do other things.

When should you call for help?

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You have questions about feeding your baby.
  • You are concerned that your baby is not eating enough.
  • You have trouble feeding your baby.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter B788 in the search box to learn more about "Feeding Your Newborn: Care Instructions".

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.