Life would be easier if your newborn could look at you and say, "Mom, I am hungry." Sometimes you may feel like asking that same newborn, "Again?" But if he or she could reply, "Yes mom, again!" Then you would know and you wouldn't have to wonder how often you should be nursing your baby. The truth of the matter is that it often depends on who you ask as to knowing how often to nurse, but a few general guidelines and some careful observation of your newborn will help you out a lot.

24 Hours.

Your newborn should eat at least 8 times in 24 hours. Most will eat around 8-10 times, but your baby may need to be fed as many as 12 times in 24 hours. As a general rule of thumb, you can count out how often you are feeding your baby and know if he or she is eating often enough.

Schedule Feedings.

Some doctors, nurses, hospitals, and lactation consultants recommend a schedule feeding. Often this is because they want to help you make sure your baby is eating often enough. Some will tell you to feed every two hours, others every three, and still others will leave a time range and have you feed your baby every 2-3 (or 2-4 hours). This isn't because this is actually how nursing works or should work. So, using this as a guideline can be helpful, but shouldn't be exclusive.

On Demand Feedings.

The best way to nurse (or to bottle feed) is to do so on demand. You should pay attention to your baby's feeding cues and feed them when they are showing signs of hunger. These feedings should last as long as the baby wants them too and should happen as often as the baby needs. Most of the time feedings will fall into the 2-4 hour range, but sometimes your baby will have cluster feedings that happen more often then that.

Signs That Your Baby Is Hungry.

There are many signs that your baby is hungry. Some of them include turning their head from side to side, sticking his or her tongue in and out of their mouth, making sucking motions, or sucking on their hands. Most babies will also root. This is the process of turning toward things that touch their face and trying to suck on it. You can gently touch the side of his or her face to see if she turns toward your finger and tries to suck on it. You may also put your baby on your shoulder and see that they are trying to find a nipple there. Crying is the last sign of hunger which may or may not indicate hunger since it can also indicate other things. Watching your baby will often give you an idea of what their specific cues are.

The best option for you and your baby is to feed your baby when he or she shows signs of hunger. This will give your baby the best opporunity to get enough milk and to be full. He or she will most likely eat 8-12 times a day for the first few months and start to slow down a little as they get older.

Learn more about this author, Danelle Karth.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Knowing how often to nurse?
We want to hear your view. Write now!