Ask a Doctor
Duane R. Copenheaver, DO  Child Care
Consultants, Inc. 
111 Inah Ave 
Columbus , OH 43228
Phone: (614) 878-6415

Q:  How do I know that my newborn is getting enough to eat?

A:   Breast milk, or one of the iron-fortified infant formulas, provides complete nutrition for infants during the first 4-6 months of life.  During the first 4-8 weeks of life the average formula-fed infant will consume approximately 2-3 ounces of formula every 2-3 hours, while the average breast fed infant will nurse 10-15 minutes on each breast every 1 ½ to 2 hours.

Because breast milk is more easily digested than formula, it passes out of the stomach much faster than formula.  Therefore, during the first 4-6 weeks of life, the average breast fed infant will tend to feed 8-12 times in 24 hours, while formula-fed infants will feed 6-8 times in the same 24-hour period.

In addition, infants who are eating well will have a consistent number of wet diapers in a 24-hour period.  On the first day of life, most infants will have 1-2 wet diapers and 3-4 wet diapers on the second and third days.  From day of life 5 and on, most infants will wet 6 diapers or more each day.

If you are ever concerned that your infant is not getting enough to eat, notify your pediatrician for specific instructions.