Parents are often curious about how long they should be breastfeeding their newborns at each feeding. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the baby’s age and baby’s weight. This applies to both breastfed and formula-fed babies.
Newborns should be fed about every two to three hours
It is vital to establish a regular feeding schedule for your newborn baby. Newborns should be fed every two to three hours or on-demand if they show signs of hunger beforehand. You may need to wake your baby up to keep to this schedule, but it is essential to ensure they get enough food. It can be helpful to set the alarm, so you don’t unintentionally go too long without feeding your baby. If your baby is sleeping through the night, you can start to space out their feedings. If this is the case, it’s essential to ensure your baby is getting enough food during the day.
It’s important to ensure that babies’ total volume meets their demand to gain about an ounce a day. If you are unsure how often to feed your baby, you should speak to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
How long should you breastfeed a newborn baby?
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial things a mother can do for her child. Not only does it provide the perfect balance of nutrients, but it also helps to build a strong bond between mother and child. However, many mothers worry that they are not breastfeeding for long enough. According to experts, the ideal length of time for breastfeeding is about 15 minutes on each side or a total of 30 – 40 minutes total. This ensures the baby gets enough milk while stimulating both your breasts to protect your milk supply. Ultimately, there is no need to worry about the exact time spent breastfeeding, as long as both mother and baby are happy and comfortable.
Formula feeding should last around 20 to 30 minutes.
Your baby shouldn’t be downing a bottle very quickly. Taking about 20 minutes for bottle-feeding is ideal. This duration gives your baby time to consume the milk and get all the necessary nutrients. It also helps prevent them from becoming too full and finishing the feed too quickly. If you find that your baby is finishing the feed before the 20-minute mark, try using the paced feeding technique. Another option is to provide smaller, more frequent feeds throughout the day. A lactation consultant can help with formula feedings as well to ensure your baby gets enough milk and nutrients.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long a newborn should be fed, as it depends on their age and feeding method. However, we have provided some general guidelines to help you create a feeding schedule that works for your baby.
Let’s connect for newborn and feeding support
If you’re planning for a baby and would like a feeding expert in your back pocket, let’s set up a time to chat so I can support you on your motherhood journey. 💕