Is Your Newborn Eating Enough? Here’s How to Tell

Once pregnancy results in childbirth, your focus on your baby’s health changes from fetal care to life outside the womb. There’s perhaps no greater concern in these early days than your newborn’s diet. 

As specialists in newborn care, our pediatricians at Abdow Friendship Pediatrics in Rockville, Maryland, partner with you to ensure your baby stays healthy through these crucial first weeks, so you’re not alone during this potentially overwhelming time. 

Is your baby eating enough? Each child is unique, so there’s no quantifiable standard. Instead, we observe behaviors and conditions that provide evidence your baby is eating well and thriving. It’s easy for even the most nervous new parents to monitor their child with this information in hand.

Today, we provide a list of these observables to help you out. As always, reach out to us to discuss any aspect of your newborn’s development and growth. 

Postnatal weight loss

In the transition to life outside of mom’s womb, there’s a short period when your newborn loses weight. Healthy babies have a naturally high level of fluids in their bodies at birth, but they lose that fluid in the first weeks of their lives. 

Expect your newborn to lose 7-10% of their birth weight in the first few days after delivery. They will regain this weight in about two weeks. 

How to tell that your newborn is eating enough

In addition to weight loss immediately after birth, it takes a few days for your baby to establish a routine. Don’t be concerned if there aren’t immediate, obvious patterns to eating or diaper changing. Everyone, baby included, is adjusting to the new situation. 

Watch for these signs of progression as your baby starts to grow: 

Steady weight gain

Typically monitored in our office, weight gains are the easiest and most reliable signs that your baby is getting enough to eat. Be sure to consider the 10% postpartum weight loss as you follow their progress. 

Eating schedule

We use the word schedule lightly here. Expect eight or more small feedings throughout the day. While that works out to about once every 2-3 hours, don’t set a timer! Some breastfed babies may want “snacks” as often as every 30-90 minutes in the early days. 

Newborns on formula tend to want about 1.5-3 ounces during each feed. Regardless of the food source, most babies will be up to 2 ounces or more at four weeks of age. Breastfeeding moms might not recognize this since your baby becomes more efficient with practice. 

Diapers

The contents of your newborn’s diaper and the frequency of changes give important clues about successful nutrition. Following a few days of adjustment after birth, expect six or more wet diapers in a 24-hour period. 

In the first few days, your baby’s stools may appear soft and full of small seeds. Color and consistency changes, with stools turning yellow after several days. You can expect 2-5 diapers to exhibit stool daily. 

Behavior and mood

A full baby turns away from the breast or bottle and may appear content and relaxed when they feel full. When well-fed, newborns are alert and aware, even if they’re sometimes colicky or feeling gas pains. 

Contact Abdow Friendship Pediatrics to schedule your baby’s next visit or whenever you have concerns or questions. Call or click to book your appointment whenever you (or your baby) need a helping hand.