{"id":50717,"date":"2025-04-25T21:36:09","date_gmt":"2025-04-26T01:36:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hancockhealth.org\/mayo-health-library\/feeding-your-newborn-tips-for-new-parents\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T11:13:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T15:13:57","slug":"feeding-your-newborn-tips-for-new-parents","status":"publish","type":"mayo","link":"https:\/\/hancockhealth.apgar.digital\/fr\/mayo-health-library\/feeding-your-newborn-tips-for-new-parents\/","title":{"rendered":"Feeding your newborn: Tips for new parents"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Mayo Clinic Staff<\/span><\/p>\n

Feeding a newborn is a 24-hour-a-day commitment. It’s also a way to begin forming a bond with the newest member of your family. Here are tips for feeding a newborn.<\/p>\n

Breast milk is the ideal food for babies. There are rare times when this isn’t the case. If breastfeeding isn’t possible, use infant formula. Healthy newborns don’t need cereal, water, juice or other fluids.<\/p>\n

Most newborns need 8 to 12 feedings a day. That’s about one feeding every 2 to 3 hours.<\/p>\n

Look for early signs your child is ready to feed. Early signs are moving the hands to the mouth, sucking on fists and fingers, and lip smacking. Crying is a later cue. The sooner you begin each feeding, the less likely you’ll need to soothe a fussy baby.<\/p>\n

When babies stop suckling, close their mouths, or turn away from the nipple or bottle, they might be full or simply taking a break. Try burping your baby or waiting a minute before offering your breast or the bottle again.<\/p>\n

As babies get older, they tend to take in more milk in less time.<\/p>\n

Ask your baby’s healthcare professional about vitamin D supplements for the baby, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Breast milk might not give the baby enough vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your baby absorb nutrients needed to build strong bones.<\/p>\n

Your newborn may eat varied amounts. During growth spurts, your newborn might take in more at each feeding or want to be fed more often. Growth spurts often occur 2 to 3 weeks after birth. Take action if you see early signs of hunger rather than watching the time between feedings.<\/p>\n

You might worry that your newborn isn’t eating enough. But babies often seem to know just how much they need. Don’t focus on how much, how often or what time your newborn eats. Instead, look for:<\/p>\n