One of the most common questions new parents ask in the first months is: “Are they eating enough?” The answer isn’t always obvious, but there are clear signs that can put your mind at ease.
How many feeds a day does a newborn need?
It depends on age and the type of feeding:
- 0-4 weeks: 8-12 feeds a day (every 2-3 hours), 60-90 ml per feed
- 1-3 months: 7-9 feeds a day, 90-120 ml per feed
- 3-6 months: 6-8 feeds a day, 120-180 ml per feed
With breastfeeding, exact amounts are harder to measure, but time at the breast and frequency give you good clues.
Signs your baby is feeding well
Positive signs:
- Gaining weight steadily (20-30g/day in the first months)
- Wetting 6 or more diapers a day from day 5 onward
- Regular bowel movements (in the first months)
- Seems satisfied and calm after feeding
- Actively feeds during the session (doesn’t fall asleep right away)
Warning signs:
- Hasn’t regained birth weight after 2 weeks
- Wets fewer than 3-4 diapers a day
- Cries constantly after every feed
- Always seems hungry, even right after eating
Why logging feeds changes everything
When you keep a history, you can:
- Spot patterns: see whether feeds are spacing out, if amounts vary, if some days are better than others
- Talk to the pediatrician with real data: “they’ve fed 7 times” is far more useful than “I think they’ve eaten quite a bit”
- Coordinate with your partner: if you both know when the last feed was, you avoid mix-ups and duplicates
- Reduce anxiety: when it’s written down, your head doesn’t have to keep the count
Practical tips for logging
- Log it right when you’re done, not 10 minutes later — that’s when you remember it best
- Include the amount: with formula it’s easy. With breastfeeding, note the time on each side
- Don’t forget the night feeds: they count too, and they’re often misremembered by morning
If you’re ever unsure whether your baby is eating enough, always check with your pediatrician. A complete log is the best gift you can bring to that appointment.