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Feeding your newborn: Tips for new parents
2. Feed your newborn on demand
5. Trust your instincts — and your newborn's
7. Know when to ask for help
Content
1. Stick with breast milk or formula
2. Feed your newborn on cue
3. Consider vitamin D supplements
4. Expect variations in your newborn's eating patterns
5. Trust your instincts — and your newborn's
6. Consider each feeding a time to bond with your newborn
7. Keep feedings consistent
8. Know when to ask for help
2. Feed your newborn on demand
Most newborns need eight to 12 feedings a day — about one feeding every two to three hours.
Look for early signs of hunger, such as stirring and stretching, sucking motions and lip movements. Fussing and crying are later cues. The sooner you begin each feeding, the less likely you'll need to soothe a frantic baby.
When your baby stops sucking, closes his or her mouth, or turns away from the nipple or bottle, he or she might be full — or simply taking a break. Try burping your baby or waiting a minute before offering your breast or the bottle again.
As your baby gets older, he or she will take in more milk in less time at each feeding.
