Newborn babies do spend most of their time eating and sleeping! As a new parent you are likely to be anxious about the feeding of your baby, worrying that she won’t get enough nourishment or will be fussy. Information below is designed to relieve some of that anxiety!

On-Demand Feedings

A parent making this choice has decided to feed his baby whenever he seems hungry. This is frequently seen as the most natural approach, especially in the first few weeks of life. When your baby cries, check for soggy or dirty diapers or whatever else may be making him uncomfortable. If he is still fussy, it is safe to assume he is hungry. Parents need not worry about spoiling an infant. Feeding him when he’s hungry gives him a sense of security and lets him know his needs will be met. All the love and attention you can give him will help him feel content. Newborns have very little capacity in their stomachs and require small, frequent feedings. The intervals can vary from one to three hours during the day and (hopefully!) a bit farther apart during the night. Within six weeks or so, depending upon birth weight, babies will be eating about every four hours during the day and getting up once between 11 pm and 7 am. If you are breast-feeding, on-demand feeding may work best for you, since frequent feedings help establish an adequate milk supply.

Scheduled Feedings

Some parents like a more structured approach! By the time the baby is about two weeks old, the parents gradually space the feedings further apart, increasing the intervals by 15 minutes or so at a time, until the feeding schedule is about every four hours. Some parents feel this makes their babies less fussy and more willing to sleep through the night. Scheduled feedings may work best for you if you plan to have your child in child care within the first few months; many child care providers feed babies on a schedule.

Breast-feeding

Because it provides needed antibodies, human milk is the best possible form of food for an infant. Nursing your baby gives you skin-to-skin contact which is soothing for both of you. Breast-fed babies may nurse as often as once an hour but have fewer health problems. Breast milk is more easily digestible than formula. The major downside is that only the mother can feed the baby unless she pumps and stores her breast milk. Although the breast milk itself comes without cost, nursing bras, breast pump, breast shields and a few bottles can bring the cost to approximately $300 a year.

Formula Feeding

Formula can certainly give your baby the nutrients he needs to grow and thrive. It comes in many different forms, so be sure to read carefully the manufacturers instructions on the formula container. Water needs to be added to concentrated formula, but you certainly don’t want to dilute the ready-to-use type. Formula made in advance needs to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and used within 48 hours. Bottles should be washed in hot soapy water and rinsed well before adding the formula. When warming the bottle, use your wrist to test the temperature. If you can feel it, the formula is too hot. If you can’t feel the liquid, it is the right temperature for your baby. Be especially careful of warming bottles in the microwave; it is no longer recommended due to the tendency for the heating to be uneven. The size of the hole in the nipple is critical to your baby. If the hole is too small, the baby will get too much air and may get frustrated by not getting the formula she seeks. You can enlarge the hold by poking it with a red-hot needle. If the hole is too large, your baby will get too much formula too quickly and likely spit up or choke. Throw those nipples away! It the nipple becomes too gummy, boil it in a pan of water with a bit of salt.

Which type of formula to use?

Milk-based formula is the most widely used. Although cow’s milk is the foundation, its been changed by adding lactose and nutrients as well as having the butterfat replaced with vegetable oils and animal fats more easily digested by babies. Soy formula is recommended for babies who are unable to digest lactose. This is usually evidenced by bouts of diarrhea. Strict vegetarian families often choose soy formula because no animal products are used.

Burping

No matter how or what your baby is fed, if your baby becomes cranky during feeding, stop and burp him. Many formula-fed babies like to be burped after every two or three ounces because they take in a good amount of air. Breast fed babies may need burping about halfway through the feeding. Try several alternatives to see which method your baby prefers:

• Hold your baby upright over your shoulder; pat or rub her back gently.
• Let him sit on your lap, with your hand across his stomach and chest, rubbing or patting his back gently.
• Place her face down over your lap and pat her back gently.

No matter which method you choose, relax and allow feeding your baby to be an opportunity to bond with your newborn. Be sure to address any questions or concerns you may have with your healthcare provider.