Herbie Murray
Newborns need to feed every two to three hours, and it's important to keep up this pace for their health and your milk supply. This means that you may need to wake your baby to feed if they sleep for more than four to five hours at a time. Breastfed babies feed more often than bottle-fed babies, and newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often should newborns feed? | Every two to four hours |
| How often should newborns be woken to feed? | Every three to four hours until they show good weight gain |
| How long can newborns sleep for without being woken to feed? | Four to five hours at a time for the first two weeks |
| How much sleep should newborns get? | 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period |
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What You'll Learn
How often should you feed a newborn?
Newborns should be fed every two to three hours, or every three to four hours if they are formula-fed. This is because babies digest breast milk easily and quickly, and their tiny tummies mean they have a physiological need to nurse frequently.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waking your baby to feed if they sleep for more than four to five hours at a time during the first two weeks. After this, it's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night, provided they are gaining weight well.
If your baby is staying on their growth curve, you can typically allow one longer stretch of sleep at night. This stretch shouldn't go longer than their age in weeks plus one. For example, if your baby is four weeks old, you would allow them to sleep for up to five hours after the start of their last feeding before waking them.
It's important to pay attention to your newborn's sleepy cues and wake windows to set them up for successful naps. If your doctor says you need to wake your baby for night feedings, be sure to follow their advice.
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How long can a newborn go without feeding?
Newborns should be fed every two to four hours, which means they can go without feeding for up to four hours. Breastfed babies need to be fed more frequently than formula-fed babies, as they digest breast milk more quickly.
For the first two weeks, newborns should be woken to feed if they sleep for more than four to five hours at a time. After this, it's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night, as long as they are gaining weight well.
If your baby is staying on their growth curve, you can typically allow one longer stretch of sleep at night. This stretch shouldn't go longer than their age in weeks plus one. For example, if your baby is four weeks old, you can allow them to sleep for up to five hours after the start of their last feeding.
It's important to pay attention to your newborn's sleepy cues and wake windows to set them up for successful naps. If your doctor says you need to wake your baby for night feedings, be sure to follow their advice.
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How much sleep do newborns need?
Newborns should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. Newborns need to feed every two to three hours, so they need to be woken up if they sleep for longer than this. Breastfed babies need to feed more often than bottle-fed babies, who can go three to four hours between feeds.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waking your baby to feed if they sleep for more than four to five hours at a time during the first two weeks. After this, it's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night, as long as they are gaining weight.
If your baby is staying on their growth curve, you can allow one longer stretch of sleep at night. This stretch shouldn't go longer than their age in weeks plus one. For example, if your baby is four weeks old, you would allow them to sleep for up to five hours after the start of their last feeding.
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What are the signs that a newborn is hungry?
Newborns should be fed every two to three hours, and it's recommended to wake your baby to feed if they sleep more than four to five hours at a time for the first two weeks. After that, it's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods of time at night, as long as they are showing good weight gain.
- They may wake up and move around in their crib, or move their mouth and raise their hands to their face.
- They may make sucking motions with their mouth, even if they don't have a pacifier.
- They may smack their lips, drool more, or stick out their tongue.
- They may turn their head to the side, as if looking for food, or turn their head toward the breast or chest, or a bottle.
- They may give you a furrowed brow or distressed look.
- They may make the sound "neh!" just before a cry.
- They may continue to show interest in sucking even after finishing the first breast or bottle.
- They may look at you and smile as they feed.
- They may make a short, low-pitched cry that rises and falls.
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What are the benefits of waking a newborn to feed?
It is important to wake a sleeping newborn to feed for their health and to maintain your milk supply. Newborns are growing fast, so they need to feed every two to three hours, even if they are sleeping peacefully. Breastfed babies feed more often than bottle-fed babies, who can go three to four hours between feedings during the first month because formula takes longer to digest.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waking your baby to feed if they sleep more than four to five hours at a time for the first two weeks. After that, it's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods of time at night, as long as they are gaining weight.
If your baby is staying on their growth curve, you can typically allow one longer stretch of sleep in the night. This stretch shouldn't go longer than their age in weeks plus one. For example, if your baby is four weeks old, you would allow them to sleep for up to five hours after the start of their last feeding before waking them.
Pay attention to your newborn's sleepy cues and wake windows to set them up for successful naps. If your doctor says you need to wake your baby for night feedings, be sure to follow their advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, newborns need to feed every two to three hours, so it's important to wake them if they're sleeping for longer than this.
Newborns should feed every two to three hours, or every three to four hours if they're formula-fed.
Newborns should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day.
