Health & safety · 7 min read
Feeding your newborn in the first month: how often, how much, and safe formula prep
In the first weeks, feeding is most of the job — and most of the questions. Here's what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the CDC, and the FDA say about feeding a newborn, from how often to feed to how to prepare formula safely, with links to each source.
Last reviewed July 20, 2026
Feed on demand — watch for hunger cues
The AAP recommends responsive feeding: feed your baby whenever they seem hungry rather than on a strict clock. Early hunger cues — before crying — include rooting, bringing hands to the mouth, and lip-smacking or licking. Crying is a late sign.
How often, and how much
Breastfed newborns typically nurse about every 2 hours — roughly 8–12 times a day — starting with small amounts that grow over the first days. Formula-fed newborns usually eat every 2–3 hours, at least 8 times in 24 hours, starting around half an ounce and increasing to 1–2 ounces per feeding after the first day or two (AAP). Every baby is a little different; there's no single correct schedule.
How to know your baby is getting enough
Two practical signs, per the AAP: wet diapers — building to at least 5–6 a day after the first several days — and steady weight gain, which your pediatrician tracks on a growth chart at visits. If you're worried baby isn't feeding enough, call your pediatrician.
Breast, formula, or both
The AAP, CDC, and WHO recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months where possible, then introducing complementary foods around 6 months while continuing to breastfeed. Combination feeding and formula feeding are also valid — the right choice is the one that keeps your baby fed and your family well.
Vitamin D for breastfed babies
The CDC notes that breastfed and partially breastfed infants need extra vitamin D, starting at birth, and may need iron later — ask your pediatrician about a supplement. This helps prevent rickets from too little vitamin D.
Preparing and storing formula safely
If you use formula, the FDA and CDC advise: wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds first; measure the water first and then add the powder, using the exact ratio on the label and the manufacturer's scoop. Use prepared formula within 2 hours at room temperature (within 1 hour once feeding begins); if not used right away, refrigerate it and use within 24 hours. Throw out any formula left in the bottle after a feeding — saliva lets bacteria grow. When in doubt about how long it's been out, throw it out.
Solid foods come later
The CDC advises waiting until about 6 months to start solids and not before 4 months — and watching for readiness signs like sitting up with support, good head control, and no longer pushing food back out.
Common questions
- How often should a newborn eat?
- About every 2 hours for breastfed babies (roughly 8–12 times a day) and every 2–3 hours for formula-fed babies (at least 8 times a day), per the AAP — but follow your baby's hunger cues rather than a strict schedule.
- How long can I keep prepared formula?
- Per the FDA: use it within 2 hours at room temperature (within 1 hour once feeding starts), or refrigerate and use within 24 hours. Always discard whatever's left in the bottle after a feeding, and when unsure how long it's been out, throw it out.
- Does a breastfed baby need any supplements?
- The CDC says breastfed and partially breastfed infants need extra vitamin D starting at birth (and possibly iron later). Ask your pediatrician about the right supplement and dose.