Infant Nutrition Center

Right after birth, babies need to be fed every 2-3 hours to get adequate nutrition. As soon as the milk “comes in,” usually between the second and fourth days, you may nurse your baby on demand. Feeding should continue at least every 2-3 hours until your baby’s weight has returned to the weight at birth (usually around two weeks of age).

If your baby is within one day to two weeks old and not up to birth weight, you MUST nurse your baby every 2-3 hours. Sometimes babies cluster feed (eat at shorter time intervals), and that can be okay as long as they are eating at least eight times in a 24-hour period. If your baby is less than two weeks old, especially if only 3-4 days old, and you cannot wake the baby up, call your baby’s doctor or a lactation consultant. If the baby is up to birth weight (usually around two weeks of age) do not be alarmed – be prepared to cluster feed!