Your newborn may snack all day if he or she is unable to go more than 2 to 3 hours between meals. Let’s discuss newborns and full feeds.
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My first mom thought that “feed on demand” meant I had to feed Ella whenever she cried. Every whimper I would offer her a feeding. She would then nurse and take a break. I did not realize she was eating snacks instead of receiving a full meal.
I was a beginner at reading my newborn’s sleepy cues, so I assumed that every cue meant I was hungry. I didn’t know how to help her when she was tired. This was leading to poor nutrition and lots of snacking. She was eating every hour, and she wasn’t sleeping.
Why is it so important to feed your baby (and your parents) every day?
- A baby who is happy between meals will eat more than he or she gets from full feedings.
- Parents and babies can enjoy active awake time with full feedings
- Full feedings allow us to respond appropriately to hunger instead of thinking that every cry is a hunger call.
- A full meal allows for adequate calories during the day, which allows for more restful sleep at night.
- Full feedings are important for babies’ growth and development..
Breastfeeding Moms need to establish a milk supply within the first few weeks. This can be helped by full feedings, as the more milk you drink, the more milk you produce.
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Are snacking and cluster feeding the same thing?
Cluster feeding and snacking are two different things. Your baby may feed closer together at times. Cluster feeding is a term that describes a baby who feeds closer together in the evening or late afternoon. This is normal for bottle-fed babies as well as nursing babies. Cluster feeding is different from snacking. Snacking happens all day while cluster feeding occurs for a specific time.
How can I stop my baby from snacking every hour?
- Learn what hunger cues look and feel like.
- Encourage your baby to stay awake during feedings. Wondering how? Continue reading!
- Wait 15-30 minutes before you feed your dog. If she eats within 45-60 minutes, she may not be hungry enough for a good meal.
- Consider nippling if you are bottle-feeding and struggle to get more than one ounce.
Do I need to put my baby on a feeding schedule or should I?
You shouldn’t. Research has shown that it is important to listen to your baby’s hunger cues and not follow a strict clock schedule. It is vital to feed our hungry baby.
How can I keep my baby awake during breastfeeding?
- Get your baby skin-to-skin. Contact skin-to-skin encourages sucking, and keeps your baby awake while you feed. This is great for bottle-fed and breast-fed babies.
- You can take a break and then lay him on the floor. Sometimes, just getting away from your warm body can be enough to wake him up.
- Use a damp cloth to rub her chest and face.
- Perform a diaper change immediately before and halfway through a feeding.
- Make sure your baby has a good latch.
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What should my baby eat in 24 hours?
Although I understand that many parents would like a number, the reality is that each baby’s answer will be different.
How can I tell if my baby is full?
It can be difficult to tell if your baby is full after eating. These are the signs that a newborn is full.
Instead of being curled into fists, her hands are open and relaxed.
Instead of your baby pulling his arm back towards himself, if you raise his arm up, it will drop heavily.
Your baby will be content after a meal and can go for 2-3 hours before the next one.
These might not all be visible at once.
What is the best way to establish a routine for my newborn?
The My First Five Months Bundle is designed to help you achieve this: create a flexible routine that responds to your baby’s needs. As I help you to create a healthy sleep foundation, you won’t have to cry. Let me show how to love your newborn stage and meet your baby where he/she is at developmental stages.
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Give yourself and your baby grace Your baby and you are learning together. Your pediatrician and lactation consultant should be consulted if your baby is not happy between meals or cannot wait more than two hours.
