How Often Should a Newborn Be Fed? Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! As any new parent knows, one of the most important things to ensure your baby’s health and development is proper nutrition. So, how often should a newborn be fed? As a general rule, newborns need to be fed at least every two to three hours. This means that, depending on your baby’s age and feeding habits, you should feed your baby anywhere from 8-12 times in a 24-hour period. In the first few days after birth, it is normal for your newborn to be awake and alert for only short periods of time. During these short periods of wakefulness, your baby should be fed. If your baby isn’t eating enough during these short periods, you should wake your baby up to feed them. Once your baby is around two weeks old, they will begin to have longer periods of wakefulness. During these times, your baby should be fed every two to three hours. This will ensure that your baby is getting enough nutrition. If your baby is breastfeeding, it is important to note that breastfeeding is not an exact science. Some babies may need to be fed more often than others, and some may only need to be fed every four hours. It is important to pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues and feed them when they are hungry. If your baby is formula-fed, it is important to remember that formula is not digested as quickly as breast milk. Therefore, you should feed your baby every three to four hours. It is also important to remember that your baby may not eat the same amount each time they are fed. Some days they may eat more than others. This is perfectly normal and should not be a cause for concern. Finally, it is important to remember that your baby’s growth and development is not dependent on how much they eat. As long as your baby is growing and gaining weight, they are getting enough nutrition. So, how often should a newborn be fed? As a general rule, newborns should be fed every two to three hours. However, it is important to pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues and feed them when they are hungry. This will ensure that your baby is getting the nutrition they need to grow and develop.