Breast and Bottle Feeding: Newborn Feeding Basics

Babies are born with a rooting reflex: when you touch their cheek or lips, they turn toward that side and begin sucking. This reflex helps Baby find the breast or bottle nipple to begin feeding. A good latch is essential for effective feeding and to prevent discomfort for the nursing parent.

Whether you choose to breastfeed, bottle feed, or do both, the goal is the same: ensuring Baby gets enough nutrition, feels comfortable during feedings, and is gaining weight appropriately.

✋How to Feed Baby: Breast and Bottle

Breastfeeding basics: getting a good latch

A proper latch means Baby takes in the nipple and a large portion of the areola. Signs of a good latch include:

• Baby's chin and nose are close to the breast

• Baby's lips are flanged outward (not tucked in)

• You can see Baby's jaw moving rhythmically

• You hear swallowing, not clicking or smacking

• Feeding is not painful after the first few seconds. If it is, gently break the suction by inserting your clean finger into the corner of Baby's mouth and try again. Persistent pain is a signal to seek help from a lactation consultant.

Common breastfeeding positions

There is no single "correct" position — the best one is where both you and Baby are comfortable and Baby can get a deep latch.

How often to feed

Newborns typically feed 8–12 times (roughly every 2–3 hours) in 24 hours. Breastfed babies often feed more frequently because breast milk digests more quickly. Watch Baby's hunger cues rather than the clock — rooting, sucking on hands, lip-smacking, fussiness (crying is a late hunger cue). If Baby is scratching, biting, or pinching during breastfeeding, try these tips to reduce your discomfort.

Bottle feeding basics

• Choose a slow-flow nipple for newborns, regardless of the milk type in the bottle. A slow flow helps Baby coordinate sucking and swallowing and reduces the risk of overfeeding. If Baby feeds from both breast and bottle, a wide-based nipple that mimics the breast may make switching easier.

• Pace the feeding. Hold Baby semi-upright (not flat on their back), hold the bottle nearly horizontal so milk just fills the nipple, let Baby take breaks every few minutes by tilting the bottle down, and never force the last bit of a bottle.

⚠️Never prop a bottle or leave Baby unattended during feeding. Always hold Baby when bottle feeding to support bonding and reduce the risk of choking and ear infections.

How much should Baby eat?

Bottle feeding amounts by age graphicnew asset — replaces table (CMS has no tables): 1–2 oz × 8–12/day in week 1 → 6–8 oz × 3–4/day by 9–12 months

Note: Breastfed Baby intake may vary and is harder to measure, so watch for fullness cues and weight gain rather than ounces.

✓ Signs That Feeding Is Going Well

• Baby is gaining weight appropriately (your provider will track this)

• Baby has 6 or more wet diapers per day after day 4

• Baby seems satisfied and calm after feedings

• Feedings are comfortable and not painful for the nursing parent

• Baby is alert and active during wake periods

• Remember to burp Baby after every feeding and keep them upright for 15–30 minutes to reduce spit-up.

♡ When to Get Support with Feeding

Contact your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant if:

• Baby is not back to birth weight by 2 weeks of age

• Baby seems hungry all the time or feeds constantly

• Breastfeeding is consistently painful

• Baby is not having enough wet or dirty diapers

• Baby is arching their back, stiffening, or crying during feedings

• Baby gags, has problems swallowing, or spits up with force

• Baby regularly takes much longer than 30 minutes per feeding

Remember: You don't have to figure this out alone. Lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists, and your pediatrician are all here to help. Reaching out early often prevents bigger challenges down the road.

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↑ Baby Feeding: What to Expect from Milk to Meals

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