3. Feeding Patterns Vary and Are Frequent
Newborns have tiny stomachs that fill quickly, so feeding happens often — typically every 1 to 3 hours around the clock. Breastfed babies tend to eat more frequently because breast milk digests faster than formula. The signs your baby is hungry include rooting (turning the head toward the breast), sucking motions, or putting their hands to their mouth. Feeding sessions can last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the baby and feeding method. Instead of rigid feeding schedules, being flexible and responsive to your baby’s cues supports better feeding outcomes and reduces stress for you and your baby.