Introduction
On this page, you’ll learn what to expect when feeding your newborn, how much weight gain to expect, and what to do if your baby is not feeding well.
The first week of your baby’s life is full of changes for all of you. In the early days, it may seem like you’re feeding your baby all the time, as one feed blends into the next. To help you prepare for these changes, set up a comfortable space and get ready to settle in. Keep a basket of healthy snacks and a water bottle within arm’s reach. Also, keep a book, your phone, or access to a TV show or movie close by.
Feeding cues & patterns
During the first few months, babies can only feed small amounts at each feeding so they’ll need to feed often. Watch for their feeding cues, and feed your baby when they show you they’re hungry.
You’ll know your baby is getting enough at each feed if they:
- are content after most feedings
- are gaining weight
- have enough wet and dirty diapers for their age (see our tables for breastmilk and for infant formula)
Your baby will likely wake and need to feed during the night. In these early months, they can only suck and swallow liquids. They’re not able to safely swallow solids and don’t need them yet.
Your baby will not have a set schedule, but they’ll begin to have more predictable feeding patterns as they get older. Sometimes, your baby may want to eat more often or for longer periods of time.
Vitamin D for newborns
Newborn babies should be given a liquid 400 IU vitamin D supplement every day. Follow the directions on the bottle. If you have questions, call Health Link at 811 or talk with your health care provider.
Weight gain
Children will grow at their own rate, but they tend to follow a general pattern of growth. They grow the fastest when they’re babies.
Your baby's weight gain
Birth–14 days old |
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2–8 weeks old |
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If you’re concerned about your baby’s weight, or you would just like to weigh your baby, you can go to your community or public health centre during clinic hours.
If your baby is not feeding well
Feeding issues in newborns can be challenging for you and your baby. Sometimes, these issues can become serious and your baby can become dehydrated. Some signs of dehydration are:
- fewer wet diapers than recommended for your baby’s age
- dark urine after 3 days old
- dry mouth and tongue
Learn how to tell if your baby is getting enough breastmilk or if they’re getting enough infant formula, and when to call for help.
It’s normal for a newborn to be a little sleepy, and some newborns are sleepier than others. Learn more about sleepy newborns and what you can do to wake your baby up to feed.
Call Health Link at 811 or your health care provider NOW if you notice your baby has any of the following:
- will feed if you wake them, but will not wake up on their own to feed
- is always sleepy
- will not feed or is not showing feeding cues
- does not have the recommended number of wet or dirty diapers
- has any signs of choking, coughing or sputtering while feeding
- is fussy during or after feeding
- wants to feed all of the time
- has hard stools that are difficult to pass
- has urine that’s still dark orange or rusty brown after they’re 72 hours old
- has dry skin, mouth or tongue
- vomits most, or all of their feeding, two or more times in a row
- has frequent, green, watery bowel movements that smell bad
- has any other signs that concern you