What is the recommended feeding frequency for a 7-day-old newborn?

Feeding Frequency for a 7-Day-Old Newborn

Newborns should feed about every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times every 24 hours. 1

Optimal Feeding Schedule for Newborns

The current pediatric health guidelines provide clear recommendations for feeding frequency in the first days of life:

• For a 7-day-old infant, feeding should occur approximately every 2-3 hours, totaling 8-12 feedings in a 24-hour period 1
• Frequent feeding on demand, at least 8-10 times in 24 hours, helps to:
  • Decrease newborn weight loss
  • Reduce the need for supplements
  • Lower the risk of clinically significant hyperbilirubinemia 1

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding Considerations

Breastfeeding

• Breastfeeding 9-10 times per day is associated with lower bilirubin concentrations, which is beneficial for preventing jaundice 1
• Breastfeeding less than 7 times per day is associated with higher bilirubin concentrations 1
• Continuous rooming-in with frequent, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended 1

Formula Feeding

• Similar frequency (every 2-3 hours) applies to formula-fed infants
• By 2 months, the pattern typically shifts to every 3-4 hours with 3-4 oz per feed 1

Day vs. Night Feeding

Research shows that night feedings are common and make an important contribution to total milk intake 2. Therefore:

• Feeding should continue throughout the 24-hour period, including nighttime
• Breastfed infants should be encouraged to feed on demand, day and night 2

On-Demand vs. Scheduled Feeding

While some research suggests that scheduled feeding may be associated with higher levels of maternal wellbeing, evidence indicates that demand feeding leads to better cognitive and academic outcomes for children 3. The evidence supports:

• Feeding based on infant hunger cues rather than strict time schedules
• Responding to early feeding cues (rooting, lip smacking, hand-to-mouth movements)
• Not waiting until the infant is crying, which is a late sign of hunger

Volume Considerations

For breastfed infants, research indicates:

• Average volume per feeding is approximately 76g (range: 0-240g) 2
• Infants typically consume about 67% of the available milk in the breast at each feeding 2
• The volume consumed varies based on:
  • Which breast is being used
  • Time of day
  • Whether it's the first or second breast in a paired feeding 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Enforcing strict feeding schedules: Research shows no benefit to rigid 3-hour vs. 4-hour feeding schedules 4, and demand feeding is associated with better outcomes 3

2. Ignoring night feedings: Night feedings are important for total milk intake and should not be discouraged 2

3. Supplementing unnecessarily: Practitioners should avoid recommending breast milk supplements unless breastfeeding technique and frequency have been optimized first or when medically necessary 1

4. Missing feeding cues: Waiting until the baby cries may lead to difficult feedings; earlier cues should prompt feeding

5. Focusing only on feeding frequency: The fat content of breast milk (averaging 41.1 g/L) is independent of feeding frequency 2, so quality of feeding matters alongside quantity

By following these evidence-based guidelines for feeding a 7-day-old approximately every 2-3 hours (8-12 times per 24 hours), parents can help ensure optimal nutrition, weight gain, and development for their newborn.