What is the feeding calculation for a newborn?

From the Guidelines

Newborns typically require feeding every 2-3 hours, with 8-12 feedings per day, and the amount eaten per feeding will increase by about 1 oz per month, starting with 1-2 ounces (30-60 ml) per feeding initially, and increasing to 2-4 ounces (60-120 ml) by the end of the first month, as indicated by the most recent guidelines 1. The feeding calculation for a newborn can be broken down into several key points:

• Feed every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times every 24 hours, as recommended by the pediatric health guidelines 1.
• The amount eaten per feeding will increase by about 1 oz per month, starting with 1-2 ounces (30-60 ml) per feeding initially, and increasing to 2-4 ounces (60-120 ml) by the end of the first month 1.
• For breastfed babies, feed on demand every 2-3 hours, with sessions lasting 10-15 minutes per breast.
• Signs of adequate feeding include 6-8 wet diapers daily, regular bowel movements, steady weight gain of 20-30 grams per day, and alert periods between feedings. Some key considerations when calculating feeding for a newborn include:
• The newborn's stomach is very small, about the size of a cherry at birth, growing to the size of an egg by day 10, so frequent small feedings are necessary.
• In the first few days, colostrum from breastfeeding provides adequate nutrition despite its small volume.
• Feeding needs increase as the baby grows, so adjust amounts based on hunger cues and growth.
• Overfeeding can cause discomfort and spitting up, while underfeeding may result in excessive crying, poor weight gain, and decreased wet diapers. It's also important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infant formulas have an osmolality of less than 450 mOsm/L, and medications and carbohydrate modules can increase osmolality, as mentioned in an older study 1, but the most recent guidelines 1 provide the best recommendations for newborn feeding.

From the Research

Feeding Calculation for Newborns

There are no specific feeding calculations mentioned in the provided studies for newborns. However, some studies discuss feeding guidelines and practices for newborns:

• A study published in 2020 2 outlines general recommendations on evidence-based feeding practices in term and preterm infants, but does not provide a specific feeding calculation.
• A study published in 2017 3 discusses the implementation of feeding guidelines for very low birth-weight infants, which includes advancing enteral feedings by 20 to 30 mL/kg/d, but this is not a general feeding calculation for newborns.
• Other studies 4, 5, 6 discuss various aspects of newborn feeding, such as the use of breast milk fortifier, formula feeding, and weight loss calculation, but do not provide a specific feeding calculation.

Key Points

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, but does not provide a specific feeding calculation.
• Feeding guidelines for newborns may vary depending on factors such as birth weight, gestational age, and individual infant needs.
• Pediatricians should work with families to create an optimal individualized feeding regimen for each infant.

Factors Affecting Feeding

• Birth weight: A study published in 2017 3 found that feeding guidelines for very low birth-weight infants should be stratified by birth weight.
• Gestational age: A study published in 2021 5 found that gestational age is a factor in determining the use of breast milk fortifier in preterm infants.
• Individual infant needs: A study published in 2020 2 emphasizes the importance of creating an individualized feeding regimen for each infant.