Feeding Your Newborn: Tips For New Parents

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Feeding an infant necessitates a 24-hour commitment. It’s also a good time to start bonding with your family’s newest addition. Consider these suggestions for feeding a baby. Also, check out baby napkins Malaysia, this is something you will need to use when feeding a baby. 

1. Stick with breast milk or formula

With a few exceptions, breast milk is the best meal for babies. Use infant formula if breastfeeding isn’t possible. For healthy neonates, cereal, water, juice, and other fluids are unnecessary.

2. Feed your newborn on cue

Most babies require eight to twelve feedings each day, or once every two to three hours.

Look for early signals that the animal is ready to eat. Moving the hands to the mouth, sucking on fists and fingers, and lip-smacking are all signs. Later cues include fussing and crying. You’ll be less likely to have to quiet a cranky infant if you start each meal sooner.

Your baby may be full or merely taking a break if he or she stops sucking, closes his or her mouth, or turns away from the nipple or bottle. Burp your baby or wait a minute before giving your baby more breasts or bottles. Your baby may take in more milk in less time at each feeding as he or she grows older.

3. Consider Vitamin D supplements

Inquire with your baby’s doctor about vitamin D supplements, particularly if you’re nursing. Vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are necessary for strong bones, may be lacking in breast milk.

4. Expect variations in your newborn’s eating pattern

Every day, your baby will not consume the same amount of food. During growth spurts, which normally occur two to three weeks after delivery, your newborn may take more at each feeding or need to be fed more frequently. Rather than obsessing over time, pay attention to early signs of hunger.

5. Trust your instincts – and your newborn baby

You might be concerned that your baby isn’t getting enough to eat, but babies normally know just how much they require. Don’t get caught up in how much, how often, or how consistently your baby feeds. Instead, seek the following:

  • Steady weight gain
  • Contentment between feedings

If your baby isn’t gaining weight, wetting less than six diapers per day, or showing little enthusiasm in feedings, see a doctor.

6. Consider each feeding as an opportunity to bond with your baby.

Keep your newborn close to you during each feeding. Make eye contact with him or her. Speak in a kind tone of voice. Use each feeding to help your baby develop a sense of security, trust, and comfort.

7. Keeps feeding consistently

If your baby will be fed by other family members or caregivers for part of the time, ensure sure they follow the same feeding patterns and practises as you.

8. Know when to ask for help

Ask a lactation consultant or your baby’s doctor for support if you’re having problems nursing, especially if every feeding is unpleasant or your baby isn’t gaining weight. If you haven’t worked with a lactation consultant before, ask your baby’s doctor for a referral or contact a local hospital’s obstetrics department.

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