How Often Should my Newborn Nurse?
A Week-by-Week Guide for the First Month
In the first few weeks after birth, new parents often wonder if their baby is nursing too often or not enough. The truth is, newborn feeding patterns change quickly as your baby’s stomach grows and your milk supply becomes established.
It’s completely normal for feedings to feel almost constant at first - breastfeeding is about more than nutrition; it’s also how babies build supply, regulate comfort, and connect.
Here’s what’s typical from the first few days through the first month, and when to reach out for help.
Days 1–3: Getting Started
During the first few days, your baby is learning to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing - and your body is producing colostrum, the thick, golden milk that’s rich in antibodies and nutrients.
What’s normal in the first few days
Most babies nurse at least 8–12 times in 24 hours, often every 1–3 hours.
Feed on demand – anytime your baby seems hungry; but you should also wake to feed – don’t let your baby go longer than 3 hours without eating (one 4 hour stretch at night is OK).
Measure feeds from the start of one feed to the start of the next. Feeds can last up to 40 minutes at this age.
Feedings can be short and frequent - especially on the second night, when many babies seem to want to nurse constantly (“second night syndrome”).
Colostrum comes in small amounts - that’s all your baby needs right now.
Watch for early hunger cues (stirring, rooting, bringing hands to mouth) instead of waiting for crying. Bring baby to breast when they show any of these early hunger cues. It’s never wrong to offer a feeding!
It’s also normal for babies to be sleepy in the first 24 hours after birth. If your baby is difficult to wake for feedings or not latching well, gentle stimulation - undressing baby down to the diaper, skin-to-skin contact, and offering the breast often - can help.
Around days 3 - 5, your milk begins to transition to mature milk. You may notice your breasts feeling fuller, and your baby may start feeding more vigorously.
Around 2 Weeks: Building Rhythm and Supply
By the two-week mark, most babies are more alert and feeding more efficiently, though they still need to nurse 8–12 times a day.
What to expect around two weeks
Feedings may become shorter and more rhythmic - your baby is stronger and more coordinated now, and they tend to be less sleepy.
If your baby is above birth weight, you do not need to wake your baby at night anymore; your baby will let you know when it is time to eat!
Night feedings are still very normal and important; most babies feed every 2–3 hours overnight.
A growth spurt often happens around this time. Expect one or two days of nearly nonstop feeding — this is how your baby boosts your supply (also known as “cluster feeding”).
Diaper output should be steady: at least 6 wet diapers and several stools per day.
Continue to feed on demand rather than by the clock. Trying to stretch feedings too early can reduce your supply or leave baby hungry.
Around 4 Weeks: Settling Into a Pattern
By about one month, you might notice your baby developing a bit more of a rhythm, but feeding patterns still vary widely from one baby to another.
What’s normal at four weeks
Many babies nurse every 2–3 hours, though some still nurse more frequently - especially in the evenings when they “cluster feed.”
Feedings may be quicker now; your baby is more efficient at getting milk.
Some babies start having one longer stretch of sleep at night, but frequent night feeds remain normal.
Continue to follow your baby’s cues — rooting, stirring, and hand-to-mouth movements - instead of watching the clock.
Remember: comfort nursing is part of normal development. Nursing isn’t just for hunger - it helps babies calm, regulate, and connect with you.
When to Reach Out for Help
Every baby’s feeding rhythm is unique, but there are times when extra support is helpful. Contact a lactation consultant or your baby’s healthcare provider if:
Your baby is nursing fewer than 8 times or more than 14 times in 24 hours
You rarely hear or see swallowing during feeds
Your baby still seems hungry after breastfeeding most of the time
Your baby seems too sleepy to feed or doesn’t wake to eat
Diaper output is low (fewer than 6 wets per day after day 5)
Stool color is still black after day 5 (should transition to yellow)
You’re experiencing pain, cracked or damaged nipples, or uncertainty about latch
You don’t have to navigate this alone. A lactation consultant can assess your baby’s latch and feeding effectiveness, help you troubleshoot any issues, and reassure you that things are on track.
The Bottom Line
Frequent nursing in the first month is both normal and essential. Your baby’s needs - and your supply - will change rapidly in these early weeks, and responding to your baby’s cues is the best way to support healthy growth and milk production.
If you ever feel unsure, reach out. You deserve calm, confident feeding experiences, and support is always available.
Below is a typical feeding frequency at a glance
Need Support?
If you’d like one-on-one guidance with breastfeeding or feeding rhythms, schedule a consultation or join our Mamas Milk Club.
We would love to help you and your baby find what works best for you.