Feeding is a time for love, communication, comfort, rest and relaxation.
Baby has 8 or more feeds in 24 hours
Baby is kept close to you and you respond to feeding cues
Baby has normal skin colour
Baby is generally relaxed whilst feeding and is content after most feeds
Baby has wet and dirty nappies (see chart below)
Baby is fed in a paced, responsive way – semi upright, close to parent, invite baby to take the teat, holding the bottle horizontally/slightly tipped, minimising people giving the feed, never forced to finish a feed, pace the feed according to baby’s cues
Weight loss/weight gain is within normal limits
You are happy with bottle feeding
Baby is sleepy and / or has had less than 8 feeds in 24 hours
You don’t understand feeding cues or paced, responsive bottle feeding
Baby appears jaundiced (skin looks yellow)
Your baby struggles whilst feeding/after feeding with colic/reflux symptoms
Baby is not having expected wet and dirty nappies (see below)
Your baby dribbles milk/does not feed easily
Your baby fails to gain weight / static weight / weight increases rapidly
If you are not sure if baby is swallowing milk or feeding effectively
Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby. If you decide not to breastfeed or to stop breastfeeding, it is possible to restart. Giving infant formula to a breastfed baby will reduce your milk supply. You do not need to eat any special foods while breastfeeding, but it is a good idea for you, just like everyone else, to eat a healthy diet.
Nappies
Nappy contents change during the first week. This indicates that your baby is getting plenty of milk. Nappy content will look different for a formula fed baby compared to a baby who is fed expressed breast milk in a bottle. Please ask your midwife for further information.
Baby's age
1-2 days old
3-4 days old
5-6 days old
7-28 days old
Wet nappies
1-2
3-Nappies feel heavier
5-Heavy, wet nappies
6 or more-Heavy, wet nappies
Dirty Nappies
* Your baby should ‘poo’ every day in first few weeks
Jaundice
Jaundice in new babies can be normal. However, if your baby’s skin is a shade of yellow and your baby is sleepy and not feeding effectively, please inform your midwife straight away. Your midwife will monitor your baby and give you advice. Importantly, you will need to ensure your baby feeds effectively. Ensuring regular and effective feeding will help resolve the jaundice. This is important. Extra vigilance is needed when your baby was born under 38 weeks gestation. www.nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice-newborn/
Issue: September 2023 Review: September 2025