As a new parent, you face a steep learning curve. Something as simple as feeding a baby or getting enough sleep can seem especially daunting. Don't worry; many new parents have questions about feeding a new baby and many wonder if they are doing the right things when providing for the needs of an infant.

If you have concerns about providing adequate nutrition for your new baby, consider the following list of common parent concerns. Soon, you'll get to know your baby's needs and wants, giving them the best care possible. 

How Often Does a Baby Need to Eat?

New parents are often surprised to learn how often a newborn baby is hungry, and they might worry that their baby needs to eat all the time. 

A new baby's stomach is very small, so they cannot eat very much food at once. Infants also go through a period of intense growth, which means they need food to fuel their sudden burst development. 

You might have heard that a baby needs to eat every two hours, but some babies will be hungry more often, and some will be hungry less often. Don't be concerned if your baby feels the need to eat frequently, especially if you are breastfeeding. You cannot overfeed a baby who breastfeeds on demand.

On-demand breastfeeding, especially at first, will take a large portion of your time during the day as your baby learns to suckle. As they get older, they will be able to feed more efficiently. 

Talk to your doctor about the recommended amounts per feeding of formula.

If your baby eats constantly and still seems hungry, talk to your doctor. Your baby could need assistance feeding, might have a lip or tongue tie that makes it hard to suckle normally, or you might need help supplementing breastfeeding.

Is My Baby Spitting Up Too Much?

Another common feeding concern for parents is how much a baby might spit up after a meal. It might seem like your baby is spitting up everything they ate. However, spitting up is normal for baby development, and as long as your baby is hydrated (producing several wet diapers each day) and gaining weight, spit-up should not be a concern.

However, there are conditions where spitting up too much indicates an underlying problem.

Some babies with severe reflux might need help from medication to keep meals down. Doctors might also recommend baby-wearing and semi-reclined sleeping positions to help food stay down.

In some cases, babies who forcefully vomit after every meal could be suffering from pyloric stenosis, where muscles in the stomach close and prevent food from entering the intestine. This condition, most common in male babies, is serious and often requires surgical correction. 

Does Breastfeeding Get Easier?

Breastfeeding mothers will be happy to hear that feeding gets easier with time. Mother and baby both learn from each other, and the time and effort required to complete a feeding are reduced. 

If your baby has trouble latching or if breastfeeding stays painful even after several weeks of frequent feeding, talk to your doctor. They might recommend a lactation consultant, or they might check for reasons why feeding is not going as smoothly. 

Also, don't neglect care for yourself as a mother. Use a breast pump to relieve oversupply, massage out tough or painful areas, and use lanolin for sore nipples. If you notice severe pain while feeding, red streaks, or white filmy spots in your baby's mouth, talk to your doctor. Breast infections can make breastfeeding much more painful, and they should be treated promptly. 

Should I Give My Baby Water?

Babies do not need water until they begin eating solid food. Breastmilk and formula provide plenty of water to meet the needs of your infant. In fact, don't give water at all unless your doctor tells you to. Giving water to a newborn baby can cause dangerous nutritional deficiencies and chemical imbalances. 



For more information, contact us at Advocare Lerch & Amato Pediatrics.