Understanding Infant Nutritional Needs
Infants need either breastmilk, formula, or both to grow and stay hydrated. Feeding patterns and amounts change as your baby grows.
Breastfeeding Patterns
- First Month: 8–12 feeds/day. Wake every 3 hours until baby is back to birthweight. Then feed on demand.
- Length of Feeding:
- First week: 10–15 min per breast.
- After first week: Up to 20 min first breast; offer second if baby interested.
When to Supplement
- Weight loss >10% from birth weight.
- Poor latch or ineffective suck.
- Fewer than 3 wet diapers/day.
- Baby seems hungry after feeds or shows signs of dehydration.
Storage Reminders:
Freshly pumped
- Refrigerate up to 5 days
- Room temp: good for up to 4 hours
Frozen
- Store up to 6 months in a refrigerator freezer; 12 months in a deep freezer
- To thaw, put in refrigerator or to thaw quickly, place in a pan of warm water and do this until thawed to temperature baby prefers
- After thawing, breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator for 24 hours (don’t refreeze)
- Do not refreeze thawed milk
- After feeding baby, throw out any unused breast milk after 1-2 hours
- Once warmed: it can’t be refrigerated again or rewarmed. Must be discarded.
Safe Medications
- Vitamin D Drops: All breastfed babies need 400 IU daily.
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again when:
- Baby refuses feeds.
- Concerns about weight gain or growth.
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice).
- Less than 3 wet diapers/day.
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, poor tone, sunken soft spot).
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:
- Concerns about milk protein allergy (blood in stools, eczema, severe fussiness).
- Difficulty introducing bottle by 8 weeks.
- Ongoing feeding challenges after following care plan.
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child has:
- Severe dehydration signs (no urination >8 hours, lethargy).
- Trouble breathing during feeds.
- Excessive vomiting after every feed.
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
