I am NEWBORN
- "I am NEWBORN" is also available as a printable PDF (PDF, 517KB, 1pg.)
Look at me, I am a new little person! I am a newborn for about the first 4 months of my life.
If you watch and listen, I will let you know what I want before I cry. Feed me on demand, when you see that I am hungry.
You will spend a lot of time feeding me and getting to know me. To comfort me, undress me and hold me against your skin. At first, you will need to support my head with your hand or arm.
I may begin to:
- raise my head while I'm on my tummy
- smile and gaze at you during feeding
- gain good head control
- discover my hands
When I am hungry, I may:
- turn my head towards your breast
- suck on my hands, fingers or lips
- make fussy sounds
What I can eat:
- Breastmilk only
- Iron-fortified infant formula if breastmilk is not available
- I will push food out of my mouth with my tongue until I am ready for it (when I am about 6 months old)
When I am full, I may:
- push the nipple out
- close my lips tightly
- turn my head away from breast or bottle
- slow down or stop sucking
- start noticing other things in the room
- fall asleep
I should be eating about this much each day:
| If my weight is about |
If I am only breastfeeding, offer me both breasts |
If I am only getting formula, offer me |
| 7-8 lbs |
at least 8-12 times/day |
2-4 oz every 2-3 hours, or 17-23 oz in a day |
| 8-10 lbs |
at least 8-12 times/day |
3-5 oz every 3-4 hours or 21-26 oz in a day |
| 10-12 lbs |
at least 6-10 times/day |
4-6 oz every 3-4 hours or 24-28 oz in a day |
| 12-16 lbs |
at least 6-10 times/day |
5-8 oz every 3-4 hours or 29-39 oz in a day |
