How to Know if Your Baby is Eating Enough

January 11, 2023 Infant

Many parents agree – the first six months of your baby’s life can be the hardest. Making sure your baby is eating enough and gaining weight is your top priority. However, some parents worry if their baby is eating enough because they can’t see the exact amount their baby is drinking while chest/breastfeeding.

The good news is, it’s OK to not know exactly how many ounces your baby is drinking because the best way to know baby is eating enough is to check weight gain and count diapers. Below are pointers to help you understand your newborn and help them achieve a healthy growth.

HOW MUCH SHOULD MY BABY GAIN?

First, weigh yourself. Then, while holding your baby, step on the scale again. Subtract your weight from your weight while holding baby. The difference is your baby’s weight!

DIAPERS

The more milk your baby drinks, the more wet and dirty diapers they will have.

WET

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5+

POOPS

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5+

THREE TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL BREASTFEEDING

Dirty Diaper Count

The more often your baby drinks, the more milk you make. If you’re worried about milk supply, add more feedings or use a breast pump.

Feeding time

Don’t follow a schedule — instead feed on demand. Babies will nurse more often than usual during growth spurts.

Latching

Correct positioning and latch-on is key for success. Make sure your baby is awake while feeding and their mouth is open wide when latching on.

FEEDING CUES

Babies can regulate their appetite. So, they know how much to eat. They are also great at “telling” you when they are hungry. Feeding cues are the signs your baby gives to “tell” you they are hungry or full.

HUNGRY

FULL

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY BABY EAT?

For the first 6 months of life, feeding is usually on demand and led by your baby. Fatima Gonzalez, Lactation Consultant explains, “Go by your baby’s feeding cues, not by watching the clock, as each baby is different.”

Newborn – 1 month:

2-6 months:

WHEN TO WORRY?

If you are concerned with your baby’s weight gain or they show any of these signs, call your pediatrician. Ask your WIC office for breastfeeding help.

The ‘I’m a WIC Client’ button now directs to Nutrition and Breastfeeding, the content offered on the site has not changed.

Side Lying Hold

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Cross Cradle Hold

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Football Hold

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Breastfeeding Holds

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Breastfeeding Holds

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when: