Newborns are born with tiny stomachs and get hungry often. In the first weeks, 8 to 12 feeds a day is normal, which means roughly every 2 to 3 hours, nights included. At that pace it gets hard to remember when the last feed was, which side you started on or how much your baby took from the bottle. A simple log takes that weight off you and helps you give clear answers at checkups.
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. If you can't breastfeed or you combination feed, formula alone is enough during this period. Solid foods start after 6 months. The best signs that feeding is going well are steady weight gain, enough wet diapers and a baby who seems settled after feeds. A log makes it easier to see this picture across days.
Tracking is especially useful in the first month. When a baby is very sleepy, long gaps between feeds can build up without you noticing. In the first month it's recommended not to go longer than 3 to 4 hours between feeds, even at night. Keeping a log helps you spot these gaps and wake your baby to feed when needed. A reminder helps here, as long as you set its time window to include the night. For bottle-fed babies, logging the amount shows you the daily total.
What you can do
- Separate breastfeeding timers for left and right, with a reminder of which side is next.
- Log bottle amounts in ml and solid foods as a separate type.
- See the time since the last feed at the top of the screen.
- Set feeding reminders at the frequency and hours you choose.
- An hourly chart shows what times of day your baby fed.
- Get a warning if the previous day had too few feeds for the first month.
How to use it
- When you start breastfeeding, pick a side and let the timer run.
- Tap Other Side when you switch, and Finish when you're done.
- For a bottle or solids, enter the amount with Quick Log.
- Add a feed you forgot as a past entry with its time.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a newborn eat?
In the first weeks, newborns feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, which is roughly every 2 to 3 hours. Breastfed babies may get hungry more often. Watch your baby's hunger cues more than the clock: bringing hands to the mouth, opening the mouth and rooting, and fussing. Crying is usually a late sign. In the first month, it's recommended not to go longer than 3 to 4 hours between feeds, even at night.
How long should a newborn breastfeed on each side?
There is no single right length. Many babies feed for 10 to 20 minutes on one breast, while some are full sooner or later. What matters is not the time but effective sucking and swallowing sounds. Let your baby finish the first breast, then offer the other. Starting the next feed on the breast you finished last time helps both breasts drain evenly.
How much formula does a newborn need per feeding?
In the first days a baby's stomach is small, and a few tens of ml per feed can be enough. The amount grows over the weeks, and by around one month many babies take 60 to 120 ml (about 2 to 4 oz) per feed. These numbers are only a general guide. Follow your baby's fullness cues and don't push them to finish the bottle. For preparing formula, follow the product instructions and your doctor's advice.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
The most reliable signs are steady weight gain and diaper count. After day 5, 6 or more wet diapers a day, swallowing sounds during feeds and a baby who seems relaxed after feeding are good signs. Most babies are back to birth weight within 10 to 14 days. If your baby isn't gaining weight, has fewer diapers or is constantly unsettled, talk to your doctor.