3 Tips for Making Sure Your Baby is Eating Enough

The amount your baby is eating can be a source of a lot of stress for mothers; wondering if they’re eating enough to be growing at the proper pace, feeling nervous about them receiving enough nutrients to help their immune systems and general anxiety over whether or not the mother is feeding them correctly. Here are three tips that will assure your baby is eating enough to receive all those things it needs!

Have a Schedule

At first, your baby will need to be fed very frequently, so don’t panic if you feel like your baby never stops eating. It is normal for babies to be fed between eight and ten times per day or roughly every four hours. As the baby grows, the time gaps between feedings will grow, meaning you won’t have to feed them as frequently. According to Motif Medical, you should take note of patterns when your baby becomes fussy and wants to be fed. Continue to create a consistent schedule of feeding times. This will help both you and your baby to develop a mental and physical readiness for feeding time.

Watch for Problems

Be aware of any changes in that pattern you have noted as to your baby’s feeding habits. If your baby begins to struggle with latching or with feeding for as long as they usually do, consider seeking help from professionals like doctors and lactation consultants. According to Stellar Kids Dentistry, having issues with breastfeeding is normal, especially if your baby has any kind of lip or tongue restriction. This is something a doctor can help fix. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! You have resources to ease the stress and frustration of feeding issues that you will not regret using.

Pay Attention to the Times Between Breastfeedings

There are some useful indicators of your baby’s milk intake in between the feeding process. Wet diapers mean they are swallowing their milk well. According to University Hospitals, if the baby is sleepy and content after feeding, their belly is likely full and satisfied. If they are following the feeding schedule you are trying to create, that is another good sign that their bodies are ingesting and digesting regularly. Finally, if you notice that your breasts do not feel as full as they did before the feeding, you can feel confident that your baby got the milk it needed.

Creating a schedule, being wary of feeding issues, and looking for signs that your baby is feeding normally can help reduce the stress that comes with constantly wondering if your baby is eating enough. If you continue to have concerns about your child’s eating habits, consult a doctor for more specific tips.

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