One of the most important choices to make as new mother is how to feed our new born baby and it’s the most common concerns among new parents. Should I breastfeed or bottle fed? For me personally, it goes beyond any doubt it has to be breastfeeding and experts recommend that babies should exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months.
Breast milk is the perfect food for a baby's digestive system. It has all the nutrients that a newborn needs and all of its components - lactose, protein and fat - are easily digested. Breast milk has antibodies that help protect babies from many infectious illnesses, including diarrhoea and respiratory infections.
Breast-feeding your baby for the first six months is the best option for both the mother’s health and the baby's health. However, making the decision how to feed a new born baby is a personal choice. Most new-borns need eight to 12 feedings a day - about one feeding every two to three hours.
A new born feeding schedule can be unpredictable especially those few initial weeks.
However, here are few things to keep in mind about how to feed your new born baby:
0-4 months
Whether you decide to formula feed or breast feed or use a mix of both, a liquid diet is all our baby needs for the first few months. Breast-feeding makes feeding simple, no other fluids are needed for a breast-fed baby; breast milk is the most natural food for human babies because it protects the baby against infections and diseases.
Breast-feeding is convenient; you don't have to prepare bottles. Always keep an eye and check on the baby to know how much and how often to feed; stirring and stretching, sucking motions and lip movements are signs of hunger.
Whenever the baby stops sucking, closes their mouth, or turns away from the nipple or bottle, he or she might be full or simply taking a break. Try burping the baby or wait for some time before feeding them again.
For formula feeders, always make sure to check the manufactured date and expiry date before buying; make sure to mix the formula according to the instructions on the label. Always wash your hands before you handle the formula, offer only the amount of formula you think your baby will finish at one setting.
Keeping that in mind, the baby’s position should be comfortable. Whatever method of feeding you end up using, whether it is breastfeeding or formula feeding, your baby will be receiving the nutrition that they need for healthy growth.
4 months – 1 year
What the babies eat strongly affects their long-term body weight, health, metabolic programming, immune system, introducing new foods to babies is both exciting and confusing for new parents. Typically, babies, 4 to 6 months old are introduced to solids slowly and for some babies start at 6 months.
Bear in mind; always offer food that's small, soft, and smooth to avoid choking since the baby has just started learning the mechanics of chewing and eating. Always include soft pureed foods including iron fortified rice cereal, squash, sweet potatoes, applesauce, pears, peaches and bananas.
Feed your baby in the same place for every meal, every day, so that the baby is in a secured seat; let the baby eat at their own pace to avoid choking hazard. If baby refuses to eat, try solid feedings again in a few days; introduce one new food at a time and feed that one food for a few days to watch for food intolerances.
Always trust your instincts
We might worry if our new-born is eating enough, but babies usually know just how much they need. Don't focus on how much, how often or how regularly your new-born eats. Instead, look for contentment between feedings and steady weight gain.
In the end, how you feed your baby will be a personal choice for you, which will depend on many factors individual to you, your baby and your family. Nevertheless, deciding whether to do this is a personal decision and you need to consider both the pros and cons of both types of feeding and what’s best for your child.
FAQ's
Q. Should I breastfeed or bottle-feed my newborn?
Ans.Breastfeeding is recommended by experts for the first six months, as breast milk provides ideal nutrition and antibodies. However, feeding choice is personal. Some mothers use formula or a combination of both, depending on comfort, medical conditions, and lifestyle. The goal is to ensure your baby gets proper nourishment.
Q. How often should I feed my newborn?
Ans.Newborns usually need eight to twelve feedings every 24 hours—about every two to three hours. Feeding schedules can vary, especially during the first few weeks. Watch for hunger cues like sucking motions or restlessness. Babies naturally regulate their intake based on their needs, so follow their lead.
Q. What are common signs my baby is hungry?
Ans.Typical hunger cues include stirring, stretching, rooting, sucking on fingers, or making lip movements. Crying is often a late sign of hunger. Responding early helps make feeding smoother and keeps your baby comfortable. Over time, you’ll learn your baby’s individual signals for hunger and fullness.
Q. How do I know if my baby is full?
Ans.When babies are full, they stop sucking, close their mouth, or turn away from the breast or bottle. Some may pause during feeding or become sleepy. Avoid forcing them to eat more. Trust your baby’s instincts—they usually know when they’ve had enough.
Q. What precautions should I take with formula feeding?
Ans.Always wash your hands before preparing formula. Check the expiry date, and mix it exactly as per label instructions. Offer only what your baby can finish in one sitting. Ensure bottles and nipples are sterilized, and store formula safely to prevent contamination or spoilage.
Q. When should I start introducing solid foods?
Ans.Most babies are ready for solids between 4 to 6 months. Look for signs like interest in food or ability to sit with support. Begin with soft, pureed foods such as rice cereal, mashed fruits, or vegetables, and introduce one new item at a time to watch for allergies.
Q. How can I prevent choking when feeding solids?
Ans.Start with smooth, soft-textured foods like pureed fruits or vegetables. Ensure your baby is seated upright in a secure chair during meals. Let them eat slowly and never force-feed. Avoid giving hard or chunky foods until your baby has developed proper chewing coordination.
Q. What should I do if my baby refuses to eat solids?
Ans.It’s common for babies to refuse solids initially. Stay patient and try again after a few days. Keep feeding sessions relaxed and positive. You can offer the same food for several days to build familiarity. Gradually, your baby will accept new textures and tastes.
Q. How do I know if my baby is eating enough?
Ans.If your baby seems content after feeding, wets several diapers daily, and gains weight steadily, they are likely eating enough. Don’t focus too much on exact quantities. Every baby’s appetite is different, so trust their hunger cues and monitor overall growth and satisfaction.
Q. Is it okay to combine breastfeeding and formula feeding?
Ans.Yes, many parents successfully mix both methods. Combination feeding offers flexibility—especially if you’re returning to work or facing low milk supply. It allows your baby to receive breast milk’s benefits while ensuring consistent nourishment through formula supplementation. Choose what best fits your family’s routine.
