When it comes to feeding a newborn baby, especially in the first few days of life, many new parents have questions about how much their little one should be eating at each feeding. This is understandable, as getting sufficient nutrition in these early days is very important for baby’s growth and development. At around 4 days old, a baby’s feeding patterns and needs start to become more clear. Here is some key information on how much a typical 4 day old breastfed or bottle-fed baby should consume per feeding session.
How often should a 4 day old eat?
At 4 days old, a baby’s tummy is still very small, so they need to eat frequently throughout the day. Most newborns at this age need 8-12 feedings per 24 hours, which works out to about 1 feeding every 2-3 hours. Some babies may want to eat even more frequently than this. It’s best to feed your 4 day old whenever they show signs of hunger, rather than on a strict schedule. These signs include increased alertness, rooting motions, mouthing motions, and putting fingers/fists to mouth. Crying is a late sign of hunger that you’ll want to try to avoid by feeding before it starts.
How much breastmilk should a 4 day old drink?
For breastfed babies at 4 days old, their stomach capacity is around 5-7 milliliters per feeding. So during each nursing session, they will likely only consume 5-7 mL of breastmilk (about 1-1.5 teaspoons). Some babies will take a bit more or less. It may not seem like much milk, but that small amount is perfectly tailored to baby’s nutritional needs at that age. The most important thing is that baby seems satisfied and content after feeding. If they still seem hungry and want to continue breastfeeding, let them do so until they naturally detach from the breast or fall asleep.
The volume of breastmilk consumed will gradually increase as the weeks go on. There is no need to measure or weigh amounts of breastmilk – your body will produce what your baby needs. Nurse on demand, allowing baby to feed for as long as they want at each breast. Growth spurts may come along when baby seems hungrier than usual for a few days. Simply allow them to nurse frequently to increase your milk supply.
Signs baby is getting enough breastmilk at 4 days old:
- Wetting 6+ diapers per day after day 3.
- Having 3-4 poopy diapers per day.
- Seeming satisfied and content after nursing sessions.
- Good color in skin, not appearing jaundiced.
- Having good energy and activity when awake.
How much formula should a 4 day old have?
For formula-fed infants, you can measure serving sizes more precisely. At 4 days old, most babies will take around 2-3 fluid ounces of infant formula per feeding. Again, this may vary from baby to baby. Do not force baby to finish a bottle if they show signs of fullness before that. Follow baby’s hunger cues to determine when they need to eat and allow them to stop when they are full.
Here are some tips for bottle feeding a 4 day old:
- Use a newborn nipple flow so milk comes out slowly.
- Hold and cuddle baby during feedings for comfort and bonding.
- Burp baby every ounce or two to avoid gas buildup.
- Watch for fullness signs like slowing sucking, turning away, or pushing nipple out of mouth.
- Don’t prop the bottle or let baby self-feed.
The amount of formula baby needs per feeding will gradually increase each day. Offer 2-3 ounces at a time, and if they are still hungry, you can always offer more. Most babies will work up to taking around 4-5 ounces at a feeding within a few weeks. Follow baby’s lead.
Signs baby is getting enough formula at 4 days old:
- Having 6+ wet diapers and 3-4 soiled diapers per day.
- Seems satisfied and content after eating.
- Having good energy when awake.
- Is gaining weight appropriately.
Tips for feeding a 4 day old
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when feeding your 4 day old baby:
- Respond early to hunger cues so baby doesn’t get overly frustrated.
- Provide soothing, skin-to-skin contact during feedings.
- Minimize distractions and noise so baby can focus on eating.
- Alternate which breast you start on for breastfed babies.
- Burp baby frequently if bottle feeding.
- Keep an eye on wet/dirty diapers to ensure adequate intake.
- Don’t go longer than 2-3 hours during the day or 4 hours at night without feeding.
If you are concerned that your 4 day old is not eating enough at feedings, look for signs that they are not satisfied, like increased crying, fewer wet/dirty diapers or lack of weight gain. Consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns. But in most cases, newborns will consume adequate volumes to meet their needs in those early days.
How feeding changes in the first month
In the first weeks after birth, your 4 day old will continue gaining weight and gradually be able to take more at each feeding. Here is what you can expect:
- 1 week old: Eating every 1.5-3 hours. Breastfed babies taking in around 15-30mL per feeding. Formula fed babies taking 2-3 ounces per feeding.
- 2 weeks old: Eating every 2-4 hours. Breastfed babies taking in around 30-60mL per feeding. Formula fed babies taking 3-4 ounces per feeding.
- 3 weeks old: Eating every 2.5-4 hours. Breastfed babies taking 45-90mL per feeding. Formula fed babies taking 4-5 ounces per feeding.
- 4 weeks old: Eating every 3-4 hours. Breastfed babies taking around 90-120mL per feeding. Formula fed babies taking 5-6 ounces per feeding.
Again, these are just averages, and every baby is different. Let your baby’s cues guide when and how much they eat, especially in the early weeks. As long as they are gaining weight appropriately and having enough wet/dirty diapers, rest assured your 4 day old is getting just what they need at each feeding session.
Conclusion
Feeding a newborn in the first days of life can seem complicated. But your body is designed to give your breastfed 4 day old the small, nutrient-packed volumes of colostrum and milk that they need. For formula-fed babies, remember that their tiny tummies only hold a few ounces at a time in these early days. Respond to hunger cues, feed frequently, and pay attention to diaper output and weight gain. Before you know it, you and baby will be pros at feeding time! If you have any concerns, your pediatrician can provide reassurance and support to help your 4 day old thrive.
