A. Most newborns should be breastfeeding at least 8 to 12 times in any 24 hour period, and so will likely be eating every 2 to 3 hours.
If you are breastfeeding much more or less often than 8 to 12 times a day, then you may be misinterpreting your baby's signs of hunger. Remember that crying is a late sign of hunger and that there are many other reasons besides hunger for why babies cry.
Instead of only relying on crying, more appropriate signs of hunger include that your baby is:
- becoming more alert
- becoming more physically active
- mouthing his lips, fingers or fist
- rooting around
