How to Tell if Your Baby is Getting Enough to Eat

As a lactation consultant, this is one of the most common questions that I hear: “How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?”

When you know the signs that your baby is getting enough, you can feel confident and relaxed. Since you cannot see how much your baby is drinking it can make you second-guess yourself.

As an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), this is what I tell families:

1. Diaper Count

Your baby’s diapers are one of the best signs that your baby is getting adequate amounts of milk

• In the beginning, your baby should be having at least one pee diaper for each day of life. So on day 1, 1 pee diaper and day 2, 2 pee diapers, etc. Your baby should also have at least 1 poop diaper on day 1, with increasing poop diapers after that.

• By Day 6, your baby should be having:
  • 6 or more wet diapers in 24 hours
  • 3–4 (or more) poop diapers daily

Your baby’s poop will be dark and sticky in the beginning, but it should transition to yellow, soft, and seedy after the first few days.

2. Feedings are Comfortable

• Your baby is latched deeply with a rhythmic sucking pattern
• Your baby acts hungry at the beginning of the feeding and satisfied and relaxed by the end

You should not feel pain. A little tenderness in the beginning is normal, but pain and damage are not.

3. Feeding Frequency

In the newborn stage, 8–12 feedings in 24 hours is completely normal. Your baby can be eating every 1.5-3 hours.

Feeding on demand (when baby shows hunger cues) is the best way to build a good milk supply and this helps your baby get enough to eat.

4. Baby Is Gaining Weight

• It’s normal for your baby to lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days
• Your baby should be back at birth weight around 2 weeks
• After that, steady weight gain is key: usually about 6-8 oz per week

If you’re ever unsure, a weighted feed with a lactation consultant can be helpful! We weigh your baby before and after a feeding to determine how much your baby is eating.

5. Baby Seems Content After Most Feedings

Babies cry for many reasons, but a well-fed baby will usually:

• Let go of the breast on their own
• Be relaxed and calm after feeding

(And yes—it’s also normal for babies to want to nurse again in 45 minutes during phases of cluster feeding)

⚠️ When to Reach Out for Help

Call your pediatrician or an IBCLC if:

• Baby has fewer than 6 wet diapers per day after day 5
• Baby isn’t gaining weight or hasn’t regained birth weight by 2 weeks
• You’re experiencing pain or damage
• Baby is always sleepy at the breast
• Your baby is frequently fussy after breastfeeding and still acting hungry
• Your baby is continuing to cluster feed (very frequent feedings) after the first few days

💕 You’re Not Alone

It is okay if you feel unsure or worried. Many moms feel anxious about their baby’s feedings and that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

With the right support, you can feel more confident in your feeding journey, and get the answers you need to make sure your baby is thriving.

Need help figuring out if your baby is getting enough milk or need help getting a comfortable latch?
📍 I am a lactation consultant in McDonough, GA, and I offer home visits and virtual consults-no judgment—just compassionate guidance to help you feed your baby your way.