How often should a healthy newborn be fed in the first 24 hours?

• A. About every 2–3 hours (8–12 feeds in 24 hours)
• B. Every 4 hours
• C. Once per day
• D. Only when waking

Answer: (A)

Newborns need frequent feeds to meet their energy needs and to help establish a healthy feeding pattern. In the first 24 hours, a healthy newborn typically takes about 8–12 feeds, roughly every 2–3 hours. This small, frequent intake supports adequate calories and hydration and helps stimulate milk production if breastfeeding. Feeding every 4 hours would risk underfeeding and slower milk supply; waiting to feed until the baby wakes ignores the baby’s natural, frequent hunger cues and can lead to gaps in intake. Feeding only once per day is far too infrequent for a newborn. So, about every 2–3 hours, for a total of about 8–12 feeds in 24 hours, is the best pattern.