Feeding patterns in the early months

Many mums wonder how long and how often their baby should feed. 

In the early months, frequent breastfeeding is normal and helps your baby grow and your milk supply establish. Most young babies breastfeed 8–14 times or more in 24 hours. In the early days your baby may be satisfied or fall asleep after only one breast, waking soon after to feed from the other breast. Over time they will start to take both breasts at each feed. 

Young babies have tiny tummies and breastmilk is digested quickly so they are soon ready for another feed. Responding to your baby's feeding signs, even if it feels like you've just fed, keeps your baby satisfied and supports your milk supply. 

Feeding more often can help you too: a content baby often means less time settling, and frequent removal of milk helps keep breasts comfortable.

Many babies have periods of cluster feeding particularly in the late afternoon and evening. This can look like repeated short feeds close together and is perfectly normal.

If your baby has a long stretch of sleep overnight, they may feed more often during the day to catch up.

Some babies take a while to feed; others finish more quickly. There is no need to time feeds. As you follow your baby’s feeding signs, you’ll learn when they’re full or want more sucking time.  

It's normal for feed lengths to vary, just as adults have bigger meals, snacks or drinks at different times. Sometimes your baby might want a very quick feed, and at other times they may like to spend a long time at the breast. They don’t have to take a ‘full’ feed every time. 

A new baby may only remove a small amount of breastmilk with each suck at first. As they grow and become more efficient, feeds often get shorter.  

Many mums like the idea of having a routine so they can feel organised and plan their day.

However, strict schedules don’t suit most young babies and can lead to missed cues and stress for parents. Offering the breast when your baby shows signs of hunger or comfort-seeking supports growth, wellbeing and milk supply. Over time, many families find a flexible rhythm that suits them, without set times. 

It’s okay not to have a strict routine in the early months. Focus on your baby’s cues and your family’s needs—patterns will evolve naturally.

Feeding can vary from day to day and over time.

• Babies may have fussy periods and want to feed more Some prefer fewer, larger feeds; others take more frequent, smaller feeds.
• As babies get older, they may feed less frequently overall.
• In hot weather shorter, more frequent feeds help babies get extra fluids.
• If your baby is unwell, in pain or upset, they may feed more - or sometimes less. 

No matter how many feeds your baby has in a 24-hour period, the important thing to know is whether they are getting enough milk. 

Comfort and connection 

Breastfeeding is not just food. Babies seek comfort, reassurance and connection with their mum. Cuddling your crying baby, feeding when they want, and breastfeeding to sleep can help many families feel calmer and more settled.

© Australian Breastfeeding Association October 2025