{"id":43765,"date":"2022-06-27T18:01:19","date_gmt":"2022-06-27T18:01:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstthingsfirst.org\/?post_type=parent-kit&p=43765"},"modified":"2023-12-07T16:10:58","modified_gmt":"2023-12-07T16:10:58","slug":"feeding-your-baby","status":"publish","type":"parent-kit","link":"https:\/\/www.ftf-stg.magnetry.com\/es\/parent-kit\/feeding-your-baby\/","title":{"rendered":"Feeding Your Baby"},"content":{"rendered":"

Feeding is the most important thing that parents do for their children. During feedings, your baby is awake and you can strengthen your bond with them. Advice about feeding a newborn baby is here, as well as on the About Breastfeeding<\/a> and About Bottle Feeding<\/a> pages.<\/p>\n

\"Feeding<\/p>\n

Fed Is Best\u2014You Can Choose How<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Some parents breastfeed. Breastfeeding has important health and emotional benefits for both <\/span>mothers and babies. Breast milk protects babies from infections, allergies and other health <\/span>conditions. Breastfeeding helps mothers recover from the birth and also helps a mother and baby form a close bond. Some mothers need help with breastfeeding at first. Some parents feed their babies formula. Like breastfeeding, bottle-feeding is a time when parents can bond with their babies by holding them close, looking at their faces and talking or singing to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How Often to Feed Your Newborn<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Try to feed your baby when they are hungry, not on a schedule. Watch for your baby\u2019s signs of hunger. They may open their mouth, turn their face toward you, smack their lips or start fussing. Try to start feeding when you see signs of hunger, before your baby starts to cry. Most newborns need to be fed every two to three hours during the day and about every four hours at night. Bottle-fed babies may go longer between feedings.<\/p>\n

How to Know If Your Baby Is Eating Enough<\/strong><\/h2>\n

To know if your baby is eating enough, you can keep track of their diapers. In the first few days, your baby should have two to three wet diapers. After that, five to six wet diapers mean they are getting enough to eat.<\/p>\n

Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Tongue-tie is when the skin under the tongue doesn\u2019t let the tongue move easily. Lip-tie is when the lip doesn\u2019t move easily because it\u2019s connected closely to the gum. These conditions can make it harder for babies to eat or make certain sounds. They affect a small number of babies and don\u2019t always cause problems. Talk to your baby\u2019s doctor if you are worried.<\/p>\n

Burping Basics<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Burping is gently patting or rubbing your baby\u2019s back. It helps your baby get rid of the air they swallow during feedings. Here are some tips:<\/p>\n