How much and how often
- How often should a newborn feed? HSE guide, 8 to 12 a dayPlain-English answers on newborn feeding frequency, cluster feeds and growth spurts, written for Irish parents by the founder of Lullagram.
- How much should a newborn drink? Per feed and per day, in mlA newborn's stomach holds only 5 to 7 ml per feed on day one, rising to 45 to 60 ml by the end of week one. The daily amounts, feed frequency and the signs of enough.
- How much formula does a baby need? Feeding chart by weight (ml)A formula feeding chart in ml by your baby's weight, using the HSE rule of thumb, plus how often to feed and why the tin is a guide, not a target.
- How do I know if my baby is feeding enough?The wet nappy rule, weight expectations and signs to watch for. Plain answers for parents worried about whether their baby is feeding enough.
Breastfeeding
- How do I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk? The signs that countWet nappies, weight gain and swallowing are the signs that count. How often a breastfed newborn feeds, why cluster feeding is normal and where to get breastfeeding help in Ireland.
- Why won't my baby latch? Latch problems and tongue tieThe common reasons a baby fights the latch, what to try at the next feed, how tongue tie is assessed in Ireland and where to get free breastfeeding help.
- Does a breastfed baby need water in hot weather?Do breastfed babies need water in hot weather? HSE guidance: no extra water for breastfed babies under 6 months, even in heat. What to do for formula-fed and older babies.
Growth, vitamins and nappies
- How much weight should a newborn gain per week? A guide in gramsTypical newborn weight gain is around 150 to 200 g a week in the first 3 months. The normal early loss, when to expect birth weight back and when to ask the PHN.
- How much vitamin D does my baby need in Ireland?The HSE recommends 5 micrograms of vitamin D a day to 12 months for breastfed babies and those on under 300ml of formula. What that means in practice.
- How many wet nappies should a baby have a day? Baby poo and nappies, what is normalAbout 1 wet nappy on day 1, 2 on day 2, then 6 or more a day from about day 5. What baby poo should look like, how often it should come and when to ring the PHN. For Irish parents.
Starting solids
- When should I start weaning my baby in Ireland?When to start weaning per HSE guidance, the readiness signs, good first foods, building up textures and the foods to avoid in the first year.
- Can I start weaning at 4 months? HSE guidance and signsThe HSE's 17-week minimum, the three real signs your baby is ready, first foods, baby-led weaning and gagging. By medical writer Claudia López-Morago, PhD.
- Introducing allergens to your baby: the 3-day rule mythWhen to introduce peanut, egg and other allergens, why the HSE doesn't use a 3-day rule, what eczema changes and the signs of a reaction. By Claudia López-Morago, PhD.
- Iron-rich foods for babies: signs of low iron, how muchSigns of low iron, the best iron-rich foods from 6 months, bananas and eggs, vegetarian babies and baby-led weaning. By medical writer Claudia López-Morago, PhD.
If you are worried about your baby's feeding, nappies or weight, talk to your public health nurse, GP or a breastfeeding support group. In an emergency, ring 112 or 999.
The Lullagram baby tracker logs breast, bottle and solids in one tap, with a breastfeeding timer that remembers the side. Free for 7 days.
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