Why is my baby feeding all the time?

In the first weeks and months of your baby’s life, frequent feeds are essential for your baby’s growth. Newborn babies have a very small stomach but also need to double their weight in their first five to six months of life. Frequent feeds are what allow your baby to grow and thrive.

Frequent feeds also help establish a good milk supply while helping to reduce engorgement.

In some cases, frequent feeds can be a sign of inefficient milk transfer or low milk supply, but if your baby has lots of wet and dirty nappies, is gaining weight well and is generally happy and healthy, then the frequent feeds are unlikely to be a sign of a problem. Check out our 'How can I tell its going well? page for reassurance.

Gradually you and your baby will get into a pattern, and the amount of milk you produce will settle down.

In the early weeks, 'topping up' with formula milk or giving your baby a dummy can lower your milk supply.

It's important to breastfeed at night because this is when you produce more hormones (prolactin) to build up your milk supply. For more information on feeding at night and safe sleep see La Leche's safe sleep the breastfed baby.