Congratulations on your new baby!
Today we’ll be sharing information about feeding your baby, and what to do when your baby cries. Many new parents have questions and worries. We’ll do our best to answer as many common questions as we can. If you have more questions, connect with a registered nurse on the Parenting in KFL&A phoneline at 613-549-1154 or email us at parenting@kflaph.ca.
You may also find Your Guide to Postpartum Health and Caring for you Baby helpful in the next few months. |
Feeding your baby
Here are some tips about feeding your baby:
- Newborn babies feed at least 8 times every 24 hours.
- Holding your baby skin-to-skin is a great way to soothe them. If you are breastfeeding or chestfeeding, this helps your body to make milk too.
- Your baby will wake up at night to feed.
- It's normal for babies to “cluster feed”. This means your baby may feed often, even hourly. Feeding this often can be tough at times, but it’s important. It helps your body make enough milk to meet your baby’s needs.
Signs your baby is feeding well
Parents often worry if their baby is getting enough to eat. One way to tell is how often your baby poops and pees. Your baby should be having at least the number of wet and dirty diapers listed. If there is poop and pee in one diaper, you can count it as both. |
Day 1
At least: 1 wet diaper and 1 dark green or black poop |
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Day 2
At least: 2 wet diapers and 1 dark green or black poop |
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Day 3
At least: 3 wet diaper and 3 brown, green or yellow poops |
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Day 4
At least: 4 wet diapers and 3 brown, green or yellow poops |
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Day 5 to 3 weeks old
At least: 6 heavy, pale, or clear wet diapers and 3 large, soft, yellow or brown poops |
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Other signs your baby is feeding well
- Your baby has a loud cry and their eyes look alert.
- Your baby's mouth is wet and pink.
- Your baby looks relaxed and sleeps after feeding.
- If you are breastfeeding, your breasts feel softer after feeds.
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Breastfeeding or chestfeeding
Breastmilk (human milk) is the only food your baby needs for the first 6 months of life. It provides nutrition and fluids and helps to protect your baby against illness. Breastfeeding or chestfeeding is a new skill that both parents and baby are learning, and it may take time for you to feel confident.
- Offer both sides at every feed but focus on emptying the first side. Your baby might only feed for a short time on the second side.
- Wake your baby by burping them or changing their diaper between sides. This helps increase their alertness so they may feed better.
- Feeds usually last 20 to 40 minutes in total (both sides).
- If you are unable to give your baby your own milk, it is not recommended to give another parent’s milk unless it has been pasteurized by a human milk bank.
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Feeding formula
If you are feeding your baby formula, it is recommended to give store-bought infant formula made from cow’s milk.
The links below can help you learn:
- how to prepare, store and transport formula,
- when and how to feed your baby by reading their cues, and
- supplementing a breastfed (chest fed) baby.
If you have more questions about feeding your baby infant formula, call us on the Parenting in KFL&A Phoneline at 613-549-1154 or email us at parenting@kflaph.ca to connect with a registered nurse. |
If you use well water to prepare formula, it is important to have your water tested for contaminants such as nitrates, lead, and bacteria. |
Nitrates are especially harmful to infants under six months of age. The health risk is immediate and can be fatal. Boiling your water will not get rid of nitrates – it will only concentrate them.
To test your drinking water for lead and nitrates, contact a Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) licensed laboratory. Contact KFL&A Public Health for help interpreting your drinking water results and to discuss corrective measures. |
Comforting your baby
All babies cry. It’s how they communicate with us. Some babies cry a lot! Your baby might not stop crying no matter what you try.
You cannot spoil a baby with too much love and comfort. Comforting your baby when they are upset teaches your baby that you will be there when they need you. This helps them feel safe and they may cry less when they are older.
When your baby cries, first try:
- Picking them up.
- Feeding them.
- Checking their diaper.
If these aren’t working, try these ideas:
- Speak to your baby softly.
- Rock your baby or use gentle movement.
- Snuggle your baby skin-to-skin.
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When you can't settle your baby
There may be times when you can't settle your baby's crying. This is normal and happens to all parents, but it is very frustrating. When this happens, it might help to:
- Take a few deep breaths. Tell yourself “this will be okay.”
- Ask for help from a friend or family member.
- If you are feeling frustrated, put your baby safely and calmly into the crib. It is okay to leave your baby crying in a safe place for a short time until you are calm.
Shaken Baby Syndrome can cause brain damage, disabilities, or death. Never shake your baby. If you think your baby has been shaken, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room. |
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Infant feeding supports
To book a free appointment at the Infant Feeding Clinic, call the Parenting in KFL&A Phone Line at 613-549-1154 or 1-800-267-7875, ext. 1555.
Health 811 offers breastfeeding support 24 hours a day, in different languages. Dial 811 to connect with this service.
If you are concerned about your baby’s health, call your primary care provider. If this is not an option, try:
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Again, congratulations from all of us at KFL&A Public Health. We’ll be in touch again when your baby turns 1 week old. |
KFL&A Public Health, 221 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, Ontario K7M 1V5
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