Breast milk and Newborn Babies

La Leche League International states that breastfed newborns should be fed on demand, but at least 8 to 12 times every 24 hours. A good sign that babies are getting enough milk is for them to have four to six wet diapers a day. They should also have at least two to three dirty diapers a day.

Growth Spurts

As breastfed babies get older they will fall into more of a pattern for eating, but may suddenly start nursing constantly again. This is likely a growth spurt and the constant nursing tells your body to produce more milk. Babies will usually go back to their regular pattern in a day or two.

Formula

Dr. Williams Sears, a pediatrician, advises that newborn babies may only eat 1 to 2 oz. of formula per feeding, but by six months babies may eat 8 oz. per feeding. From birth through 6 months, babies need 2 to 2.5 oz. of formula per pound per day.

Solid Food

Solid foods can be introduced around 6 months if babies are ready, but more nutritionally complete breast milk or formula should remain the babies' primary food until the baby's first birthday.

Cow's milk

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, whole cow's milk should not be introduced to babies until they are 1 year old.