Feeding Infant Formula

How do I know my baby is hungry?

In the first few months, most babies feed at least eight times in 24 hours. This does not mean they feed every three hours. They will feed when they are hungry, during the day and throughout the night. It is normal to feed during the night for many months. Watch for your baby’s cues and respond to them. 

• Your baby will tell you when they are ready to feed, if they need a break during the feeding, and when they are finished feeding.

• Crying is a late sign of your baby’s hunger and you may find that your baby is more difficult to latch onto the breast (or feed) when they are crying.

• If your baby is showing late feeding cues, you may have to calm them down. Calm your baby by cuddling, holding them skin-to-skin, rocking, talking, or any other method that works for you.

• Cluster feeding (frequent short feeds) is common in the first few weeks and during growth spurts. A baby may cluster feed and may seem to be feeding “all the time” or for hours at a time. This is normal as long as there are other times when they are settled. Watch your baby, not the clock. 

• Feed your baby as often and for as long as your baby wants, responding to their needs.

• Keep your baby close to you during the early days and weeks.

This Baby Feeding Cues (Signs) (PDF) and Baby's Feeding Cues and Behaviours (video) can help you learn what infant hunger and fullness cues look like.

How do I know my baby is getting enough to eat?

• Your baby feeds at least 8 times in 24 hours.
• Your baby is sucking strongly, slowly, steadily, and swallowing often.
• Your baby has a loud cry and moves actively.
• Your baby wakes easily and is alert for feeds.
• Your baby has enough wet and dirty diapers according to their age.

Most babies lose weight in the first 3 days. From day 4 onward, most babies gain weight regularly and return to birthweight by 10 days of age. Most babies gain at least 20 to 35 grams a day in the first three to four months of age.

Your baby should be having AT LEAST the number of wet and dirty diapers listed in the chart. If there is poop and pee in one diaper, you can count it as both.

Signs your baby is feeding well

Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5 to 3 weeks old
At least: 1 wet diaper and 1 dark green or black poop	At least: 2 wet diapers and 1 dark green or black poop	At least: 3 wet diapers and 3 brown, green, or yellow poops	At least: 4 wet diapers and 3 brown, green, or yellow poops	At least: 6 heavy pale, or clear wet diapers and 3 large, soft, yellow or brown poops

Only count poops that are the size of a toonie, or bigger.

If your baby does not have enough wet and dirty diapers, get help right away.

Preparing and storing formula resources

Infant formula: What you need to know (PDF) is available in 18 languages. To request a hard copy, contact Child and Babytalk at 613-549-1154. The booklet provides information on:

• how to prepare, store, and transport formula.
• how to sterilize water and equipment.
• when and how to feed your baby according to their cues.
• supplementing a breastfed baby.

Safely preparing formula for your baby tip sheets are available in 18 languages. 

The 6 tip sheets cover the following topics:

• Tip sheet #1- Informed decision making
• Tip sheet #2- Getting ready to make formula
• Tip sheet #3- How to prepare ready-to-feed liquid formula for healthy babies
• Tip sheet #4- How to prepare concentrated liquid formula for healthy babies
• Tip sheet #5- How to prepare powdered formula for healthy babies
• Tip sheet #6- How to bottle feed your baby and transport formula

Safely Preparing Infant Formula for your Baby (video)