Free breastfeeding timer to track feed duration and which side to start on next. Helps establish feeding schedules and monitor newborn intake. Start instantly.
Newborns: 20-45 minutes per feed is common, decreasing to 10-20 minutes as the baby becomes a more efficient feeder. By 3-4 months, many babies feed effectively in 10-15 minutes. A feed is complete when the baby releases the breast, not at a fixed time. Watch for swallowing sounds rather than watching the clock.
Feed on demand — typically 8-12 times per 24 hours in the first weeks. This equates to roughly every 2-3 hours from the start of one feed to the start of the next. Frequent feeding establishes milk supply. Track feed start times to ensure no gap longer than 3 hours in the early weeks.
Signs of adequate intake: 6+ wet nappies per day after day 4-5, regular soft stools, steady weight gain (after initial 7-10% loss in first week), and a content settled baby after feeds. Seek lactation support if the baby seems persistently hungry, has fewer than 6 wet nappies, or loses more than 10% of birth weight.
Many lactation consultants recommend offering the first breast until the baby releases naturally, then offering the second. Start the next feed on the side you finished on. Some parents use a rubber band or safety pin on the bra strap to track which side to start on next.
Measure from the start of one feed to the start of the next — not end to start. Newborns may feed every 1.5-3 hours. As supply establishes, natural spacing to 2-3 hours is common. Avoid going longer than 3-4 hours in the first month as this can reduce supply and lead to engorgement.