How to Feed & Burp a Newborn

Feeding your newborn isn't rocket science, but it isn't without its pitfalls, either. Every baby is unique; what works for your first might not work with the second. Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, it makes sense to follow the same basic guidelines: let your baby set the feeding pace and schedule, and use feeding times as opportunity for cuddling and bonding.

Instructions

1

Wake your baby every four hours to eat if he doesn't wake on his own. Don't let him sleep through the night for at least the first two weeks of life. Newborns need frequent meals so they grow normally and don't become dehydrated. If he's doing well at his two-week checkup, it's okay to let him sleep through, if you're so lucky, pediatrician Dr. Ari Brown, author of "Baby 411" and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics explains on CNN.com.

2

Hold him closely, whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby. Obviously, you can't breastfeeding from a distance; that's one of breastfeeding's big advantages for your baby. Hold your baby the same way when you bottle-feed, including skin-to-skin contact if you want. Never prop a newborn's bottle; babies need close contact with their caregivers.

3

Interact with him during feedings. When you're a new mom, it's hard not to use feeding times to multi-task. But don't use feeding times as a time to talk on the phone or watch TV, at least not exclusively. Look at your baby, talk to him and get to know him during feeding times.

4

Position him for burping every few ounces while bottle-feeding or when you switch sides when breastfeeding. Hold him up over your shoulder, sit him up with support, or lie him on his stomach over your lap to burp him.

5

Pat or rub his his back gently while burping; if you pat too hard, he's more likely to spit up. A little spit-up is normal during burping; report projectile vomiting to your baby's doctor. Do your best to get the burp up before lying him down. It's tempting to just lie him down if he hasn't burped and he's asleep, but he's more likely to wake up in a short time with gas pains if you don't.

6

Watch your baby for signs that he's had enough. Don't force that last ounce of formula down him just because it's in the bottle; let him decide how much he needs to eat and how often, as long as he's growing and gaining weight. If you're breastfeeding, let him empty one breast, sucking for 15 to 20 minutes, before switching sides. He needs the hind milk, which comes at the end of the feeding and contains more fat, which will help him feel full.

7

Feed your baby on demand; he knows best what he needs and when. As he gets a little older, every cry might not be a hunger cry, but when he's a newborn, if it's been 1 1/2 hours since his last feeding, assume he's hungry and feed him. As long as he's getting eight to 12 feedings per day, he should get what he needs to grow, according to MayoClinic.com.