Is my baby getting enough to eat? What signs should I watch for?
Wet diapers, changing stools and steady weight gain can help show whether your baby is feeding enough. Learn what to watch for and when to get help.
The short answer
To tell whether your baby is getting enough to drink, look at several clues together: diapers, stools, how your baby feeds and how their weight changes over time. One unsettled feed or a different-than-usual day is not enough, on its own, to show that your baby is not getting enough milk. The signs also change a lot during the first few days.
The information below is mainly about newborns. For detailed guidance, see Is my baby getting enough to drink? from Mieux vivre avec notre enfant. The French version presents the same reference points.
Check diapers and stools
Diapers can offer useful clues, but what to expect depends on your baby’s age. During the first week, the number of wet diapers gradually increases: about one on the first day, two on the second, three on the third, and so on. After the first week, Mieux vivre says at least 6 wet diapers in 24 hours is a sign that baby is getting enough to drink. Urine should be clear or pale yellow.
In the first few days, urine may be darker. Small orange spots caused by urate crystals can appear in the diaper at first. If they continue after the first two days, or if your baby has only a small amount of dark urine, ask a health-care professional for advice.
Stools change too. At first, they are dark and sticky; this is called meconium. If your baby is getting enough to drink, the meconium should be gone before the fifth day. Stools then become softer. With breast milk, they are generally yellow or green; with commercial infant formula, they are usually greenish beige.
Between 4 and 6 weeks, babies may have frequent bowel movements. After that, some breastfed babies have them less often, sometimes one bowel movement every 3 to 7 days, while still doing well. This reference point does not apply in the same way to every baby. Pay attention to the stool’s consistency and your baby’s general well-being, too.
Notice how your baby feeds
How often your baby feeds is another clue, but it is not a rule to use by itself. For a newborn, Mieux vivre generally recommends at least 8 feeds in 24 hours at the breast and at least 6 feeds in 24 hours with commercial infant formula. These reference points can vary depending on your baby’s age and situation.
During a breastfeed, you may sometimes see or hear your baby swallowing. Your baby may seem content after a feed. It is also possible for your baby to ask to feed often. Close-together feeds are common at the beginning and do not, on their own, prove that your milk supply is too low.
If your baby is very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds, or you do not see or hear them swallow, make a note of what you notice and ask for advice. Someone trained in breastfeeding, your CLSC nurse, midwife or doctor can help you assess your baby’s latch and how well feeds are going. For information about feeding schedules, see Mieux vivre: Feeding schedule.
Weight helps show the overall picture
It is usual for a newborn to lose some weight in the first few days. Mieux vivre indicates a loss of about 5 to 10% of birth weight, followed by weight gain that starts around the fourth day. Birth weight is generally regained by the second week, between 10 and 14 days.
These numbers are reference points, not an assessment to do at home. Follow-up appointments let your care team measure growth and consider your baby’s individual history. The Canadian Paediatric Society also notes that weight gain, wet diapers, stools and swallowing are among the signs to watch in its Breastfeeding page on Caring for Kids.
When to ask for help
Call Health811, press 1, if you are worried, your baby is drinking less than usual, is hard to wake for feeds, has fewer or darker wet diapers, or their stools are not changing as expected for their age. You can also contact your CLSC nurse, midwife or doctor. In Quebec, 811 lets you speak with a nurse about a non-urgent health concern. The priority line for children aged 0 to 17 is available by pressing 1. Visit the official Health811 page.
If your baby seems to be in distress or the situation is an emergency, call 911. For a life-threatening emergency, get help without delay.
While you wait to speak with someone on your care team, you can write down feed times, the number of wet and soiled diapers, and what is worrying you. These specific observations can make the conversation easier. If a recommendation is hard to follow or you have questions about a medication, ask your pharmacist. If you are unsure about your baby’s health, call 811.
Frequently asked questions
How many wet diapers should my baby have?
During the first week, the number gradually increases. After the first week, Mieux vivre says at least 6 wet diapers in 24 hours is a sign that baby is getting enough to drink.
Is it normal for my newborn to lose weight?
Yes. Some weight loss is usual in the first few days. Follow-up appointments help check that your baby starts gaining weight again.
My breastfed baby has fewer bowel movements after one month. Should I worry?
Not necessarily. After 4 to 6 weeks, some breastfed babies have bowel movements less often. If you are unsure, call Health811.
Who should I call if I think my baby is not getting enough to drink?
You can call Health811, press 1, or contact your CLSC nurse, midwife or doctor. In an emergency, call 911.
This article is for information; it does not replace advice from a health professional. In Québec, call Info-Santé 811 when in doubt (elsewhere in Canada, your provincial health line). In an emergency, call 911.
Sources
- Breastfeeding, Société canadienne de pédiatrie — Soins de nos enfants
- Info-Santé 811, Gouvernement du Québec