How many feedings should a newborn ideally have in a 24-hour period?

A newborn typically requires 8 to 12 feedings in a 24-hour period. This frequent feeding schedule is essential for several reasons. Firstly, a newborn's stomach is very small, which means they can only consume a limited amount of milk at each feeding. To ensure they receive adequate nutrition, they need to be fed frequently throughout the day and night.

Breastfeeding, in particular, establishes a supply and demand cycle where the more frequently a baby feeds, the more milk is produced. Additionally, newborns have a high metabolism and grow rapidly, necessitating frequent feeding to support their growth and development. The recommended frequency of 8 to 12 feedings aligns with the natural hunger cues of newborns, which can vary from baby to baby, but generally falls within this range.

Other listed options suggest either fewer or excessive numbers of feedings that do not align with typical newborn feeding regimens or developmental needs, making them less suitable guidance for infants.