Newborn Feeding Log: Track Baby's Feeding & Diaper Guide

Bringing your newborn home is an incredible experience, and one of the most important aspects of early care is tracking feeding and diaper patterns. Understanding what's normal can help you feel confident that your baby is getting adequate nutrition during those crucial first days.

Why Tracking Matters

Monitoring your baby's feeding times and diaper output is one of the best ways to ensure they're feeding well and getting enough breast milk. The patterns change daily as your baby grows and your milk comes in, so knowing what to expect each day can provide reassurance.

Daily Feeding Recommendations

Throughout the first 12 days and beyond, aim to feed your baby 8 or more times per day. Newborns have tiny stomachs and need to eat frequently. Tracking the hours when you feed can help you identify patterns and ensure your baby is nursing often enough.

What to Expect: Wet Diapers

Your baby's wet diaper count will gradually increase during the first week:

• Day 1: 1 wet diaper
• Day 2: 1-2 wet diapers
• Day 3: 1-3 wet diapers
• Day 4: 1-4 wet diapers
• Day 5: 1-5 wet diapers
• Day 6 onward: 1-6+ wet diapers

It's worth noting that wet diapers may exceed these numbers in the first few days, which is perfectly normal.

Understanding Stool Changes

Your baby's stool will change significantly during the first week, and these changes are important indicators of adequate feeding:

• Day 1: 1 black tarry stool (meconium)
• Day 2: 1-2 black or brown stools (transitional)
• Day 3: 1-2 brown stools (transitional)
• Day 4: 1-3 yellow seedy stools
• Day 5 onward: 1-3+ yellow seedy stools

The transition from black meconium to yellow seedy stools is a positive sign that your baby is getting enough milk. In fact, the number of stools per day is a better indicator of adequate intake than wet diapers alone.

Tips for Success

Keep notes about each day's feeding sessions and diaper changes. Tracking these details can help you:

• Identify feeding patterns
• Notice when something seems off
• Provide accurate information to your pediatrician
• Feel confident about your baby's intake

For newborns, a smaller 5 oz bottle with a slow flow nipple is perfectly sized for their tiny stomach capacity and growing feeding needs.

Important Reminders

This information is intended for general educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about your baby's feeding or health.