Finding your rhythm: How long should a newborn breastfeed at each session?

Every new mom asks it at some point: Am I feeding my baby enough, and for long enough? 

When you’re running on little sleep and clocking endless feeding sessions, it’s normal to wonder whether your baby should be nursing for five minutes or forty. The truth? There’s a wide range of “normal,” and much of it depends on your baby’s age, appetite, and personality. Let’s break it down together with the help of Sharon Berger, Registered Nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant at Our Milk House.

What does a typical newborn breastfeeding session look like?

Some babies are slow and steady drinkers who like to linger at the breast, while others get straight to business and finish in minutes. As long as your little one is having enough wet and dirty diapers and gaining weight, shorter feeds can still be perfectly normal.

In the early, hazy days, many newborns nurse for 10 to 45 minutes per session.

Sharon Berger explains that there’s no strict “right” amount of time. “Babies are all different in terms of the speed at which they like to eat and how efficient they are.” 

The key is to look at the overall picture, not the stopwatch. Every feed will look a little different. Some days it’s a five-minute snack, other days it’s a cozy 30-minute meal, and that’s okay.

How often do infants eat in the first few weeks?

If it feels like your whole day (and night!) revolves around feeding, you’re not imagining things. Newborns usually want to nurse every 2–3 hours, yes, even at 3 a.m, which adds up to 8–12 feeds in 24 hours. These frequent feeds are important for both your baby’s growth and for establishing your milk supply.

Sharon suggests aiming for those 8–12 sessions a day in the early weeks. “This is important not just for the rapidly growing newborn, but also to start the mom’s milk production off strong,” she says.

Once your baby is back to their birth weight, longer stretches of sleep can happen, but frequent feeds are still key in the beginning.

Did you know?

Those around-the-clock feeds are helping your milk supply as much as they’re helping your baby grow.

Why do some babies finish feeding so quickly?

Every mom has that moment: Wait, was that it? Some babies are simply very efficient feeders. They can drain a breast in just 5–10 minutes. Others may take half an hour or more to feel satisfied. Both patterns can be normal, but if your baby consistently feeds for only a few minutes and seems fussy or unsatisfied afterward, it’s worth a check-in with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.

Sharon notes that the typical range is “10–45 minutes for most breastfeeds.” She adds that some babies are fast and efficient, finishing in less than 10 minutes, especially when the milk flow is strong. Short feeds aren’t always a problem; look at your baby’s cues, not the clock.

What changes as your baby grows?

As babies get older and stronger, they usually become faster and more effective at nursing. A newborn might take 20–40 minutes, but by three months, many babies can finish a meal in just 10–15 minutes. This doesn’t mean they’re eating less, it means they’re better at it.

According to Sharon, the best way to support this transition is to follow your baby’s cues. “The best way to build and maintain milk production and be sure that baby is getting enough is to follow your baby’s cues to guide the frequency and length of feeds,” she says. A strict feeding schedule, she cautions, can sometimes backfire and lead to a lower supply.

A shorter session doesn’t mean less food, it usually just means more efficiency. It’s a sign that both you and your baby are getting the hang of this feeding thing together. Let your baby set the pace. They’ll get more efficient as they grow.

Signs your baby is getting enough milk

Instead of watching the clock, look for the signs: steady weight gain, contentment after feeds, and plenty of wet diapers (at least 6 per day after the first week). Your baby’s cues will tell you far more than the timer on your phone ever could.

Here are some reassuring signs your baby is getting plenty of milk:

• Steady weight gain after the first few days
• At least 6 wet diapers a day by the end of the first week 
• Regular poops that change from meconium to yellow, seedy stools
• Lots of audible swallowing during feeds
• Baby looks relaxed and content after nursing, with soft limbs and open hands
• Alert and waking up for feeds on their own

Sharon highlights a few reliable markers: “The most measurable data is the number of pees and poops and the baby’s weight gain,” she explains. You should also see your baby swallowing throughout the feed, and by the end, they should appear relaxed, with loose limbs and fingers, a sure sign of milk-drunk happiness.

When to seek help

Every parent has moments of doubt about feeding. But if you’re struggling or worried about your baby’s growth, reaching out early can make a world of difference.

Sharon recommends calling in support if you notice any red flags: “If a parent is experiencing pain with feeding, their infant isn’t having a normal number of pees and poops, has slow weight gain, or breastfeeds are consistently long, they should reach out to an IBCLC.”

If something feels off, trust your gut and get help. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for how long a newborn should breastfeed. Some will take their time, others will speed through a session. What matters is that your baby is thriving and that you’re finding a rhythm together. The early days are all about learning each other’s patterns, and with time, you’ll both get more confident.

You may also like:

• When does an infant start walking? A month-by-month guide to baby steps
• When do babies start sitting up? Signs your little one is getting ready
• Your baby’s developmental milestones in year one

Sources

1. Newborn breastfeeding guidance. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024. “Newborn Breastfeeding Basics.”