How to Know Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk
Print a blank worksheet to keep track of wet diapers and bowel movements
 Diaper Checklist (PDF, 126 Kb) |
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Many babies, but not all, lose a small amount of weight in the first days after birth. Your baby's health care provider will check his or her weight at your first visit after you leave the hospital. Make sure to visit your baby's health care provider within three to five days after birth and then again at two to three weeks of age for check-ups. You also can tell if your baby is getting plenty of milk by keeping track of the number of wet diapers and diapers with bowel movements.
Minimum number of wet diapers and bowel movements in a baby's first week
(it is fine if your baby has more)
1 day = 24 hours
| Baby's Age |
# of Wet Diapers |
# of Bowel Movements |
Color and Texture of Bowel Movements |
| Day 1 (first 24 hours after birth) |
1 |
The first one usually occurs within 8 hours after birth |
Thick, tarry and black |
| Day 2 |
2 |
3 |
Thick, tarry and black |
| Day 3 |
5-6 |
3 |
Looser greenish to yellow |
| Day 4 |
6 or more |
3 |
Yellow, soft and watery |
| Day 5 |
6 or more |
3 |
Loose seedy, yellow color |
| Day 6 |
6 or more |
3 |
Loose seedy, yellow color |
| Day 7 |
6 or more |
3 |
Larger amounts of loose seedy, yellow color |
Some babies will switch to less frequent but large bowel movements at about six weeks of age.
Source:International Lactation Consultant Association. Clinical Guidelines for the Establishment of Exclusive Breastfeeding. June 2005.
Other signs that your baby is getting plenty of milk
| Consult your baby's health care provider if you are concerned about your baby's weight gain. |
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- Baby is mostly content and gaining weight steadily after the first week of age. From birth to three months, typical weight gain is 2/3 to 1 ounce each day.
- Baby is passing clear or pale yellow urine, not deep yellow or orange.
- Baby has at least three stools every 24 hours after day 1.
- Baby alternates short sleeping periods with wakeful, alert periods.
- Baby is satisfied and content after feedings.
- Your breasts feel softer after you feed your baby.
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