How to track newborn feeds
Feeding your newborn is the most frequent thing you’ll log, whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, or using formula. Here’s how to record each type and what the information helps your nurse or pediatrician understand.
Breastfeeding
Log how many minutes your baby spent on each side. If your baby didn’t nurse on one side, that’s fine — log 0 for that side. The tracker remembers which side was last, so you can start on the other side next time if that works for you and your baby.
What to log:
- • Minutes on the left breast
- • Minutes on the right breast
- • Optional: any notes about the feed (baby sleepy, cluster feeding, etc.)
Your nurses and pediatrician will use this to understand your baby’s feeding pattern and whether any concerns come up. Ask your nurse or pediatrician about any feeding goals or targets specific to your baby.
Pumping
If you’re pumping, log the total amount of milk you expressed in milliliters (mL). This helps everyone see the volume your body is producing and when it’s shifting.
What to log:
- • Total mL pumped in that session
- • Optional: when you pumped (what time), in case that becomes relevant
Pumped milk can be given to your baby at feeding time, or stored for later. Keep track of it the same way so everyone knows what’s available.
Formula
Log the amount of formula in mL that your baby took. This includes formula given by bottle at home or in the hospital, and it’s important to track so your team has a clear picture of your baby’s intake.
What to log:
- • Total mL of formula given
- • Optional: note if it was given by you, a nurse, or another caregiver
There are many good reasons to supplement with formula. Your nurse or pediatrician can help you understand what’s best for your baby’s situation.
Attempted feeds
If your baby tried to feed but didn’t take milk (at the breast or with a bottle), log it as an attempt. These matter because they show your baby’s interest and behavior, even when they don’t result in intake.
What to log:
- • That the attempt happened
- • The reason, if you know it (e.g., baby roused but fell asleep, didn’t latch)
Your nurses and pediatrician track attempts to see the full feeding picture, not just successful feeds.
Things to remember
- •Log as soon as you can, but don’t worry about exact precision. Your best estimate is fine.
- •You can edit any time. If you remember something later or need to correct an amount, just tap the entry to change it.
- •Ask your nurse or pediatrician about any feeding questions, concerns, or targets for your baby.