How to Know If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk: Diapers, Cues & Growth

One of the most common concerns new parents have is whether their baby is getting enough milk — especially in the early days when everything feels new and uncertain. The good news? Your baby gives you several clear signals that help answer that question.

Let’s walk through the signs of adequate milk intake — and when to reach out for support.

🍼 Diaper Output: One of the Clearest Clues

In the first week of life, wet and dirty diapers offer key insight into whether your baby is transferring milk well:

Day	Wet Diapers	Dirty Diapers
Day 1	At least 1	At least 1 (dark, sticky meconium)
Day 2	At least 2	At least 2
Day 3	At least 3	At least 3 (transitioning stool)
Day 4	At least 4	At least 3–4 (greenish to yellow)
Day 5+	6+ wet	3–4+ yellow, seedy stools daily¹

By the end of the first week, your baby should be producing at least 6 wet diapers and 3–4 yellow stools each day. Fewer than that may indicate a need for a feeding assessment or weight check.

🛑 Common Misconception: “They’re Always Hungry — I Must Not Have Enough Milk”

Newborns do feed frequently — 8 to 12 times per 24 hours is normal². Frequent feeding doesn’t always mean they aren’t getting enough. Sometimes it’s about comfort, growth spurts, or cluster feeding.

Look beyond timing and pay attention to your baby’s behavior during and after feeding.

👶 Baby’s Cues & Behaviors

In addition to diaper output and weight, your baby’s behavior during and after feeding can tell you a lot about how feeding is going.

Early Feeding Cues include:

• Rooting (turning head toward the breast or bottle)

• Lip smacking or tongue protrusion

• Bringing hands to mouth

• Fidgeting or light restlessness

Crying is actually a late hunger cue — it’s better to feed at the earlier signs if possible to promote a calm, effective latch⁵.

Signs your baby is likely getting enough milk:

• Audible swallowing sounds during feeds⁶

• A steady pattern of suck–swallow–pause

• Baby releases the breast on their own and appears content

• Muscles appear relaxed (open hands, soft body)

• Baby sleeps for stretches after feeding and wakes to feed again

• Weight is trending upward appropriately⁴

  
  

Red flags to watch for:

• Nursing for long periods without clear swallowing

• Weak or shallow latch with minimal milk transfer⁷

• Baby seems frustrated or falls asleep quickly at every feed

• Persistent weight loss beyond day 5–7

• Fewer than 6 wet diapers or minimal stool output after day 5¹

  
  

📈 What About Weight Gain?

Most newborns lose up to 7–10% of their birth weight in the first few days³. But by 10–14 days, your baby should be back at or above birth weight. From there, most breastfed babies gain about 5–7 oz per week in the early months⁴.

If weight gain is slower than expected, a lactation consultant can help evaluate feeding efficiency and support a plan to optimize intake.

🤱 When in Doubt, Get Support

If you're worried your baby isn’t getting enough milk — trust your instincts and reach out. A weight check or feeding observation can provide clarity, peace of mind, and practical steps if needed.

Many feeding concerns can be addressed early with education and support. You are not alone, and you don’t have to navigate feeding stress without help.

About Me

Hi, I’m Jayme Lindsey — a Registered Nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and postpartum doula. I’ve spent years supporting families through the early days of parenthood, and I’m passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based lactation care. Through my practice, Lindsey Lactation LLC, I offer in-home support in the Greater Hartford, CT area and virtual visits nationwide. My goal is to help you feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. You can learn more about my services here, or book a visit through The Lactation Network (TLN) — many families qualify for fully covered consults through insurance.

The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pediatrician, or a qualified lactation consultant with any questions you may have regarding your health or the health of your baby. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.

📚 References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to Tell If Your Breastfed Baby Is Getting Enough Milk. HealthyChildren.org. Published May 2022. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Is-Your-Baby-Getting-Enough-Milk.aspx

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How Much and How Often to Breastfeed. Reviewed February 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/breastfeeding/how-much-and-how-often.html

3. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Clinical Protocol #3: Supplementary feedings in the healthy term breastfed neonate, revised 2017. Breastfeed Med. 2017;12(3):188–198. doi:10.1089/bfm.2017.29038.ajp

4. World Health Organization. Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks. 2009. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241597494

5. HealthyChildren.org. Breastfeeding Your Baby: Early Hunger Cues. American Academy of Pediatrics. Reviewed April 2022. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/How-Do-I-Know-When-My-Baby-is-Hungry.aspx

6. Wambach K, Riordan J. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. 6th ed. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2021:276–280.

7. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Clinical Protocol #1: Guidelines for blood glucose monitoring and treatment of hypoglycemia in term and late-preterm neonates, revised 2021. Breastfeed Med. 2021;16(3):175–189. doi:10.1089/bfm.2021.29194.kfr