How can I tell if my newborn is getting enough milk?
A baby's feeding, nappies and weight are considered together. The signs differ by feeding method and change during the first days.
The short answer
There is no single sign that confirms how much milk a newborn is getting. NHS guidance looks at feeding, age appropriate nappies and weight together. The clues differ by feeding method. If you’re concerned, ask your care team for a check.
Look at feeding, nappies and weight together
There isn’t one feed, nappy or app total that can answer this alone. NHS guidance considers how feeding is going, how your baby is growing and the wet and dirty nappies expected for their age. Nappy patterns change during the first days, so a general count needs to be read in context.
Your baby's age, feeding method, health and care plan all matter. A midwife, health visitor, doctor or breastfeeding specialist can review the signs together and arrange a feed observation or weight check when needed.
Signs while breastfeeding
NHS guidance lists rhythmic sucking and swallowing, a baby coming off the breast on their own and appearing settled after most feeds among signs that breastfeeding is going well. You may also see or hear swallowing. These are observations, not a way to measure milk transfer.
A wide mouth and chin touching the breast can be signs of attachment. If feeding is painful beyond the first few sucks, your nipple looks pinched after a feed or you’re unsure about swallowing, ask a breastfeeding professional to watch a feed.
Signs during bottle feeding
For babies taking formula, NHS guidance says weight gain and wet and dirty nappies help show whether they are getting enough. From a few days after birth, around six wet nappies a day is a general guide. The number and appearance change during the first days, so follow advice from your baby's care team.
A bottle shows what was offered, but the amount left in it isn’t a growth check. Follow your baby's cues and don’t force them to finish. If your baby takes expressed breast milk or has a feeding plan, ask your care team how to interpret their intake and weight follow up.
When to ask for help
Ask your midwife, health visitor, doctor or breastfeeding specialist if feeding is difficult, you’re worried about nappies or weight, or you’re unsure how a care plan applies. NHS guidance recommends asking early when you have concerns about how much milk your baby is getting.
BabyDays can record feeds and nappies, but it can’t measure milk transfer or check growth. See how to keep a nappy record and how to keep mixed feeding records clear for practical logging guidance.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.