Family & tracking
How to track baby feeding and diapers
Last reviewed November 2026 against AAP, CDC, NHS and WHO guidance · Sources
Quick answer
Log the start time of each feed, the type (breast, formula, expressed milk or both), the amount in ml or oz or minutes and side for breastfeeds, and every wet and dirty diaper. In the first weeks, pediatricians use these counts, about 8–12 feeds and 6 or more wet diapers a day, to check a newborn is getting enough.
On this page
Why do pediatricians ask you to track feeds and diapers?
In the first weeks, the main question is whether milk is going in and fluid is coming out. The AAP's signs of a well-fed newborn are counts: 8–12 feeds in 24 hours, 6 or more wet diapers and 3–4 yellow stools a day by days 5–7, and weight back to birth weight by about 2 weeks. A log turns a blur of nights into numbers you can answer with.
It also helps you. At 3am, "when did she last eat?" and "which side did I start on?" are hard questions. A log answers them for whoever is on duty.
What should I log for each feed?
| Feed type | Log this |
|---|---|
| Breastfeed | Start time, side(s), roughly how many minutes |
| Formula bottle | Start time, amount offered and amount taken (ml or oz) |
| Expressed breast milk | Start time, amount taken |
| Combo feed | Both: the breastfeed and the top-up bottle |
| Diaper | Time, wet, dirty or both, and poop color in the first week |
| Extras | Vitamin D drops, spit-ups, anything you want to ask about |
Log the start of each feed. Feeding intervals are counted from the start of one feed to the start of the next.
How long should I keep tracking?
Most families track closely until their baby is back to birth weight and diapers are reliably on target, often the first 2–6 weeks. Many keep a lighter log afterward, especially if several people share care, a baby was premature or in the NICU, or the pediatrician asks you to keep watching intake.
Paper log, notes app or tracking app: which is best?
| Paper log | Phone notes app | Feeding tracker app | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free | Free to paid |
| Logging at 3am, one-handed | Needs a pen and light | Typing | A few taps |
| Shared with a partner | Only if it's in one place | Copy and paste | Shared log on each phone |
| Daily totals and gaps | Add up by hand | Add up by hand | Calculated for you |
| Next-feed reminder | No | No | Often |
| At the pediatrician | Hand it over | Scroll and read | Day and week summaries |
In Feedoo Baby, for example, you log a feed or diaper in two taps, see when the next feed is due, and everyone you invite (partner, grandparent, nanny) sees the same log. It's an installable web app, and volumes are in ml (this guide shows oz alongside).
What makes a feeding log actually stick?
- Log right after the feed starts, not at the end of the day.
- Keep it where the feeding happens: on the nightstand or your phone's home screen.
- Agree on one log for the whole household.
- Look at the day's totals, not single feeds. One small feed is normal.
When to call your pediatrician
- A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby 3 months or younger. The AAP says to call right away, even if your baby seems otherwise well.
- Fewer wet diapers than expected for their age (fewer than 6 a day from about day 5), or dark yellow urine.
- Very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds, floppy, or unusually quiet.
- Refusing feeds, or feeding poorly several times in a row.
- Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, no tears, or a sunken soft spot on the head.
- Forceful or green vomiting, or vomiting after most feeds.
- Red, black (after the first meconium poops) or white/pale gray poop.
- Yellow skin or eyes that spread or deepen, or any yellow color in the first 24 hours.
- Trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, or your baby is limp or very hard to wake: call 911 (or your local emergency number) now.
If something feels wrong, trust that feeling and call. You never need a reason beyond worry.
Questions parents ask
What should I track for a newborn?
The time of each feed, the type (breast, formula, expressed milk), the amount or minutes and side, and every wet and dirty diaper. In the first week, also note poop color.
Do I need to track breastfeeding minutes?
Roughly is enough. Minutes help you notice feeds that are regularly very short (under about 10 minutes) or very long (over about 50), which the AAP lists as worth checking in the early months.
How long should I track my baby's feeds?
Most families track closely until weight is back to birth weight and diapers are on target, often 2 to 6 weeks, and longer for preemies or if the pediatrician asks.
Is a paper log as good as an app?
For one parent, a paper log works well. Apps help when several caregivers share feeds, because everyone sees the same log and totals are added up for you.
Related guides
- How to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milkSigns a breastfed baby is getting enough: wet and dirty diapers by day, weight gain, swallowing and contentment after feeds, plus the warning signs to act on.
- How many wet diapers should a newborn have?Newborn wet and dirty diapers by day, from day 1 to week 2: how many to expect, poop color changes, and when fewer diapers mean it's time to call.
- Sharing night feeds with your partnerNight-feed shift plans for breastfeeding, formula and combo families, safe-sleep tips for tired parents, and how to hand over without waking each other.
- Feeding twins: a schedule that works for twoHow to schedule feeds for twins: tandem vs one at a time, sample days for breast, bottle and combo feeding, sync tips and how to track two babies.
- Newborn feeding schedule: what a day really looks likeSample newborn feeding schedules for breastfed, formula-fed and combo-fed babies, from the first week to 3 months, with feeds per day and gaps between feeds.
Free tools
Sources
Last reviewed November 2026. Numbers are ranges from these public health sources; 1 oz ≈ 30 ml.
- AAP · HealthyChildren.org: How to Tell if Your Breastfed Baby is Getting Enough Milk
- AAP · HealthyChildren.org: Warning Signs of Breastfeeding Problems
- AAP · HealthyChildren.org: Your Baby's First Month: Growth & Physical Appearance
- CDC: How Much and How Often to Breastfeed
- CDC: How Much and How Often to Feed Infant Formula
Feedoo Baby shares general information, not medical advice. Every baby is different. If you're worried about feeding, weight gain, diapers or your baby's health, call your pediatrician, midwife or health visitor.