Breastfeeding Logs: What to Track and Why

If you’re a new parent, odds are you’ve already been told, “Keep track of your baby’s feeds!” But between night wake-ups, grocery lists, and diaper changes, tracking can feel like just another demand. If you're reading this at 3 AM while your baby latches on for the hundredth time today (or so it feels), take a deep breath. You're not alone, and yes, keeping a breastfeeding log can actually make your life easier, not harder.

Nobody's asking you to become a data scientist overnight. But here's the thing: newborns can't exactly tell you, "Hey mom, I'm still hungry" or "That last feeding really hit the spot." Your log becomes their voice.

Tracking helps you:

Write down when each feeding starts and how long it lasts. Yes, even those marathon 45-minute sessions that leave you wondering if your baby thinks your breast is an all-you-can-eat buffet. This helps identify your baby's natural rhythm and ensures they're getting enough nutrition.

Your breasts aren't identical twins. One might produce more milk than the other. Alternating sides helps maintain your milk supply and prevents one breast from becoming uncomfortably engorged. 

Pro tip: Use a safety pin on your bra or a simple bracelet switch to remember which side to start with next time.

Who wants to document poop? But here's why it matters: what goes in must come out. Tracking diaper changes tells you if your baby is getting enough milk. In the first week, expect at least one wet diaper per day of life (day 1 = 1 wet diaper, day 2 = 2 wet diapers, etc.).

Was your little one fussy, sleepy, or alert? How did they seem after eating? This helps you understand their hunger cues and satisfaction levels.

If you're exclusively breastfeeding, you might skip this initially. But if you're building a freezer stash or returning to work, track pumping times and amounts. It helps you understand your supply patterns.

Rate your comfort during feeding on a scale of 1-10. Persistent pain isn't normal and might indicate latch issues that need addressing.

Many parents find it helpful to note when their baby sleeps, especially in relation to feeding times. Some babies are sleepy eaters, and others become alert after a good meal.

Unless you're exclusively pumping, you can't measure exactly how much your baby drinks while nursing, and that's perfectly fine. Your baby's weight gain and diaper output tell the real story.

You don't need to document the color of your baby's outfit or the background music playing. Keep it simple, keep it sustainable.

This worry is universal. Look at the big picture: steady weight gain, adequate wet diapers (6+ per day after the first week), and a generally content baby between feeds usually indicate successful breastfeeding.

Newborns don't read parenting books. Their feeding patterns can seem erratic, especially during growth spurts. Your log will help you see patterns emerge over time.

Brain fog is real. That's exactly why simple tracking tools exist (to do the remembering for you).

Here's something no tracking app can do: replace your parental instincts. Use your log as a tool, not a rulebook. If your baby seems content, is growing well, and you're managing okay, you're probably doing better than you think.

Remember, every baby is different. Your friend's baby might eat every two hours like clockwork, while yours prefers irregular but longer feeding sessions. Both can be completely normal.

The goal isn't perfect data. It's understanding your baby and feeling more confident in your parenting journey. Some days you'll forget to log a feeding, and guess what? Your baby will still thrive.

You've got this, and your log is just there to help you realize it.