No one size fits all, take time to learn your rhythm with your baby

One of the first questions new mothers often have is “How long should my baby nurse on each side?” The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Babies are unique, and their feeding patterns evolve quickly in the first days, weeks, and months. Let’s break it down in a way that feels simple, reassuring, and practical.

The First Days: Learning Together

In the very beginning, nursing can take a little longer. Your baby is still figuring out how to latch effectively, and your body is establishing its milk supply. During these first days, it’s normal for a feeding session to take 20–40 minutes total, sometimes longer. Your baby may stay latched for comfort as much as nutrition, and that’s okay.

Instead of watching the clock, the best approach is to follow your baby’s cues: steady sucking, swallowing sounds, and eventually, slowing down or turning away when full.

The First Weeks: Finding a Rhythm

By the end of the first couple of weeks, feedings often become a little more efficient. Many babies will nurse 10–20 minutes per side, though not every baby needs both sides at every feed. Some will be satisfied after one breast, while others want to switch.

Your job isn’t to time it perfectly, but to make sure your baby is full and content. Signs of satiety include relaxed hands, slower sucking, or even drifting off to sleep.

The First Months: Efficiency Grows

As your baby grows and your milk supply stabilizes, nursing sessions usually become shorter and more predictable. Many mothers find that feeds last 15–20 minutes total, with their baby getting what they need more quickly thanks to stronger, more coordinated sucking.

By this stage, you’ll notice a clear pattern unique to your baby. Trust that pattern- it’s one of the best guides you have.

How the Comia Pillow Helps

While following your baby’s cues is key, sometimes it helps to have a little backup. Both the Comia Premium and the Comia Halo nursing pillows have built-in timers that let you track how long your baby nurses on each side—without constantly checking your phone or a clock.

• The Comia Premium is the full-feature version, with everything from timers to sensors that can track milk intake.

• The Comia Halo offers the same supportive shape and timer functionality with an app connection, but at a lighter price point, perfect if you don’t need every extra feature.

By letting the pillow keep track of time, you’re free to focus on your baby, your posture, and the moment.

Final Thoughts

How long your baby should nurse per side isn’t about sticking to a strict number- it’s about responding to their needs and cues. In the first days, expect longer, less predictable sessions. Over the weeks and months, things usually become shorter and more efficient.

With tools like the Comia pillow to track feeding times, you can take the pressure off yourself and simply enjoy the bonding that nursing brings.