Formula intake...

[momofahunter]

How will I know when to increase formula amount for my baby? He's only 2 weeks old, and is taking 2.5 ounces every 2 to 2.5 hours. I don't mind this schedule (little tough at night), but I feel he is satisfied after 2.5 ounces. I've tried 3 ounces to see if he will go longer at night, but he still only goes 2 to 2.5 hours. So, when will I know to increase the amount?? He's a little over 8lbs, 7ounces, and I read somewhere that formula babies should be eating every 3-4 hours right now. So, I'm wondering if I'm feeding him enough? or should I just accept that he's a light eater who eats frequently?? Thanks for any help.

[wave412]

Hi there,

If he's only getting down 2.5 ounces, then you're right on with what your giving him. With my daughter, I would put a little extra in her bottle every few days just to see if she wanted more. I knew it was time to increase the portion size when she started to drink the whole bottle, then cry for more.

If she had more than she needed in the bottle, she would either stop eating, or she would eat it all and then some would come back up.

Also, some babies just eat frequently. My daughter still eats every 2-3 hours (except at night) but if I try to give her more than 6 oz at a time, she doesn't get it all down.

[momofahunter]

Thanks for your reply. I tried 3 oz this morning and he spit a little back up, so I guess its 2.5oz for right now. I like your suggestion of trying a little extra in a couple of days to see if he's ready. I just don't want to overload his system. Thanks again for the help!

[brazen_contempt]

Sounds to me like he's getting enough then. At two weeks old and eating 2.5 ounces...I'd say that's great.

My daughter is 2 weeks old (as of yesterday!) and she eats 2 ounces of formula every 3 hours. She ends up eating about 3 ounces of food total in 3 hours because she gets breastfed before any bottle is given to her (so she ends up with about an ounce out of me and 2 ounces of formula).

I had read that when they are 4 weeks old they should be eating around 4 ounces 6-8 times a day...so he sounds like he's on track!

[Newmom!]

Just remember, you can offer a larger bottle, but don't force it on him. He may drink only some of what you offer, and once he is acting full, stop feeding him. A baby can self regulate his feeding real well, if you let him. If he finishes off a bottle, and you think he might still be hungry, offer him another bottle, but he may take a few sips and be done, that is fine.

So far it sounds like you are on track. Offer 3 oz bottles and let him drink however much of it that he wants. In several weeks when he polishes off the 3 oz, offer 4 or more ounces, and again, let him drink what he wants and toss the rest. This pretty much is how all feeding his whole life should go. You offer appropriate foods at appropriate times, and he decides how much he will eat. Sounds like you are being a good mom, keep it up :-)

[huntermommy2010]

My baby is 6 weeks old now, and drinking between 5 and 7 ounces at a time. In all he drinks around 30 ounces a day. I let him drink what he can drink, if he spits the bottle out--> hes done OR if he searches to suck more, I give him more. Im sure im doing this right too tho??

Oh, Im sure everyone is just like me and LOVES being a new mommy Congrates to everyone!

[Newmom!]

It sounds like you are doing well. I kind of forgot how nerve wracking brand new motherhood can be. It gets easier as the baby gets older :-)

If you are interested in feeding, from infancy through the teen years, consider reading "How to get your kid to eat, but not too much" by Ellyn Satter. It is a pretty easy read and has lots of good information - do note, the specifics on how to introduce solids is a little dated, so follow what more current liturature/your doctor suggests - but the rest of the info in the book is timeless.

Have fun with your baby as he grows and changes right before your very eyes :-)

[Thewriter101]

My baby is 7 weeks old and he really only drinks 2 oz at a time every 2 hours.. Sometimes he wants to eat after an hour and a half. A couple times a day he might take 3 or 4 oz but no more than that. I'm concerned he isn't eating enough and he doesn't sleep more than 2 hours at a time If I'm lucky. He also seems very gassy and only evacuates every other day... Any advice? First time mom.. Just want my baby to be okay