Amount and frequency of formula feeding

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The amount and frequency of breastfeeding is a question most parents have, regardless of whether they have been formula-feeding since the beginning, are adding formula with breast milk, or switching from breast milk to formula. awake. The following are general guidelines for formula feeding.
The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Doan Ngoc Quynh Tram - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

1. How often should formula be given to babies?

As a general recommendation, feeding a baby whenever he seems hungry is called demand feeding. Most babies will feed on formula every 2 - 3 hours. As your baby gets older and your baby's tummy can hold more milk, you can breastfeed every 3 to 4 hours. In general, babies will stop feeding on their own when they are full at each feeding.
For babies born prematurely or having problems with weight gain, you should give formula milk more often, even have to wake your baby to feed. You can try patting, stroking, undressing, or changing diapers to wake your baby up for a feed. In this case, talk to your doctor about the appropriate frequency of breastfeeding.
MORE: Choosing baby formula

2. Signs of a hungry newborn

Signs that your baby is hungry include:
Move head from side to side Open mouth Stick out tongue Put hands and fingers on mouth Pucker lips as if wanting to feed Cling to mother's chest Reflexes by moving mouth For many reasons, crying is often a late sign of hunger. Accordingly, you should give your baby formula milk before he is so hungry that he can't stay calm. However, it's important to realize that not every time your baby cries is because she's hungry. Sometimes a baby just needs a cuddle or a diaper change; or your baby may be overstimulated, bored, too hot or too cold. If your baby cries just an hour after he's had a full feed, you need to find out what else is causing his discomfort.
SEE ALSO: Notes when mixing baby formula

3. How much formula should your baby take?

For the first few weeks, you can make 2 - 3 oz (60 - 90 ml) bottles of infant formula. Gradually increase the amount to the appropriate level as you get used to the way your baby eats and tastes.
Here's a general guide to how much formula to give babies at different stages:
Newborns' bellies are so small that they don't need to mix a lot of formula at each feeding to keep them full. You can start breastfeeding 1 - 2 ounces of infant formula every 2 - 3 hours for the first days of life (for formula-fed babies and no breast milk). Most formula-fed babies will feed 8-12 times in 24 hours. But feed your baby more if he or she shows signs of hunger. On average, a newborn baby drinks about 1.5 - 3 ounces (45 - 90 ml) of milk every 2 - 3 hours. This amount increases as your baby gets older and can feed more at each feeding. At around 2 months of age, your baby can feed 4-5 ounces (120 - 150 ml) at intervals of 3-4 hours. At 4 months, your baby may be nursing 4-6 ounces (120 - 180 ml) at a time, depending on the frequency of feedings and the baby's weight. At 6 months, your baby should be able to feed 6 - 8 ounces (180-230 ml) at intervals of 4 - 5 hours. The amount and frequency of formula feeding also depends on the weaning diet. Between 6 and 12 months of age, most babies will need their own formula or solid foods about 5-6 times in 24 hours. Accordingly, you continue to breastfeed when your baby shows signs of hunger. Once your baby starts eating solid foods, the amount of formula he needs each day may decrease. Between 12 and 24 months of age, you can switch from infant formula to cow's milk or an age-appropriate formula. Note: although infant formula has vitamin D, if your baby is drinking less than 32 ounces (946 ml) of formula per day, he or she will need extra vitamin D (starting at birth). newborn) from other sources.

4. Why does the child seem hungrier than usual?

As babies gain weight, they begin to feed more often at each feed and the time between feeds is longer. However, sometimes you will find your baby seems hungrier than usual.
At this point, your baby may be going through a period of rapid development, known as a growth spurt, usually around:
7 - 14 days old 3 - 6 weeks old 4 months old 6 months old around this time and whenever your baby seems hungry, continue feeding on demand and increase the amount of formula if needed.

5. Some signs the baby is full

Each baby will develop at a different rate. Parents sometimes wonder if their child is getting enough nutrients to grow properly. To determine if your baby is getting enough milk, follow a routine check-up to weigh and measure your baby.
Besides, the baby's diaper is also a good indicator to assess whether the baby is getting enough or not. Initially, you will change at least 6 wet diapers and 4 dirty (feces) diapers per day. An infant's poop is thick and black, then turns yellow or green as the baby gets older. Formula-fed babies usually have firmer stools than breastfed babies.
Normal wet diapers will have clear or very pale urine. If you see orange crystals in wet diapers, contact your doctor. Sometimes this can be a sign that your baby is not getting enough fluids or is dehydrated. Other signs of poor feeding include:
Not gaining enough weight Expressing dissatisfaction, even after a feed If you are concerned or notice any signs that your baby is not getting enough nutrition, Ask your doctor for examination and advice.
With many years of experience in examining and treating diseases in children, now the Pediatrics Department at Vinmec International General Hospital has become one of the major health care centers, capable of examining , screening and treatment of many specialized diseases in children. Therefore, if the child shows signs or has health abnormalities, parents can take the child to Vinmec International General Hospital for examination and receive support and advice from specialist doctors.
For children to be healthy and develop well, it is necessary to have a nutritious diet in terms of quantity and quality balance. If children are not provided with adequate and balanced nutrients, it will lead to diseases of excess or lack of nutrients, which adversely affect the comprehensive development of children in terms of physical, mental and motor skills.
The period of baby eating solid foods is an extremely important period to help children develop comprehensively. Children who do not eat properly are at risk of micro-mineral deficiencies, causing anorexia, growth retardation, malabsorption, etc. If they notice the above signs, parents should supplement their children with supportive products. The supplement contains lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
Parents can learn more:
Signs of zinc deficiency in children
Micronutrient deficiency and failure to gain weight in children
Please regularly visit Vinmec.com website and update useful information to take care of your child. Take care of the baby and the whole family.
References: cdc.gov, kidshealth.org