How much milk is enough for a 5-month-old baby? A mother often worries about whether her baby is getting enough milk. Insufficient milk intake can cause significant anxiety for mothers. Let's read the article below to learn more about the appropriate amount of milk for a 5-month-old baby.
1. How much milk is enough for a 5-month-old baby?
Breast milk plays an essential role in the comprehensive development of a baby. The initial supply, especially breast milk, is incredibly important for newborns. However, for mothers who have a low milk supply or are unable to meet the baby's needs, supplementing with formula becomes necessary. In both scenarios, knowing how much milk the baby needs is crucial.
The amount of milk a baby needs varies at different stages. Therefore, the milk intake for a 5-month-old baby is specific. How much milk is enough for a 5-month-old? According to experts, a 5-month-old baby typically needs about 90-120ml of milk per feeding, with 5-6 feedings per day. Each feeding spaced approximately 4 hours apart is the most appropriate.
2. Signs a baby is full and getting enough milk
When a baby has had enough milk, there are several signs that parents can observe to know when to stop feeding and avoid overfeeding, which can lead to vomiting. Here are some common indicators that your baby is full:
- The baby stops breastfeeding and turns away from the breast, releasing the nipple.
- The baby becomes easily distracted by the surroundings because they are full; a baby who is still hungry will be more focused on feeding.
- The mother’s breasts no longer feel firm or engorged.
- The baby sleeps continuously: If the baby sleeps for more than 45-60 minutes (45 minutes being the minimum duration for a newborn's sleep), it indicates that they have had enough milk to support their sleep and activity.
When breastfeeding, it's important not to feed the baby more than two-thirds of their stomach capacity, as this can cause spitting up. During the first 72 hours after birth, the mother produces colostrum, which is rich in special nutrients that help boost the baby's immune system for the first six months. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the baby consumes this milk.
3. Signs a baby is not getting enough milk
3.1. Too short or long feeding times
Although each baby has a different feeding time, the average is about 10-20 minutes per feeding. If the baby feeds for more than an hour, it's too long, and if it’s less than 10 minutes, it's too short, which may indicate that the baby isn't getting enough milk.
3.2. Slow weight gain
Signs of weight loss and slow weight gain are the clearest indicators that a baby is not getting enough milk. After the first 10 to 14 days, a baby's weight should return to their birth weight and then start increasing. Specifically:
- From 0 to 3 months: gaining 100-200 grams per week
- From 3 to 6 months: gaining 100-140 grams per week
- From 6 to 12 months gaining 60-100 grams per week
Sometimes a baby may lose weight due to illness, which is normal. However, if the baby loses too much weight, does not gain weight, or gains weight too slowly, it indicates that the baby is not getting enough milk.
3.3. Breast milk supply does not increase after several days
In the first few days after birth, the mother's milk supply may be low, but it typically improves within a few days. Specifically, after 3-4 days postpartum, the milk supply usually increases and becomes more plentiful and white in color. If you do not notice this increase, it could indicate that the mother may not have sufficient milk for her baby, and the baby might not be getting enough milk.
3.4. Softening and flattening of breasts
If a mother's breasts become soft or flattened during breastfeeding, it is a sign that milk supply has decreased, and the baby might not be getting enough milk.
3.5. Pain in the mother’s abdomen and nipples during breastfeeding
Pain in the abdomen and nipples during breastfeeding can occur if the baby is not latching onto the nipple correctly. This is a warning sign that the mother might be breastfeeding incorrectly and the baby might not be getting enough milk.
3.6. Lack of “tingling” sensation after breastfeeding
After breastfeeding, mothers often experience a “tingling” or slight itching sensation in the nipples. If this sensation is absent after feeding, it might indicate that the mother's milk supply has decreased and the baby is not getting enough milk.
3.7. Other signs that your baby isn’t getting enough milk
When a baby is hungry and not getting enough milk, they may express their needs through some clear signs:
- Burying their head and hitting the chest of the person holding them
- Tugging at clothing to get attention
- Constantly moving their arms and legs
- Fussiness, whining, and discomfort
- The eyes continue to move even while they are closed.
- Waking up during sleep and quickly falling back asleep right after.
Breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months is considered the best way to nourish a baby and is recommended globally because it provides numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby. However, not all mothers fully understand the knowledge required for breastfeeding, especially those who are experiencing the joy of motherhood for the first time.
4. Notes to determine if a 5-month-old baby is feeding enough
- Each feeding session should last around 20-30 minutes to stimulate the mother’s milk production.
- Feed your baby on demand during the first six months and avoid forcing a feeding schedule.
- Position the mother's nipple at the baby's upper mouth and avoid pressing it onto the baby's tongue.
- Hold the baby so that their head is higher than the rest of their body while feeding.
- Choose safe bottles and nipples for the baby.
- Select nipples that match the baby's age and fit comfortably in their mouth.
- Frequently replace the bottle nipples.
- Follow the correct steps to clean the baby’s bottles.
- Do not feed the baby while they are crying.
5. Notes for mothers when breastfeeding
Breastfeeding might seem simple and is considered a natural instinct of mothers. However, there are important considerations that mothers need to understand to ensure their baby receives the full benefits of breastfeeding:
- During each feeding session, mothers should not feed the baby more than two-thirds of the baby's stomach capacity, as overfeeding can cause the baby to spit up. To be safe, if the baby still seems hungry after feeding, mothers should burp the baby and then continue feeding.
- Depending on the needs of each baby, mothers should consider whether to add an extra night feeding. Babies need to sleep adequately and at the right times from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. to support their brain and physical development.
- In the first 72 hours after birth, mothers produce colostrum, which is rich in nutrients and can boost the baby's immune system for the first six months.
- If a baby does not want to feed according to a schedule, mothers should not force them. Instead, it is better to feed the baby on demand to avoid causing fear and refusal to feed.
- In the first 2 weeks after birth, babies may experience physiological weight loss as they adjust to the external environment. However, they will typically regain weight after about a week, so mothers should not worry too much.
- For premature and underweight babies in the first 1-2 months, mothers should not feed them solely on demand without monitoring the amount of milk they consume. In such cases, it is necessary to consult a nutritionist to create an appropriate feeding schedule for premature babies to ensure they keep up with growth milestones.
6. Weight development in 5-month-old babies
On average, a 5-month-old baby gains at least 125 grams per week; for girls, the typical weight range is 6.1 kg to 7.8 kg, and for boys, it's 6.7 kg to 8.4 kg. Each baby’s condition is different. Some are more active and have a leaner body, while others may be chubbier, so parents should use weight as a health indicator. Babies with a leaner, more toned body are generally considered to be healthier than chubbier babies. Therefore, parents should regularly encourage physical activity to protect their child's health and development. Deciding the right amount of food is crucial for weight development.
Reference source: mamamy.com
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