Amount and Schedule of Formula Feedings
There is a lot of heated debate around the issue of infant formula, where countless parents are ready to take one or another position. Although many mothers have the impression that breast milk is the ultimate form of nutrition and infant formulas can be harmful, other mothers feel that infant formula should be introduced as soon as possible. So why is there such fuss around the use of infant formula and how do you know if your baby is ready to start?
The History of Baby Formula
First, let’s see how the formula was made. Centuries ago, mothers who had difficulty in producing breast milk often had to seek help from a nurse. It was for many mothers a pure priceless luxury that led to the death of the child. Based on potassium bicarbonate, wheat flour, and malt flour, this formula can be added to cow’s milk to provide babies with essential nutrients. Later that year the new improved formula was available for the masses for one dollar per bottle.
Bottle preparations continued to evolve towards the 1960s and 1970s when nearly a quarter of women used bottle-feeding to give their children the nutrition they needed. Because researchers believed formula products yielded more nutrients than breast milk, many women weaned their babies as quickly as possible from breast milk to provide the nutrition they needed to grow and thrive. In recent years, however, researchers have countered these claims by saying that breast milk indeed contains all the essential nutrients that babies need to develop healthily. This new research has now created an upward trend in breastfeeding, with many parents now steadfastly opposed to feeding their children into baby bottles.
However, the question remains: are formula or breast milk superior to others? Which form of milk should parents choose to make their baby happy and healthy?
The evidence that breastfeeding is the ideal choice for infants is pretty impressive and is supported by some of the most trusted experts in healthcare. Organizations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) at the World Health Organization (WHO), a health committee set up by the United Nations, advise mothers who breastfeed their children because breast milk has proven it was effective in fighting infection and diseases. The PAA recommends that mothers should only breastfeed during the first six months of the child’s life and breastfeed until the baby is 12 months old.
For many women, however, it is not possible to breastfeed a baby until the age of one, both physically and because of his lifestyle. Although many women have difficulty producing breast milk, some women may not be present to breastfeed their baby throughout the day, just because of their work schedules.
For many mothers, the use of baby food is often guilty, especially given the recommendations of these significant health organizations. However, the same experts reassure mothers that baby food gives babies all the nutrition they need. Breast milk is merely a preference because of the natural ability to fight against various diseases and infections. Also, breast milk is filled with fats that help your baby get a healthy weight – not to mention that breast milk is free!
For many mothers, the personal benefits of breastfeeding or the use of infant formula are the ultimate factors that help to make the decision. For some, skin-to-skin contact through breastfeeding will make a choice easier, while many mothers prefer the convenience and guaranteed nutrition of infant formula because some women do not benefit from an adequate diet.
Ultimately, the decision to breastfeed or use an infant formula is a personal choice that you have to make because you will find a lot of research that supports arguments from both sides. Do you have time for breastfeeding? If that is the case, it may be more logical than the infant formula. Do you want your baby to get the food he needs without having to worry about the effects of that drink or this meal for him? If so, the use of a bottle formula will undoubtedly bring you a lot of convenience and flexibility. Make sure you choose a high-quality baby food that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, and you will see that your baby grows into a happy and healthy toddler!
What is a typical newborn nutrition program?
Every baby is different. The amount and frequency of feeding depend on the needs of your baby. During the first few weeks, the average baby should be fed about 8 to 12 times a day, meaning the baby should be fed every 2-3 hours. On average, your baby should take in about 2½ ounces (75 mL) of formula a day for every pound (453 g) of body weight.
Here are some things you should know about baby food during the first days, first weeks and early months of your baby’s life.
First days
The belly of your newborn is small. He does not need much formula with every meal to be full.
You can start giving your baby 1 to 2 ounce of baby food every 2 to 3 hours in the first few days of life if your baby is taking only infant formula and not breast milk. Give your baby more if he shows signs of hunger.
Most infants with formula feed will care for 8 to 12 times per 24 hours. Talk to your child’s doctor or nurse about the amount of infant formula that is suitable for your baby.
As your baby grows older, his belly grows. Your baby can drink more bottle-feeding with each diet and the time between meals will be longer.
Most babies are satisfied with 3 to 4 ounces (90–120 mL) per feeding during the first month and increase that amount by 1 ounce (30 mL) per month until they reach a maximum of about 7 to 8 ounces (210–240 mL).
If you feel that your baby is still hungry and wants more, consult your pediatrician to adjust the right amount of formula for your baby.
Some studies have shown that infants who are fed artificially gain weight faster than babies who are breastfed, a trend that can be assumed that artificially fed children can become obese later in life. This is possible if the person who feeds the baby decides when to end the meal. Mothers often insist that the baby drinks all milk from the bottle. Therefore, it is important to pay attention and be aware of your baby needs and not always stick to the amount that should be given.
Related:
PACIFIERS: ARE THEY GOOD FOR YOUR BABY?
WHY DOES MY BABY CRY ALL THE TIME?
FIRST MONTH WITH YOUR NEWBORN – WHAT TO EXPECT?
WHEN DO BABIES START SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT
