Amount and Schedule of Formula Feedings for a One-Month Newborn
It is expected that moms have questions about formula feeding.
How should it be done? How frequently? Is it safe for the baby?
These are some of the questions about formula feeding that you may have as a mom. They are well justified questions because there is nothing as important as ensuring that your baby gets the right nutrition for proper growth.
Baby formula is the closest and most reliable alternative to breast milk. And unlike what people may think that it is not healthy, formula has no harmful effects on your baby.
Your reasons for choosing formula over breastfeeding are at your own discretion. Whether you have started with formula feeding from the go, supplementing breast milk with formula or switching from breast milk to formula, there are certain things that you need to know about formula feeding.
What should be the frequency of feeding your baby?
Generally, doctors recommend that babies be fed whenever they seem hungry. This is often called demand feeding. For many newborns, formula feeding happens every two to three hours. As the baby grows older, he or she will be able to hold more food in the tummy so the frequency drops to about three to four hours.
In case your baby is having trouble with gaining weight, don’t go too long without feeding them. Sometimes it may mean waking them up.
You can tell that your baby is hungry by looking out for the following signs:
- Crying though it is not in all instances that crying indicates hunger. And in most cases, this is usually a late sign of hunger.
- Moving their head side to side
- Sticking out tongues
- Placing hands, fists or fingers on the mouth
- Puckering their lips
- Nuzzling against your breasts
How much should your newborn baby eat?
In the first weeks, your baby should take between 60 to 90 milliliters of formula. This means that you need to mix 2-3 ounce bottles for your newborn. As you become more accustomed to your baby’s eating patterns and appetites, you can increase the amount of formula.
The amount of formula for different stages
- Newborns: 45-90 milliliters every 2-3 hours
- 2 months: 120-150 milliliters every 3-4 hours
- 4 months: 120-180 milliliters depending on the frequency of feedings
- 6 months: 180-230 milliliters every 4-5 hours
If adjusted by weight, on average, your baby should take in about 2½ ounces (75 mL) of formula a day for every pound (453 g) of body weight.
What are the growth spurts and how do they affect?
Growth spurts are periods of rapid growth. They happen when the baby is 7-14 days old, 3-6 weeks, 4 months and 6 months.
In this period, your baby will seem to be hungrier than usual. It may happen even when you are sticking to the feeding frequencies. But during these times and you find that your baby is hungry, follow the hunger cues and continue feeding on demand. Increase the amount of formula that you are giving him or her.
Babies grow at different rates even those on the same baby formula. If you are concerned about your baby’s weight or that they may not be getting the proper nutrients, follow the schedule of regular well-child checkups to weigh and measure your baby.
Formula feeding is not rocket science. You only need to know when your baby is hungry and what amount satisfies then.
Related:
HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY NEWBORN BABY BREASTFEED?
WHAT SHOULD YOU EAT WHILE BREASTFEEDING?
HOW CAN I PREVENT MY BREASTFED BABY FROM GETTING COLIC?
