Bottle Feeding Questions
* Amounts - How Much Per Feeding
- The average amount of formula that babies take per feeding is:
- Newborn: 2-3 ounces (60-90 ml) per feeding
- 1 month old: 4 ounces (120 ml) per feeding
- 2 months old: 5 ounces (150 ml) per feeding
- 4 months old: 6 ounces (180 ml) per feeding
- 6 months old: 7-8 ounces (210-240 ml) per feeding
- The maximal amount of formula recommended per day is 32 ounces (1 liter).
- If the baby needs more than 32 ounces (1 liter) and is not overweight, discuss with your child's PCP.
* Frequency Of Feedings - Schedules
- Babies mainly need to be fed when they are hungry. If they are fussy and more than 2 hours have passed since the last feeding, they usually need to be fed.
The following are some guidelines:
- From birth to 3 months of age, feed every 2 to 3 hours.
- From 3 to 9 months of age, feed every 3 to 4 hours.
- Infants usually set their own schedule by 1 to 2 months of age.
* Length of Feedings
- Feedings shouldn't take more than 20 minutes.
- If the feeding is prolonged, check the nipple to be sure it isn't clogged.
- A clean nipple should drip about 1 drop per second when the bottle of formula is turned upside-down.
* Burping
- Burping is optional.
- It is not harmful if a baby doesn't burp.
- Burping can decrease spitting up, but it doesn't decrease crying.
- Burping can be done twice per feeding, once midway and once at the end.
- If the baby does not burp after 1 minute of patting, it can be discontinued.
* Reasons To Call Back
- Your child becomes worse
- You have other questions or concerns
FORMULA SUBSTITUTION
