Thanks Caryn....then in your experience, how much formula should be be taking?
Calling all Moms...new, old or anyone who may know!!!
July 30, 2008
Ok here's my question/issue:
Caden is 5 weeks 6 days and at his 1 month appointment he was 4 weeks 6 days and wieghed 11lbs,3ozs. Up until that point I was feeding him 4ozs every 3hrs, except at night when he would skip a feeding while sleeping. He would eat ~9pm go down and then wake up b/t 2-3am and eat again. So a typical day would be eat at 2:30am, 5:30 am, 8:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 4:30 pm, 7:30pm, 10:00pm bath, 10:30pm eat and to bed. So now....when I was at the ped on Wednesday he told me to try and get him to 4hrs between feedings and to up his ozs. So I started with 41/2 oz every 3hrs 15min.........well that is not working. He gets so angry barely by 3hrs!!! So I thought well maybe 5ozs would be better and started that the last 3 feedings. But then this happened.....ate at 9pm last night and then woke at 4am and ate 5ozs, but then was up by 6:30 am again mad and eating at his hands!!!! I held him off until at least 7am, but he was so angry!!!! So here are my questions.....Do I forget about feeding every 3-4 hrs and feed him when he wants it? Do I keep him on the 3hrs schedule? How much are all of your kids eating and when and how big are they??? What are your peds telling you? Please help...I'm going back to work on monday and don't know what to do!!! Any adivce is welcome!!
Caden is 5 weeks 6 days and at his 1 month appointment he was 4 weeks 6 days and wieghed 11lbs,3ozs. Up until that point I was feeding him 4ozs every 3hrs, except at night when he would skip a feeding while sleeping. He would eat ~9pm go down and then wake up b/t 2-3am and eat again. So a typical day would be eat at 2:30am, 5:30 am, 8:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 4:30 pm, 7:30pm, 10:00pm bath, 10:30pm eat and to bed. So now....when I was at the ped on Wednesday he told me to try and get him to 4hrs between feedings and to up his ozs. So I started with 41/2 oz every 3hrs 15min.........well that is not working. He gets so angry barely by 3hrs!!! So I thought well maybe 5ozs would be better and started that the last 3 feedings. But then this happened.....ate at 9pm last night and then woke at 4am and ate 5ozs, but then was up by 6:30 am again mad and eating at his hands!!!! I held him off until at least 7am, but he was so angry!!!! So here are my questions.....Do I forget about feeding every 3-4 hrs and feed him when he wants it? Do I keep him on the 3hrs schedule? How much are all of your kids eating and when and how big are they??? What are your peds telling you? Please help...I'm going back to work on monday and don't know what to do!!! Any adivce is welcome!!
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Hi Fran - when I was at the hospital they told me that I need to feed Alayna every 4 hours...they were very strict about it. When we got home I found that she was having a hard time making it the 4 hours but was unable to take more formula at each feeding. I asked my pedi who said that I should be feeding her every 2-3 hours during the day so that she could skip a feeding at night and let us get some rest. Her schedule is a lot like Caden's - except she only eats 2 or 2.5 ounces at a time (she is only 12 days) - the way I see it is that if the schedule works for you a Caden then why change it? Good luck!
Fran this might help...
How much formula you should give your baby depends on his age, weight, and whether you're feeding him only formula or using it in combination with breast milk or solids. But here are some guidelines you might find helpful:
Take your baby's cues
The most important guideline is your baby's behavior. Babies will eat when they're hungry and stop when they're full. Don't expect a newborn — or any baby, for that matter — to follow a schedule or mathematical rule.
Needs and appetites vary with each baby, and most babies change from day to day and month to month. The important thing is that you learn to read your baby's cues.
While it might seem easy to respond to your baby's every need with a bottle, for example, you'll want to make sure that he isn't crying for some other reason. If your baby's hungry, he might show signs like lip smacking, rooting (turning his head toward your hand when you stroke his cheek), and putting his hands to his mouth. You'll develop a sense that your baby wants more than you're giving him when he finishes the feeding quickly and looks around for more. (If your baby seems hungry after his initial bottle, prepare just an ounce more at a time, because if you make a larger amount, he may not finish it and it'll go to waste.) Multiply your baby's weight times 2.5 ounces
If your baby isn't eating any solids (as he shouldn't before 4 to 6 months of age), the general rule of thumb is to offer him 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight each day. So if your baby weighs 6 pounds, you'll give him about 15 ounces of formula in a 24-hour period. If he weighs 10 pounds, he should drink 25 ounces in a 24-hour period. Consider your baby's age
How much formula your baby needs depends not only on his weight but also on his age. If you're starting a newborn on formula, try giving him only an ounce or two at each feeding for the first week. Let his hunger guide you.
By the time he's about 1 month old, he'll probably be up to 3 or 4 ounces at each feeding and will consume 18 to 32 ounces in one day. From the age of 2 months to 6 months, you should be feeding your baby 4 to 6 ounces at a feeding, and he'll take in 23 to 32 ounces a day. (Some parents find that an increase of about one ounce per month works out about right.)
Once your baby reaches 6 months, you can feed him 6 to 8 ounces at a feeding, up to around 32 ounces of formula per day. At this point you should start adding solid foods to his diet, if you haven't already. You'll find that as your baby gets older, he will drink fewer bottles with more formula.
If you're worried that your baby isn't eating enough, take a look at his weight gain and talk with his doctor. She can tell you whether your baby's intake is appropriate for his size and age, and advise you about changes you should make to adapt to your baby's individual needs.
How much formula you should give your baby depends on his age, weight, and whether you're feeding him only formula or using it in combination with breast milk or solids. But here are some guidelines you might find helpful:
Take your baby's cues
The most important guideline is your baby's behavior. Babies will eat when they're hungry and stop when they're full. Don't expect a newborn — or any baby, for that matter — to follow a schedule or mathematical rule.
Needs and appetites vary with each baby, and most babies change from day to day and month to month. The important thing is that you learn to read your baby's cues.
While it might seem easy to respond to your baby's every need with a bottle, for example, you'll want to make sure that he isn't crying for some other reason. If your baby's hungry, he might show signs like lip smacking, rooting (turning his head toward your hand when you stroke his cheek), and putting his hands to his mouth. You'll develop a sense that your baby wants more than you're giving him when he finishes the feeding quickly and looks around for more. (If your baby seems hungry after his initial bottle, prepare just an ounce more at a time, because if you make a larger amount, he may not finish it and it'll go to waste.) Multiply your baby's weight times 2.5 ounces
If your baby isn't eating any solids (as he shouldn't before 4 to 6 months of age), the general rule of thumb is to offer him 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight each day. So if your baby weighs 6 pounds, you'll give him about 15 ounces of formula in a 24-hour period. If he weighs 10 pounds, he should drink 25 ounces in a 24-hour period. Consider your baby's age
How much formula your baby needs depends not only on his weight but also on his age. If you're starting a newborn on formula, try giving him only an ounce or two at each feeding for the first week. Let his hunger guide you.
By the time he's about 1 month old, he'll probably be up to 3 or 4 ounces at each feeding and will consume 18 to 32 ounces in one day. From the age of 2 months to 6 months, you should be feeding your baby 4 to 6 ounces at a feeding, and he'll take in 23 to 32 ounces a day. (Some parents find that an increase of about one ounce per month works out about right.)
Once your baby reaches 6 months, you can feed him 6 to 8 ounces at a feeding, up to around 32 ounces of formula per day. At this point you should start adding solid foods to his diet, if you haven't already. You'll find that as your baby gets older, he will drink fewer bottles with more formula.
If you're worried that your baby isn't eating enough, take a look at his weight gain and talk with his doctor. She can tell you whether your baby's intake is appropriate for his size and age, and advise you about changes you should make to adapt to your baby's individual needs.
Hi there.
With Mia, she was on a 3-hour schedule when she came home from the NICU, but after a short while, she decided to go to a 4 hour schedule.
But then, about a month later, she started wanting more.
So, I decided to just do a feed-on-demand thing... but do a minimum of 3 hours. Also, I fed her as much as she wanted too. It's hard to say how much in each bottle, cuz it varies sooooo much. I think you're on track with 4-5 oz. He's a good healthy eater. Anything up to 36 oz a day is great!
Keep it up Fran!
With Mia, she was on a 3-hour schedule when she came home from the NICU, but after a short while, she decided to go to a 4 hour schedule.
But then, about a month later, she started wanting more.
So, I decided to just do a feed-on-demand thing... but do a minimum of 3 hours. Also, I fed her as much as she wanted too. It's hard to say how much in each bottle, cuz it varies sooooo much. I think you're on track with 4-5 oz. He's a good healthy eater. Anything up to 36 oz a day is great!
Keep it up Fran!
Hi again - I have a book from Similac that gives feeding guidelines - it says for babies between 1-2 months that they should only have 5-6 feedings a day 4-5 ounces per feeding - for a total of 20-30 ounces a day....
It also says that every child is different and as long as your child is growing properly that you should feed them what they seem to need and that the chart is just a guideline.
It also says that every child is different and as long as your child is growing properly that you should feed them what they seem to need and that the chart is just a guideline.
THanks Ladies!!! Any tips and advice are helping! I luv you guys! :)
Now here is something else........he had gas issues. So I burp him every oz, but he still spits some and if sleeping will wake up to burp. WHen I moved to 5oz these last few feedings he seemed to be burping more and spitting more. Is it the fact that he may be getting too much???
Now here is something else........he had gas issues. So I burp him every oz, but he still spits some and if sleeping will wake up to burp. WHen I moved to 5oz these last few feedings he seemed to be burping more and spitting more. Is it the fact that he may be getting too much???
Great advice here! You may want to try burping him 2x. So, after 2 ounces burp him and then when he's finished do it again. It might help with the spitting up (not sure if you were already doing this). And, he's too young to go to 4 hour increments. This is something that has to be done gradually (like in 15 min. increments) from my experience with my son. Hope this helps. Congrats on your baby!
I'm using the Playtex Ventair bottles that minimize sukcing of air. THey seem to work well. He just gulps!! :) We brup him every ounce too! I'm telling you he is just a piggy! I think I'm going to go back to 4.5 and every 3 hrs and let him make the schedule within reason though. If he gets to 4 great, if he gets to 3 great.....I need to stop stressing! Every kid is different and I need to be ok with that! I'm insane!! :) Thanks guys again! Hugs to all@!
Well, I personally recommend Dr. Browns bottles. They dramatically reduced the gas Mia was taking in. And EVERYONE I know who has tried them was sold for the very same reason.
Another thought.... If he's gulping, like he's taking in too much liquid, try using a smaller nipple... like, if he's in a stage 1, try a preemie nipple. If Playtex doesn't make them, Dr. Browns does and they are the exact same size as the Playtex ones.
Another thought.... If he's gulping, like he's taking in too much liquid, try using a smaller nipple... like, if he's in a stage 1, try a preemie nipple. If Playtex doesn't make them, Dr. Browns does and they are the exact same size as the Playtex ones.
Fran, My baby was born at just 7 lbs she was 11 lbs 14 oz at her 10 week appt. She does not drink more than 3 or 3.5 Oz/feed but she drinks every 2 hrs. Earlier she used to drink 4 Oz every 3 hrs. I asked the Dr, she says its fine as the bay is gaining weight and is thriving. I just feed her when ever she wants she shows signs like chewing her hand. Also, try giving using the slow flow nipples (not preemie) if you already are not. May be he is just needs more. I would give him whatever u give right now and increase the frequency. She drinks a total of 28 Oz/day and her Ped thinks thats great. Shes not a big eater, but very active and absolutely no crying unless hungry or sleepy. I would follow the time guidline a little bit but if hes hungry he needs food. Sometimes, I mistake crankiness for hunger. It would be 1 hr after I fed her and shes cranky again now I know its because she wants something else done like diaper change or picked up to go to sleep. Once thats taken care of, shes not showing the signs.
Thanks guys! I may look into the nipple thing and then maybe the bottle thing if that doesn't work. I would jsut hate to buy all new bottles! :) Iwent back to the 4.5 ozs and amjust letting him be the leader. He is fine with 3hrs and then can be fine sometimes with more. I'm going to go at his pace. He is the ruler of the castle, right! LOL!
HOw is Ella, Hoe? Doing great I hope!!!
HOw is Ella, Hoe? Doing great I hope!!!
We are doing great Fran, we have a vacation planned next month and so looking forward to that!!She is a happy go lucky baby and its great coz I have lots of help to baby sit lol Im lucky lol. She is able to lift her head and try to sit up and she can put 1 finger into her mouth. before it was her whole fist lol. She is still petite 23 " and 11 lb 14 oz 1 week ago @ 10 W. I asked the Dr for the % and he said I need to quit being a "numbers" person and as long as she is thriving and gaining weight I shudnt be bothered. lol
We are doing great Fran, we have a vacation planned next month and so looking forward to that!!She is a happy go lucky baby and its great coz I have lots of help to baby sit lol Im lucky lol. She is able to lift her head and try to sit up and she can put 1 finger into her mouth. before it was her whole fist lol. She is still petite 23 " and 11 lb 14 oz 1 week ago @ 10 W. I asked the Dr for the % and he said I need to quit being a "numbers" person and as long as she is thriving and gaining weight I shudnt be bothered. lol
Hope I must have missed the pictures of your sweetheart, I havent seen a single one and I keep meaning to ask to see some :)
I bet she is so cute!
Have fun on vacation, and Fran seems like you are doing all the right things! Great post. I learned a lot. We are also using the Dr. Brown bottles as well. A friend of mine is passing them down to me. I just have to get some more nipples. She said they work great, a pain to clean but great. Im going to try and breastfeed for the most part, but we will see how that goes :)
I bet she is so cute!
Have fun on vacation, and Fran seems like you are doing all the right things! Great post. I learned a lot. We are also using the Dr. Brown bottles as well. A friend of mine is passing them down to me. I just have to get some more nipples. She said they work great, a pain to clean but great. Im going to try and breastfeed for the most part, but we will see how that goes :)
With a dishwasher, I NEVER found Dr Browns tough to clean. I would put the tubes upside down on a spindle and they'd get perfectly clean. I put the yellow/beige thingie inside a dishwasher basket with the nipples & collars and had no issue there.
Now, I bottle-fed breastmilk, so perhaps formula adds more "gunk" than I had to deal with.
Now, I bottle-fed breastmilk, so perhaps formula adds more "gunk" than I had to deal with.
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July 30, 2008