How much should my baby eat? Is she eating too much or too little?🤔 Just knowing how much your baby should be eating will be a great companion for your parenting life👀!
How much should my baby eat?
🍼 Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, your baby will decide how much she’ll eat. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfed babies should eat as often and as long as they want! So let your baby guide you🧑🏫. Don’t rely on the clock; offer your breasts whenever your little one wants! Usually feeding for newborns occurs every 2 to 3 hours, which adds up to around 8 to 12 feedings a day.
🍼 Formula-feeding
How much formula-fed baby eats differs for each one of them! It depends on his weight, age, and appetite, and it can vary from one day to the next🐻.
Normally, babies eat 1 to 3 ounces of formula every three to four hours during the first few weeks after birth. It increases to at least 4 ounces every four hours by the first month. By 6 months, 24 to 32 ounces over 4 or 5 feedings a day would be enough!
How do I know if I’m feeding too little?
If you feed your baby too little, you’ll notice right away because he’ll immediately let you know by showing his emotions🥹. He’ll cry, fuss, or suck his fingers to express his discomfort!
Also, you’ll notice your baby gains little or no weight. On average, a newborn gains 4 to 7 ounces per week. Try feeding them a little more, and talk to your pediatrician to check if your baby’s growth is on track🏃.
Another sign you should be aware of is how many diapers your baby makes. Infants usually have at least 6 wet diapers and 4-5 poop diapers a day. Count the number of diapers you get every day. If they make fewer diapers than this number, you might want to feed them a little more.
How do I know if I’m feeding too much?
Babies know when to stop😉. In general, they eat when they are hungry, and stop when they are full. But don’t let your guard down yet, it is still possible for babies to eat too much. Bottle-fed babies tend to do so because drinking from a bottle is easier than drinking from the breast. Overeating can cause stomach pain, gas, or even vomiting after nursing. It can also raise the risk of obesity later in life. But you don’t need to worry too much, mommy! Your baby knows how much she needs, and you’ll figure out your baby’s capability soon. So take it slow, and follow your baby’s lead🐥!