Breastmilk or mother’s milk is the best source of nutrition for a newborn. However, breastfeeding is not always a feasible option; hence, some mothers resort to formula feeding. But how much formula does your baby need? We will address this question in this article. Some new moms may not breastfeed their babies due to various underlying health reasons leading to insufficient milk production. In such a scenario, your pediatrician may recommend feeding formula to your baby. However, you must be aware of the ideal dosages and intervals to feed formula to your baby to ensure they get sufficient nourishment every day. Keep reading to understand how much formula your baby needs, whether the feeding pattern is different from formula-fed and breastfed babies, the signs your baby is getting insufficient formula, and some tips to remember during a formula-feeding session.
How Much Formula Does Your Baby Need?
The quantity of formula required by your baby depends on their age and weight. But do not start formula feeds before talking to a doctor, and only feed as per their recommendations.
Formula feeding as per baby’s age
The following formula feeding chart gives the quantity of prepared formula a baby needs and the number of times they need it in a day (1): Note: The nutrition requirements of babies may vary, which will affect the number of feeds and their frequency per day. For specific quantities per feed, talk to the baby’s pediatrician.
Can You Formula Feed The Baby As Per Their Weight?
The age of the baby is the ideal determinant for the quantity of formula they need. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the amount of formula for babies based on body weight. According to the AAP, a baby needs 2.5oz (75ml) of formula in 24 hours, for every 1lb (453g) of their body weight (2).
Do Formula-fed Babies Feed Less Frequently Than Breastfed Infants?
Yes. Breastfed infants take smaller but frequent feeds when compared to their formula-fed counterparts who tend to go longer between feeds (3). For the first few weeks after birth, a breastfeeding baby may feed every couple of hours while a formula-fed baby could have a gap of four hours because the formula takes longer than breast milk to digest, keeping the baby fuller for long, while the breastfed child becomes hungry sooner (4).
How Do You Know That The Baby Is Getting Sufficient Formula?
Here are the signs that your baby is getting sufficient formula (5):
Timely bowel movement and urination: You will see soiled diapers at a set frequency, which suggests that the baby is eating enough.
Is not cranky or fussy after the feed: A baby will get irritated and cry if they are still hungry. So if your baby is getting sufficient formula, then they will not be fussy after feeding.
Sound sleep: A hungry baby will have a disturbed sleeping regime. If the baby is otherwise healthy but does not sleep properly, then it could be that his/her tummy is not full.
Healthy growth: In the long term, a baby who gets sufficient formula will thrive and attain all the developmental milestones.
Formula feeding is unlike breastfeeding and requires additional care to prevent under or over feeding.
What Are The Points To Remember For Formula Feeding?
Here is what you must keep in mind when you are formula feeding your baby:
