Becoming a parent is filled with so much joy and excitement. Along with those wonderful feelings, is a host of responsibilities, such as feeding and caring for your new baby. It can be difficult to know exactly how much formula newborns and babies need, but don’t fret, we (and your child’s pediatrician) are here for you. The following blog will break down how much formula exclusively formula fed babies may need to thrive. If you breastfeed, or combination feed, speak with your pediatrician for appropriate guidelines.
How much formula do newborns need?
We’ll start off by saying that every baby is different and guidelines are, well, just that. If your baby seems to want to eat slightly more or less than the following, it is not automatically indicative of a problem. That said, speaking to your pediatrician about any concerns surrounding formula intake is wise.
Day 1-7:
Your baby is brand new to this world and adorably tiny; they’re stomach is no exception. That tiny stomach starts out as roughly the same size as a cherry at birth. By the end of week 1, it should grow to about the size of an apricot (which is still pretty tiny). As you can imagine, it does not take much to fill up that little belly. During week 1, your baby should only need a maximum of 1 to 2 ounces of formula per feed.
Week 1-4: By the end of your little one’s first month, they may be consuming up to 4 ounces of formula per feed. They will likely need to eat less frequently too. 3-4 ounces every 3-4 hours is normal for a one month old baby.
Months 1-6: Just as fast as your baby is growing, so is their little belly. Gradually, your little one will begin to drink more and more formula at each feeding. By six months old, your baby may consume up to 8 ounces at a time. The amount your baby drinks may be less during the night by this time. Typically, babies fall into a schedule and have roughly 4-5 feeds within a 24 hour period.
How many scoops of formula does a newborn need?
This is a common question. There is, unfortunately, no sure-fire umbrella answer. It is crucial to read formula recommendations to determine how many scoops to mix with how many ounces of water to create the formula mixture.
Most brands follow the same recipe of one scoop of formula for every two ounces of water, but this can vary by manufacturer. For the most accurate proportions, add water to the appropriate ounces indicator on the bottle before adding the powdered formula. It is very important that you mix formula and water in appropriate amounts. Using too much water or too much powdered formula could be more than just difficult to digest. It is also worth noting that formula can be purchased in forms other than powder, such as concentrated liquid or ready to feed liquid. Some parents prefer the ready to feed liquid for its convenience and simplicity.
Is 2 oz or 4 oz of formula enough for a newborn?
The amount of formula that may be enough for your baby can depend on their age. The first 8 weeks of your infant's life are generally referred to as the newborn stage. As we mentioned in the guidelines above, your newborn’s stomach starts off very small and grows rapidly. This means that the amount of formula that your baby requires will increase as those first weeks go by (and boy, do they go by fast). Generally speaking, with the exception of those very early days, 2 to 4 ounces of formula per feeding is an appropriate amount for a newborn.
How do I know if I'm feeding my newborn enough formula?
Before becoming a parent, you probably would have never guessed how happy it would make you to see wet and dirty diapers. Wet and poopy diapers can indicate that your baby is getting the nutrition they need. Your child’s pediatrician can also track their weight gain as the weeks go by to ensure that they are getting the proper nutrition. Additionally, as your baby gets older, you can get to know their different cries. Babies usually have no problem letting you know when they’re hungry, and it won’t be long before you know what that hunger screech sounds like.
Which formula milk is best for newborn babies?
With so many formula options on the market, it may be difficult to choose what brand or type to start your baby on. Many parents choose to stick with whatever formula the hospital provides when their baby is born, but the options are seemingly limitless. Organic, non-GMO, store brands, non dairy… the list goes on. Your baby's pediatrician should be able to provide recommendations if you are unsure which formula to choose. Some babies may be sensitive to certain formula brands or types, so be prepared to be flexible just in case.
How long after feeding can I put my baby down to sleep?
The jury is still out on this one. In most cases, it is perfectly safe to put your baby to sleep immediately after feeding. Thank goodness, because those newborn nights are rough enough. However, some parents prefer to hold the baby upright for a period of time after a bottle to prevent spit up and gas. Unless your baby is particularly colicky, has acid reflux, or gets gas pains easily if they aren’t burped regularly, you can probably get away with laying them down for sleep right after a bottle.
Conclusion
Luckily, feeding formula to your baby isn’t rocket science. Armed with a bit of knowledge and some good ol’ mother’s intuition, you got this. Alongside adequate nutrition, restful sleep is important for your baby’s development. As your baby craves a sense of calm and comfort as they rest their head, a weighted sleep solution can help them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It’s as close to magic as you can get.
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Sources:
How much formula do newborns need? day 1-7
https://thelactationcollection.com/blog/understanding-your-babys-stomach-size/
How much formula do newborns need? (day 1-7, 1-2 oz per feed) (week 1-4) (1-6 months)
Is 2 oz or 4 oz of formula enough for a newborn?
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/amount-and-schedule-of-formula-feedings.aspx
How many scoops of formula does a newborn need?
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/mixing-formula
How do I know if I'm feeding my newborn enough formula? (formula needs and intake)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/formula-milk-questions/#:~:text=Your%20baby's%20weight%20gain%20and,yellow%20urine%2C%20or%20feel%20heavy.
How long after feeding can I put my baby down to sleep?
https://brightestbeginning.com/is-it-ok-to-put-baby-to-sleep-without-burping/
