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- Breastmilk is the feeding option of choice for infants.
- If breastmilk is not available, then infant formula is a suitable alternative.
- Breastmilk or formula should be the main milk used until the baby is 12 months old.
- Choose a formula to match the age and needs of your baby, and always read the label carefully as labels for other products can look very similar to those for infants.
- If you believe your baby has a problem with feeding, discuss this with your maternal and child health nurse or doctor before switching brands.
How Do I Know If My Baby Is Getting Enough Milk
If youre worried about your babys appetite and whether they are getting enough milk, their nappies are quite a good indicator to give you a steer. Youre going to become very familiar, and potentially a little obsessed, with the contents of your babys nappy!
In addition to your babys weight gain, the number of wet and dirty nappies will show you whether your little one is eating enough. In the beginning, you’ll probably be changing at least six wet and four dirty nappies every day . When changing your babys nappies, check to ensure your little ones urine is clear or pale and it will probably feel a little weighty . As a newborn, your little ones poos will probably be very dark and sticky, but after the first week they should start passing yellowish brown poos. Welcome to the joys of parenthood!
How Does This Formula Feeding Calculator Work
This is a useful calculator for all mothers that are concerned whether their baby has enough formula and about which is the recommended amount they should be giving to their baby.
The formula feeding calculator is designed to answer this important and sometimes stressing question for new mothers by taking into account the age and weight of the baby.
There are different stages in the babys formula intake and this varies from newborns to infants and according to how much they weigh.
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Should I Wake Baby For Feedings
In the first few weeks of your newborns life, it is possible your baby will snooze right through a feeding.
It is essential a baby receives all necessary feedings because the tummy is so small and can empty relatively quickly.
If you are breastfeeding and your baby sleeps for more than 3 hours, it is important you wake your baby up for you to maintain your milk supply. A formula-fed baby can sleep for about 4 hours, but then should be awakened to feed .
You should wake your baby during the first few weeks of life, but eventually, it is a good thing to let your baby go for longer periods without feeding.
It may seem impossible, but your baby will eventually make the transition to sleeping through the night without food. In the meantime, your newborn needs all the nutrients he or she can get!
Some advise that once your baby has reached birth weight , you no longer need to wake baby if he sleeps through a feeding. If your baby is consistently sleeping through feedings, you should ask your doctors opinion on waking your baby up.
Each baby is different and it is best to be on the safe side and seek the advice of your doctor.
Starter Or First Formula
There is a variety of starter formulas based on cows milk protein . Formula based on soy or goat’s milk is also available. These formulas are suitable for babies from birth to 12 months.
Read the label carefully because:
- formulas developed for toddlers as well as pregnant women can look very similar, so check the label carefully to ensure your baby gets a formula that is safe and appropriate for their age.
- the label may list a number of additions such as LCPUFAs , probiotics or prebiotics. These ingredients are added because they are found naturally in breastmilk.
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How Much Should I Feed My Baby
Every baby is different. In the first few days your babys stomach is quite small. Your baby may only need small amounts of formula at each feeding. As they grow, they may drink more at each feeding and go longer between feedings.
Let your baby decide how much they want to eat at each feed. Your baby will show you they are full by doing any of these things:
- Closing their mouth
- Slowing down or stop sucking
- Turning their head away from the bottle or the person feeding them
- Showing lack of interest in feeding
- Falling asleep
Stop feeding when your baby shows you they are full. Your baby may still have small sucking movements after a feed. This is normal baby behavior.
Once you start feeding, use the bottle within 2 hours. Throw out any leftover formula. Do not reheat formula during a feed or refrigerate a partly used bottle.
Your baby is getting enough formula if they are growing well and have 6 or more wet diapers a day by the time they are one week of age. If you are concerned your baby is not feeding enough, contact your health care provider.
Bottle And Nipple Cleaning Tips
- If you wash the bottles and nipples by hand, use hot soapy water.
- Use special brushes to get the bottles and nipples clean. Make sure the nipple holes are cleaned well.
- Rinse well with hot water.
- Let the bottles and nipples air dry.
- You can also wash bottles and nipples in a dishwasher. Use a basket to hold the nipples, collars and caps.
- Do not store clean nipples and bottles in an air-tight container. Small amounts of milk could remain on them and cause mold.
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Care Advice For Bottle Feeding
Baby Feeding Goals For 0
The American Academy of Pediatrics indicates that on average, a baby this age will consume about 2.5 ounces of formula a day for every pound of their body weight while breastfed babies might consume about 2 to 2.5 ounces of expressed milk for every pound of their body weight. Additionally, your baby will likely eat 8 to 10 times in a 24-hour period.
As they get older both breastfed and formula-fed babies are typically satisfied with about 2 to 4 ounces of formula or expressed breast milk per feeding. Watch for your baby’s hunger cues and work with your pediatrician to determine the total number of ounces in a day’s time your baby should be eating. Here are some recommendations based on the AAP guidelines.
| How Much an Infant 0-3 Months Needs Per Day |
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| Weight |
You also can estimate how much milk your baby needs based on their age.
- Newborns: 2 to 3 ounces per formula feeding or expressed breast milk per feeding
- 1 month old: 3 to 4 ounces per formula feeding or 2 to 4 ounces of expressed breast milk per feeding
- 2 months old: 4 to 5 ounces per formula feeding or 3 to 4 ounces of expressed breast milk per feeding
- 3 months old: 4 to 5 ounces per formula feeding or 3 to 4 ounces of expressed breast milk per feeding
According to Dr. Roberts, the important thing to remember is that every child is different. The numbers in the above charts are meant only as guidelines.
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Unusual Or Irregular Feeding
The babys feeding may get disturbed in the first year, or their requirements may totally change. It may be due to teething, vaccination, or growth spurts. The babys hunger can fluctuate, and the baby may need more or less milk. Its normal in babies, and they usually go back to their previous routine in 2-3 days.
However, if the baby is consistently taking more feed, then its time for you to understand that the amount of milk you are preparing is insufficient, and you need to make extra milk. Adjust babys feed according to their requirement.
How Often Will My Newborn Eat
It is likely your newborn will want to eat about every 2 to 3 hours. They are the masters of mini-meals so, while they will eat often, they wont eat much during one sitting.
Take Note
If your baby is formula-fed, you can multiply your babys weight by 2.5 to see how many ounces he or she should consume each day. A 7-pound baby would need about 17.5 ounces of formula in 24 hours. Most breastfed babies eat around 20 to 30 ounces a day.
Its important your newborn does not go longer than 4 to 5 hours without a feeding.
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How To Burp Your Baby
When burping your baby, repeated gentle patting on your babys back should do the trick. Cup your hand while patting this is gentler on the baby than a flat palm.
To prevent messy cleanups when your baby spits up or has a wet burp, you might want to place a towel or bib under your babys chin or on your shoulder.
Try different positions for burping that are comfortable for you and your baby. Many parents use one of these three methods:
If your baby seems fussy while feeding, stop the session, burp your baby, and then begin feeding again. Try burping your baby every 2 to 3 ounces if you bottle-feed and each time you switch breasts if you breastfeed.
- tends to be gassy
Offer Expressed Breast Milk In A Bottle
Getting breastfed babies to feed from a bottle that isnt attached to their moms is one hard part of transitioning.
However, practice, overtime, makes perfect.
To get your baby to easily feed from a bottle, start by putting breast milk in it.
Once your baby gets used to feeding from a bottle, transitioning to formula will be a lot easier.
Also, make sure to choose the right baby bottle.
I recommend using baby bottles made out of special tempered glass because theyre durable, non-toxic and safe for the environment.
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Limitations Of Formula Feeding
Just as breastfeeding has its unique demands, so does bottle feeding. Bottle feeding requires organization and preparation, especially if you want to take your baby out. Store-bought formula can be pretty expensive, but do not try to make your own formula at home.
It’s important to make sure that you have enough formula on hand, and bottles that are clean and ready to be used.
Here are a few guidelines for formula feeding:
- Carefully follow directions on the label when preparing formula. Do not add more water than directed.
- Bottles left out of the refrigerator longer than 1 hour and any formula left in the bottle that a baby doesn’t finish should be discarded.
- Prepared bottles of formula can be stored in the refrigerator up to 24 hours and carefully warmed just before feeding. You don’t have to warm formula, but most babies prefer it.
- A bottle of formula can be warmed by holding it in running warm water or setting it in a pan of warm water. A bottle of formula should never be warmed in a microwave. The bottle can heat unevenly and leave “hot spots” that can burn a baby’s mouth.
How Do I Clean And Disinfect The Bottles And Equipment To Make Formula
Wash bottles thoroughly with soap and water. Then, disinfect the bottles and equipment used to make formula. To learn how to wash and disinfect, see HealthLinkBC File #69b Feeding Your Baby Formula: Safely Making and Storing Formula.
Artificial nipples wear down over time. Throw away nipples that are cracked, sticky or torn. New disposable bottle liners are sterile and ready to use. Use a new liner for every feed.
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How To Choose Formula
Talk with your baby’s health care provider about what formula is best for your baby. Although there are many types of formula, most babies do well with one that is cow-milk based.
Unless your baby’s health care provider advises against it, choose a formula that is iron-fortified. This is important to prevent iron deficiency, which can slow development.
Once made up, all formula must be refrigerated. Formula should be thrown out after 24 hours if it has not been used.
The different types of formula are:
- powder. This is the least expensive. It does not need to be refrigerated until it is mixed with water. If you are going to be away from home, you may choose a brand that comes in individual packets. This option is more convenient, although more costly.
- concentrated liquid. This needs to have water added to it. It is more expensive than powder. It also must be refrigerated once the container is opened.
- ready-to-use formula. This is the most convenient and the most costly. It can be handy for the times when mixing might be difficult.