Whether you have decided to formula feed your baby, alternate between breast milk and formula milk, or switching from natural breastfeeding to formula feeding, you must have some questions you need to ask.
This article offers you some answers to some FAQ on formula feeding.
How many times do I need to feed my baby?
Mothers should feed their babies whenever they show signs of hunger. The older the baby, the more its stomach is ready for more milk. The baby should be fed every 3-4 hours.
As for newborns, or babies losing weight, it is recommended to consult your doctor to determine the necessary feeding times.
How do I know that the baby needs feeding?
Signs the baby is hungry include:
• moving head from side to side.
• Opening their mouths.
• Sticking out their tongues.
• Putting their fingers in their mouths.
• Moving towards the mother's breasts.
• Crying.
Crying, however is a late sign of hunger. The baby must be fed before it gets to the point of extreme hunger that triggers crying. At that point, it will be difficult to calm it down.
It is also important to know that crying is not necessarily triggered by hunger. There could be other reasons like feeling cold or hot, the mother has not been paying attention to the baby for a while, or that it needs its diaper changed. If your baby cries only an hour or two after a feed, its crying is definitely not because it is hungry.
How much milk is enough for my baby?
• Newborns need 45-90 milliliters every 3-4 hours.
• At two months old, the baby needs 120-150 milliliters every 3-4 hours.
• At four months old, the baby needs 120-180 milliliters of milk depending on the number of feeds.
• At six months old, the baby needs 180-230 milliliters of milk every 4-5 hours. This will depend on whether or not you will introduce other foods.
Why does my baby get hungry more often than usual?
The older the baby, the more frequently it gets hungry and the more milk it will need. Sometimes, however, the mother may feel that the baby is more and more needy for feedings.
The reason for this is the rapid growths or growth spurts babies go through, which are usually expected at the following ages:
• 7-14 days old.
• 3-6 weeks old.
• Four months old.
• Six months old.
During these periods, it is good for the baby to feed it whenever it needs.