Now if you're a mom, you've undoubtedly asked your self, "is my baby getting enough food?" Time and time again, as the baby's appetite changes, you will continue to ask yourself if you are feeding your baby enough. Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, all babies require different amounts of food; however, there are helpful guidelines that have medically proven to be appropriate for recommended amounts of feeding based on age.
From birth to 4 months, your baby's diet consists of 100% breast milk or formula. Since breast milk is digested more quickly than formula, breast fed babies tend to eat more often. If you are not bottle feeding your baby, it can become tough to estimate how much they are getting which means you must pay close attention to signs that your baby is full and signs that they may be ready to eat again. Luckily, newborn babies adjust to feeding schedules they are put on by their mother and can grow accordingly.
If you are bottle feeding your child, here are some helpful hints:
• On average, a newborn consumes about 1.5-3 ounces (45-90 milliliters) every 2-3 hours. This amount increases as your baby grows and is able to take more at each feeding.
• At about 2 months, your baby may be taking 4-5 ounces (120-150 milliliters) at each feeding and the feedings may be every 3-4 hours.
• At 4 months, your baby may be taking 4-6 ounces (120-180 milliliters) at each feeding, depending on the frequency of feedings and his or her size.
• By 6 months, your baby's daily intake can be between 24-32 ounces (720-950 milliliters). This also depends on whether you've introduced any baby food.
When your baby begins solid foods, you can expect for them to drink less milk, but it is important to continue to provide breast milk or formula until they turn 1 year old.
