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Baby bottle feeding chart


Amount and Schedule of Baby Formula Feedings

  • ​In the first week after birth, babies should be eating no more than about 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 ml) per feed.
  • During the first month, babies gradually eat more until they take 3 to 4 ounces (90 to 120 ml) per feed, amounting to 32 ounces per day. Formula-fed babies typically feed on a more regular schedule, such as every 3 or 4 hours. Breastfed babies usually take smaller, more frequent feedings than formula-fed infants.

If your baby sleeps longer than 4 to 5 hours during the first few weeks after birth and starts missing feedings, wake them up and offer a bottle.

  • By the end of the first month: Your baby will be up to at least 3 to 4 ounces (120 mL) per feeding, with a fairly predictable schedule of feedings about every 3 to 4 hours.

  • By 6 months: Your baby will consume 6 to 8 ounces (180–240 mL) at each of 4 or 5 feedings in 24 hours.

Formula feeding based on body weight

On average, your baby should take in about 2½ ounces (75 mL) of infant formula a day for every pound (453 g) of body weight. But they probably will regulate their intake from day to day to meet their own specific needs, so let them tell you when they've had enough. If they become fidgety or easily distracted during a feeding, they're probably finished. If they drain the bottle and continues smacking their lips, they might still be hungry.

There are high and low limits, however. If your baby consistently seems to want more or less than this, discuss it with your pediatrician. Your baby should usually drink no more than an average of about 32 ounces (960 mL) of formula in 24 hours. Some babies have higher needs for sucking and may just want to suck on a pacifier after feeding.

On-demand feeding

Initially it is best to feed your formula-fed newborn a bottle on demand, or whenever they cry with hunger. As time passes, your baby will begin to develop a fairly regular timetable of their own. As you become familiar with their signals and needs, you'll be able to schedule their feedings around their routine.

Eating & sleeping patterns

Between 2 and 4 months of age (or when the baby weighs more than 12 lb. [5.4 kg]), most formula-fed babies no longer need a middle-of-the-night feedings. They're consuming more during the day, and their sleeping patterns have become more regular (although this varies considerably from baby to baby). Their stomach capacity has increased, too, which means they may go longer between daytime feedings—occasionally up to 4 or 5 hours at a time.

If your baby still seems to feed very frequently or consume larger amounts, try distracting them with play or with a pacifier. Sometimes patterns of obesity begin during infancy, so it is important not to overfeed your baby.

Getting to know your baby's feeding needs


The most important thing to remember, whether you breastfeed or bottlefeed, is that your baby's feeding needs are unique. No book―or website―can tell you precisely how much or how often they need to be fed or exactly how you should handle them during feedings. You will discover these things for yourself as you and your baby get to know each other.

More information

  • How Often and How Much Should Your Baby Eat?
  • Making Sure Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk
  • Is Your Baby Hungry or Full? Responsive Feeding Explained (Video)
  • Remedies for Spitty Babies
Last Updated
5/16/2022
Source
Adapted from Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 7th Edition (Copyright © 2019 American Academy of Pediatrics)

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

How Often and How Much Should Your Baby Eat?

By: Sanjeev Jain, MD, FAAP

One of the most common questions new parents have is how often their baby should eat. The best answer is surprisingly simple: in general, babies should be fed whenever they seem hungry.

How do I know when my baby is hungry?

For babies born prematurely or with certain medical conditions, scheduled feedings advised by your pediatrician are best. But for most healthy, full-term infants, parents can look to their baby rather than the clock for hunger cues. This is called feeding on demand, or responsive feeding.

Hunger cues

A hungry baby often will cry. But it's best to watch for hunger cues before the baby starts crying, which is a late sign of hunger and can make it hard for them to settle down and eat.

Some other typical hunger cues in babies:

  • Licking lips

  • Sticking tongue out

  • Rooting (moving jaw and mouth or head in search of breast)

  • Putting his/her hand to mouth repeatedly

  • Opening her mouth

  • Fussiness

  • Sucking on everything around

It is important to realize, however, that every time your baby cries or sucks it is not necessarily because he or she is hungry. Babies suck not only for hunger, but also for comfort; it can be hard at first for parents to tell the difference. Sometimes, your baby just needs to be cuddled or changed.

General guidelines for baby feeding

It is important to remember all babies are different―some like to snack more often, and others drink more at one time and go longer between feedings. However, most babies will drink more and go longer between feedings as they get bigger and their tummies can hold more milk:

  • Most newborns eat every 2 to 3 hours, or 8 to 12 times every 24 hours. Babies might only take in half ounce per feeding for the first day or two of life, but after that will usually drink 1 to 2 ounces at each feeding. This amount increases to 2 to 3 ounces by 2 weeks of age.

  • At about 2 months of age, babies usually take 4 to 5 ounces per feeding every 3 to 4 hours.

  • At 4 months, babies usually take 4 to 6 ounces per feeding.

  • At 6 months, babies may be taking up to 8 ounces every 4 to 5 hours.

Most babies will increase the amount of formula they drink by an average of 1 ounce each month before leveling off at about 7 to 8 ounces per feeding. Solid foods should be started at about 6 months old.

Concerns about overfeeding or underfeeding your baby


Too full?

Babies are usually pretty good at eating the right amount, but they can sometimes take in more than they need. Infants who are bottle feeding may be more likely to overfeed, because drinking from a bottle may take less effort than breastfeeding.

Overfed babies can have stomach pains, gas, spit up or vomit and be at higher risk for obesity later in life. It's better to offer less, since you can always give more if your baby wants it. This also gives babies time to realize when they're full.

If you are concerned your baby wants to eat all the time―even when he or she is full―talk with your pediatrician. Pacifiers may be used after feeding to help sooth healthy-weight babies who like to suck for comfort, rather than nutrition. For babies who are breastfed, it's best to wait to offer pacifiers until around 3 to 4 weeks of age, when breastfeeding is well-established.

Trouble gaining weight?

Most babies will double their birth weight by 5 months of age and triple their birth weight by their first birthday. If your baby is having trouble gaining weight, don't wait too long between feeding―even if it means waking your baby. Be sure to talk with your pediatrician about how often and how much to feed your baby.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?

Daily diapers

A newborn's diaper is a good indicator of whether he or she is getting enough to eat. In the first few days after birth, a baby should have 2 to 3 wet diapers each day. After the first 4 to 5 days, a baby should have at least 5 to 6 wet diapers a day. Stool frequency is more variable and depends whether your baby is breastfed or formula fed.

Growth charts

During regular health check-ups, your pediatrician will check your baby's weight and plot it on a growth chart. Your baby's progress on the growth chart is one way to tell whether or not they are getting enough food. Babies who stay in healthy growth percentile ranges are probably getting a healthy amount of food during feedings.

Remember

Talk with your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about your baby getting the right amount to eat.

More information:

  • Making Sure Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk
  • Amount and Schedule of Formula Feedings
  • Is Your Baby Hungry or Full? Responsive Feeding Explained (Video)
  • Remedies for Spitty Babies
  • Ask the Pediatrician: With the baby formula shortage, what should I do if I can't find any?
  • Ask the Pediatrician: How should we feed our baby if we're running low on money?
  • Airplane Choo Choo: A Feeding Guide for Children (National Dairy Council)

About Dr.

Jain:

Sanjeev Jain, MD, FAAP, is a Clinical Associate Professor of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Within the American Academy of Pediatrics, he is a member of the Section on International Child Health and the Wisconsin State Chapter.

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

How to properly bottle feed

Feeding your baby is not only an important process for healthy growth and development, but also a way to establish close emotional contact with the baby and build trusting and loving relationships. The transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding should be carried out after the mother and the child are fully prepared for this. We are talking about both the moral aspect, and about choosing the right bottle and getting adults the necessary skills so that eating brings only positive emotions and benefits to the baby. In this article, we will talk more about how to properly bottle feed your baby and where to start.

How to prepare your baby for bottle feeding

If this method of feeding is a completely new experience for the baby, or if parents decide to bottle feed their baby from a very young age, slow flow nipples should be preferred. So you protect the child from the possibility of choking while eating. Over time, you can gradually switch to bottles with nipples, which would provide faster and more intense feeding.

Feeding bottle selection and daily care

All baby accessories should be kept clean and sterilized regularly and thoroughly.

There are several ways to sterilize dishes:

  • select the appropriate mode when using the dishwasher;
  • or place the bottle and teat in a vessel of boiling water for 5 minutes.

Before using this method of cleaning the bottle, make sure that the material it is made of can be exposed to high temperatures. Since some types of plastic contain various chemicals in their composition, after sterilization they can become dangerous for their little user. For this reason, experts recommend choosing glass bottles.

The need for thorough cleansing of everything that the baby will touch is caused by the fact that in the first months of life, the child's immune system is just beginning to strengthen. Before sterilizing the teat, it can be cleaned with dishwashing detergent. There are special products for washing children's dishes, without a strong odor and with a safe composition.

How to bottle feed your baby

Before starting a meal, mom or dad should wash their hands well with soap and warm running water. Particular attention should be paid to the area between the fingers and under the nails. The hand washing process should take at least 20 seconds. And after carrying out this hygienic procedure, hands should be wiped dry with a paper towel or clean towel.

The next step is to prepare for the meal. If you plan to fill the bottle with formula, then dilute it with water in accordance with the instructions in the instructions. Improper proportions can lead to dehydration or bloating. It should also be remembered that for the preparation of the mixture you need to use only clean drinking water.

Breast milk is the most beneficial for a newborn. Despite this, pediatricians advise breastfeeding babies for as long as possible. Even if the mother is ready to give up breastfeeding, milk can be expressed into a bottle and gradually accustom the baby to the nipple. If, for one reason or another, the mother does not have the opportunity to feed herself, then the only alternative is feeding with a special mixture.

In the first six months after birth, cow's or goat's milk or its substitute in the form of soy milk should not be included in the baby's diet. Valid options for supporting healthy development of a newborn are breast milk or formula milk only.

What temperature should the bottle filler be? Under no circumstances should the bottle be heated on the stove or in the microwave. If the temperature of the bottle and its filling exceed 37°C, the baby may be burned. It is recommended to use special bottle warmers. If this is not possible, then use the following method:

  • put a saucepan on the stove with a little water;
  • bring the water to a boil, then remove the pan from the heat;
  • place a bottle of milk in a vessel and heat it up to 37◦С;
  • check the temperature with a pre-cleaned thermometer or a special device for measuring the temperature of foodstuffs.

You can also check the temperature of the ready-to-use bottle as follows:

  • turn the bottle over;
  • drip several times into your wrist area.

In this way, you can check not only the temperature of the milk or formula, but also how well the liquid flows out of the bottle. If you have to shake or squeeze the bottle hard to drip, the nipple is blocked and needs to be cleaned out. If, on the contrary, the filler pours out when the bottle is turned over, this means that the nipple is damaged and another nipple should be used to feed the baby, having previously sterilized it.

How to bottle feed your baby lying down

There are several techniques for feeding your baby. However, it is the feeding of the child lying down from the bottle that young parents consider the most comfortable. It is worth noting that eating in this position will only be safe when the baby's head is slightly raised. Otherwise, the child may simply choke. In the prone position, the child should be placed on his arm bent at the elbow. After feeding, you should place the baby in an upright position, taking him in your arms and putting his stomach to your chest.

Make sure that the feeding bottle is closed correctly: the ring at the connection of the nipple to the bottle must not be too tight. Air must enter the bottle, otherwise a vacuum will be created there, which, in turn, will complicate the consumption of food for the child.

How to bottle feed without spitting up

Since the newborn is not able to fully control the process of feeding, along with milk, he can also take in air. This may be the reason that at one meal the child could not master the planned portion. In view of this, it is recommended to take small breaks during feeding.

As soon as you notice that the baby has stopped sucking on the pacifier, is tired or thoughtful, pick him up and press his face to you, holding his head and back. To help burp excess air, you can make a light massage between the shoulder blades, pat on the back or pope.

The air will quickly rise up and the baby will burp it without any extra effort. However, you should be prepared for the fact that, along with the air, part of the consumed mixture or milk may also return. Therefore, before taking the baby in your arms, cover yourself with a diaper, because it will be easier to wash it than clothes.

Never leave your baby alone with the bottle or let him fall asleep while using it. After eating, mom or dad must help their child burp. This will help to avoid colic, bloating and other manifestations of stomach discomfort.

Where to buy baby accessories

It's safe to say that I Love Mommy online store is one of the best places to buy baby food. Our catalogs feature products from world-famous brands, the quality of which you will not have to doubt for a minute. Bottles, baby dishes, pacifiers, baby bibs - all this and much more you can buy for your son or daughter from us at affordable prices in just a few minutes.

How to bottle feed: tips and tricks

Kiseleva Elena Sergeevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Scientific Advisor MAMAKO ®

Breast milk is the best food for your baby*. But breastfeeding is not possible for all women. For moms who can't breastfeed or keep breastfeeding for as long as they would like, quality infant formula is a healthy alternative.

The best thing is when the baby is in her arms, ideally in skin-to-skin contact: such a position when bottle-feeding, as well as during breastfeeding, creates close contact between mother and baby, helps them get closer, strengthen emotional connection.

Feeding time is a time to be together and communicate with the baby (and for dad too).

The first days of life are a period of adaptation of crumbs to the outside world. And the first thing he is looking for is protection and comfort . In the moments of application to the skin of the baby, it warms the warmth of the mother's body, soothes and comforts her smell and heartbeat, so familiar to him even before birth. Gentle touches and calm breathing, a smile and a soft voice of a mother, a mixture warm as breast milk give the baby everything he needs - safety, warmth and nutrition.

Love and contact is the most important "ingredient" in any feeding process and infant formula is rich vitamins and nutrients that are good for your baby's health and development will help you feel confident in your ability to care for your baby.

In theory, feeding your baby formula is just a few simple steps. But if you've never made a bottle of baby food or the time is three in the morning, things seem complicated. Be patient to get into the rhythm.

For most mothers, bottle feeding becomes a part of baby food. And this does not depend on whether the bottle contains expressed breast milk or formula. The important thing is that sticking to breastfeeding exclusively can be difficult or impossible over time. Then the mother begins to supplement the baby with a mixture or transfer it to completely artificial feeding.

Below are answers to parents' questions about how to properly and safely bottle feed your baby.


1. How to make a formula bottle

We offer together step by step the process of preparing the first bottle for your baby.

  1. Hand hygiene : Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling bottles and feeding the baby. We also check the cleanliness of the table and measuring spoon.
  2. Sterilization : bottles and teats should preferably be sterilized beforehand.
  3. Water preparation : boil bottled baby water and cool to 40 ˚C, determine the right amount of water, then pour it into the bottle up to the desired mark - according to the number of scoops of dry formula according to the weight and age of your child.
  4. Let's determine the volume of the mixture : on the jar, in the "Feeding table" block, it is indicated how many spoons are required for one feeding. The measuring spoon should be full and without a slide - we remove the excess on a special corner of the jar. Both day and night, it is best to look at the feeding chart (unless otherwise determined by your doctor) so as not to accidentally add too much or too little formula. An overly dilute formula or an excess of it can interfere with a child's proper nutrition.
  5. Mixing according to instructions : Pour the required amount of product without a slide into a bottle of prepared water. Next, close the bottle with a lid and roll between the palms. If the bottle is shaken, a lot of foam may form.
  6. Checking the temperature of prepared meals : put a drop of the mixture on the inside of the wrist, where the skin is as sensitive as in a baby's mouth. Immediately after preparing the mixture, tightly close the jar of baby food and feed the baby.
  7. Let daddy give a bottle of and be alone with the baby - they also need communication and time to make friends. The reality is that many dads feel left out while breastfeeding, but this can be avoided with formula feeding. Show how to hold your baby and bottle, support your partner during the first feedings . This help will be useful for you too. An extra pair of hands when bottle feeding gives mom a little more precious time.

2. What water to use for infant formula

Only boiled bottled baby water should be used in the bottle. This is a great way to make sure the water you use is safe for your baby.

All children's water is registered by Rospotrebnadzor in accordance with SanPiN 2.1.4.1116-02. Such water corresponds to the indicators of the highest category, is balanced in terms of mineral composition and is characterized by low total mineralization in the range of 200-500 mg / l (a baby’s body is simply not able to absorb higher concentrations of minerals and salts).

Packaged water may look the same. But some manufacturers divide baby water into two categories - for drinking and for preparing mixtures. The composition of drinking water contains a higher concentration of minerals that are beneficial for the child's body, but they can upset the balance of the nutrient mixture. Therefore, on the labels you can read about the different purposes of water: suitable for preparing baby food or for feeding babies and young children.

It makes no sense to make large stocks of baby water - water in open bottles becomes unusable after 24-48 hours, depending on the manufacturer. Tap or spring water is also not suitable for feeding babies. Such water may contain various impurities, bacteria and microbes that are dangerous for babies. Boiling will “free” water from harmful microorganisms, but not from impurities of heavy metals and chemicals.


3. How to use the measuring spoon correctly

The measuring spoon helps you accurately measure the amount of the mixture and get the correct dosage. Fill a full spoon, but shoot a slide. You don't need a kitchen knife for this - each jar of mixture has a convenient wide corner for removing excess. And in economical jars with a volume of 800 g, for example, in MAMAKO ® Premium with goat milk, the spoon is conveniently attached to the lid - so you don’t have to look for it in a large package before each feeding. Fingers and knives are not absolutely clean, they always have a lot of bacteria that can spoil the mixture and harm the health of the baby. The antibacterial fastening of the spoon and the corner of the jar protect the mixture and the child from harmful bacteria from the external environment.


4. What temperature should the water and ready mix be?

Boiled water should be cooled to 40 °C. This temperature will retain all the benefits of baby food based on goat's milk. The easiest way to get water at the right temperature is to boil it in a kettle and let it cool for 20-30 minutes. A kettle for boiling water requires special care - it is covered with a mineral coating, which is easily removed by boiling citric acid. This is a troublesome procedure, since after cleaning it takes about 3-4 boils to remove traces of detergent. Create a rhythm for preparing dishes - at night or with a crying baby in your arms, there will be no time for this. The finished formula should be warm: 37 ˚C, as this is the temperature of breast milk and it is optimal for the baby's food. Before feeding, do not forget to check if the mixture is too hot by applying a couple of drops on the wrist. If it burns, you can hold the bottle under cold water for a while, after closing the nipple with a lid. If the mixture has cooled slightly, it is enough to heat it under a warm stream of water.


5. Mixed feeding: breast or bottle first

The best feeding schedule is when the mother supplements her baby with formula after breast milk. If the baby is given a bottle first, then he may begin to refuse the breast. This is due to the fact that it is easier to suck through the nipple, and with natural feeding, the baby has to “work” a lot to get mom's milk.


6. How many baby bottles do you need per day

It's all about how old you are on formula, how much formula you give, and how often your baby eats. It's best to keep six to ten bottles on hand so you always have clean dishes. In addition, the more bottles, the less often they will have to be sterilized. Buy 125 ml bottles for an infant, then upgrade to 150 ml and 240 ml as your baby's appetite and needs increase. Don't rush to part with smaller bottles, they are great for supplementing and watering.


7. Why can't the bottle be held horizontally during feeding

Mom tilts the bottle so that the nipple is always filled with formula. The angle of inclination increases as the bottle empties, so it is important to be close to the baby, not leaving him alone during feeding even for a minute. If you do not tilt the bottle, the child will begin to swallow air. Air bubbles can cause regurgitation during or immediately after feeding. In addition, when air enters the baby’s stomach, he feels full faster, which means he eats less and will be hungry after a short period of time.


8. Which nipple to choose for your baby bottle

Many wide and narrow neck bottles already come with a set of baby nipples. Almost all of them are made of silicone. Which shape of the nipple - anatomical or round - and what size of hole your child will like, can be understood by his reaction during feeding. If the mixture drips from the corners of the mouth, the flow may be too fast due to the large opening. If the baby is sucking hard, the mixture may drip too slowly. We recommend that you do not enlarge the opening of the nipple: it may tear, and the microparticles of the product may enter the child's body. Perhaps the hole is just clogged, this sometimes happens. If necessary, nipples can be replaced and bought separately from the bottles.


9. Should baby bottles be sterilized

Yes, to limit the spread of bacteria. Hard-to-reach places of the bottle must be washed from the mixture (a brush and warm water are enough) before sterilization. A sterilizer is ideal for this purpose - ultrasonic, electric or steam for a microwave oven. It can sterilize all baby accessories - bottles, nipples, caps, brushes. Of course, you can replace the sterilizer with a simple boil, but be careful that the water does not boil away, otherwise the bottles and nipples will be damaged and become dangerous.


10. Can I use the microwave to heat formula

Resist the temptation to microwave the formula and save time. Microwave ovens heat liquids unevenly. Even if the bottle is not hot, the mixture can warm up quite strongly: there is a risk of burning the baby. In addition, heating in the microwave can break down the nutrients in the formula.


11. Can leftover formula be stored

If your child has not finished formula, discard any leftover formula. No need to heat up and reuse it. It's not safe for the baby. After a while, bacteria begin to multiply in the finished mixture. Dilute a fresh batch of formula every time the baby is hungry.


12. How to prepare a bottle while traveling

If you are away from home or on the road for several hours, you can take two bottles of warm boiled water in a thermal bag that keeps you warm. Before each feeding, it remains to pour the right amount of mixture into the bottle (it is convenient to measure portions in advance according to the number of feedings in the infant formula dispenser). If the water in the bottle is cold, it is enough to warm it under warm water (this will take a little time). Bottles and teats should last until the next opportunity to wash and sterilize them. Remember that a thermal bag is good for maintaining the temperature of boiled water, but it cannot be used to store the finished mixture - this is harmful to the baby's health.


MAMAKO ® fully supports breastfeeding, but since this is not always possible, we have shown you how to bottle feed with love. In addition, the preparation of baby food will become a conscious and important matter. Very little time will pass, and you will fondly remember these precious moments of tender age, and feeding time will be the beginning of a warm, close connection with the baby.

* Breast milk is the best food for babies. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child's life and continued breastfeeding after complementary foods are introduced until the age of 2 years. Before introducing new products into the baby's diet, you should consult with a specialist.

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