Baby Formula Feeding Chart (How Much And How Often)
Feeding your baby is one of the most important tasks of parenting, and choosing the right formula can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it’s essential to understand the different types of formulas available and the benefits they offer. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive baby formula feeding chart to help you understand the different options and choose the best one for your baby.
Baby Formula Feeding Chart – Amount And Schedule
How much formula can take and how much the time gap between the feeding purely depends on your baby’s needs. Here are few things that you need to know about the baby formula feeding chart.
First Days:
Initial days, your baby belly is very tiny. Take from 30–60 ml(1 to 2 ounces) of formula per feeding and will take every 2-3 hrs on average during first few days. Whereas Breastfed babies take a small amount of formula, more frequently than formula-fed babies.
First Few Weeks:
If your infant sleeps more than four to five hours continuously and starts missing feedings, wake your baby up and give a bottle of milk. Take from 60–90 ml(2 to 3 ounces) of formula per feeding and will take every 3-4 hrs on average during her first few weeks. Usually, most infants can take the formula milk eight to twelve times a day.
By The End Of The First Month:
Your infant will be up to at least 120 ml(4 ounces) per feeding. Your baby takes the milk every four hours. Usually, after about a few weeks to few months, babies feeding time will be longer[1], so you need to wake your baby up to feed.
About 2 to 4 Months:
At 2 months age, your baby takes 120 to 150 ml(4-5 ounces) per feeding every 3-4 hours. At about 4 months, your baby takes 120 to 180 ml(4-6 ounces) per feeding. Few feeding sessions may be short and few are long, do not worry about it. Few kids start showing interest in few solid foods, you can look for the food options for 4 months baby after consulting your pediatrician.
By Six Months:
At 6 months, Your baby takes 180–240 ml (6 to 8 ounces) for every four to five feedings in a day. You can even start giving solid foods for 6 months baby.
6 to 12 Months:
During this age, your baby starts showing signs of hunger. Most of the six to twelve months old babies will need 5 to 6 times of formula and solid foods for 12 months babies.
On average, your infant baby should take at least 75 ml(2.5 ounces) of formula milk in a day for every 453 grams(one pound) of the weight. But the intake of formula will be regulated based on the specific needs of your baby. Just do not go by the fixed amount of formula. Let your baby take it until he is full. If he is full, he might throw off the bottle or look sleepy or easily distracted during feeding. If he keeps drinking even after the bottle is empty or smacking his lips continuously, then he might be still hungry.
- Usually, most infants take 90-120 ml(3-4 ounces) formula per feeding during the first month. And increase 30 ml(1 ounce) per month until they reach a maximum of 210 – 240 ml(7-8 ounces).
- If your baby constantly seems to take less than this, consult your pediatrician and discuss this. Your infant should not take more than 960 ml(32 ounces) of formula milk in a day.
- Few babies might just want to suck the pacifier.
Also Read: Best Foods To Increase Breast Milk
Here is the baby formula feeding chart schedule:
| Age | Number of Feedings Per Day | Amount per Feeding |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0-2 months) | 8-12 | 2-3 ounces |
| 2-4 months | 6-7 | 4-5 ounces |
| 4-6 months | 5-6 | 5-6 ounces |
| 6-9 months | 4-5 | 6-7 ounces |
| 9-12 months | 3-4 | 7-8 ounces |
How often should I be feeding my baby formula?
A: The frequency of formula feedings will vary depending on your baby’s age, weight, and hunger cues. In general, newborns will feed every 2-3 hours, while older babies may feed every 4 hours or more. This amount increases as your baby grow and is able to take more at each feeding. It’s best to consult with a pediatrician for a personalized feeding schedule.
Can you overfeed a baby formula?
Most parents want their baby to grow chubby cheeks, chubby thighs. But there is the main concern every mother has to consider is childhood obesity. If your child has a sudden gain in weight than normal growth, consult your pediatrician.
Also Read: Formula Milk Vs Breast Milk
It is suggested that do not go by books or websites which can not tell you precisely or the exact need of your baby’s intake. Observe that if your baby is increasing the quantity at least a little amount, if the quantity is decreasing then there is a need to visit the doctor and get the right thing to do.
In conclusion, the baby formula feeding chart provides an excellent starting point for parents who are considering formula feeding their baby. It is important to remember that every baby is unique and may have different nutritional needs, so it’s essential to consult with a pediatrician before making a decision. Whether you choose a cow’s milk-based formula, a soy-based formula, or a specialty formula, the most important thing is to ensure your baby is getting the proper nutrition for healthy growth and development.
Baby Formula Feeding Chart – FAQs:
Q: What type of formula is best for a newborn baby?
For the first six months of life, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding or the use of iron-fortified formula. An iron-fortified, cow’s milk-based formula is usually the best choice for a newborn.
Q: Is it okay to switch formula brands?
A: Yes, it is okay to switch formula brands as long as you are giving your baby a nutritionally complete formula. However, if you notice any changes in your baby’s behavior or digestion after switching brands, it is best to consult with a pediatrician.
Q: Can I use powdered formula instead of liquid formula?
A: Yes, you can use powdered formula instead of liquid formula, but it is important to follow the instructions on the packaging carefully to ensure the formula is mixed correctly.
Q: What should I do if my baby is not eating as much formula as they used to?
A: If your baby is not eating as much formula as they used to, it could be due to a variety of reasons such as teething, growth spurts, or illness. It’s best to consult with a pediatrician to rule out any underlying health issues.
Q: What are the signs that my baby is hungry?
A: Common hunger cues in babies include rooting, sucking on their hands, fussing, and crying.
Q: Can I add anything to formula, such as cereal or juice?
A: No, it’s best to stick to the recommended amount of formula for each feeding. Adding additional ingredients can dilute the nutritional content of the formula and may cause digestive problems for your baby.
Q: Is it okay to warm up formula in the microwave?
A: It’s not recommended to warm up formula in the microwave as it can create hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth. Instead, it’s best to warm up formula by placing the bottle in warm water or by using a bottle warmer.
Q: Can I use formula after its expiration date?
A: No, it’s important to not use formula after its expiration date as it may have lost its nutritional value and may no longer be safe for your baby to consume.
Q: How do I know if my baby is getting enough formula?
A: Signs that your baby is getting enough formula include weight gain, wet diapers, and contentment after feedings. If you have concerns about your baby’s formula intake, it’s best to consult with a pediatrician.
