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Baby formula: Is your baby eating enough?
A guide for moms getting started with baby formula
How do you know if your baby is eating enough?
While babies can differ in how much they eat and when they eat, it is important to feed them enough in order to sustain their health and development. As you begin feeding with baby formula from a bottle, it can take a while to know how much to feed your baby, but as babies get older, their appetites — and stomachs — grow to support their development. Feeding your baby too much can cause spit-up, so be mindful of these points as you begin feeding baby formula.
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Eating rhythm
Follow your baby’s lead and feed when she naturally wants to eat, paying careful attention for any hunger cues — rooting for milk, sucking motions, or putting hands to mouth. Crying is a late sign of hunger, and might be a signal for something else.
Measuring amounts
Preparing baby formula requires you to closely follow the instructions for how much formula to prepare to ensure your baby gets the right nutrition. If you measure correctly and track feedings, you can easily monitor your baby’s appetite and weight gain.
Number of wet diapers
A general guide for whether you are feeding your baby enough is to keep count of the number of diaper changes. Six to eight wet diapers and one or two passed stools per day are signs that your baby is eating enough. Your baby might be dehydrated or constipated if you are changing diapers less frequently, so contact your health care provider if you notice a major change in your baby’s eating habits and/or digestive patterns.
Weight gain
If you are feeding enough, you should notice your baby gaining a small amount of weight each week. But because babies gain weight and develop at different rates, consult your baby’s doctor to determine what is healthy.
