It can be confusing trying to work out how much formula to give your baby every day. And there's no single answer. It depends on your baby's age, weight, and whether you're feeding him only formula, or giving it alongside breastmilk or solids.
We have a few pointers to help you work out how much formula to give your baby.
We have a few pointers to help you work out how much formula to give your baby.
How will I know when my baby's hungry?
Your baby’s appetite will vary from day to day and month to month, so try to let him set the pace. Your baby will feed as often as he needs to, as long as you learn to spot his cues and respond to them.
When your baby’s hungry, he may start rooting, which means he will turn his head and open his mouth toward your breast. He may also make some sucking motions and bring his hands to his mouth. Offer your baby a feed when you spot these early signs of hunger.
Your baby may not need a bottle every time he cries. You'll soon recognise your baby’s special "I’m hungry!" cry. It'll be easier to feed your baby before he gets too upset and starts crying, so prepare a feed when he wakes up.
When you're feeding your baby, keep a watch for signs that he's had enough, such as slowing down or resting. These pauses give your baby time to feel whether or not he's full.
When your baby’s hungry, he may start rooting, which means he will turn his head and open his mouth toward your breast. He may also make some sucking motions and bring his hands to his mouth. Offer your baby a feed when you spot these early signs of hunger.
Your baby may not need a bottle every time he cries. You'll soon recognise your baby’s special "I’m hungry!" cry. It'll be easier to feed your baby before he gets too upset and starts crying, so prepare a feed when he wakes up.
When you're feeding your baby, keep a watch for signs that he's had enough, such as slowing down or resting. These pauses give your baby time to feel whether or not he's full.
How much formula should I measure out?
If your baby isn't eating solids yet, there’s a rough guide that you can use to work out how much formula to give.
Your baby will want between 150ml and 200ml of formula per kilogram of his body weight per day (UNICEF 2010). Bear in mind that your baby may want less than this in the first week, before he settles down to a pattern of feeding (UNICEF 2010).
So, if your baby weighs 3kg, he'll need between 450ml and 600ml of formula over a 24-hour period to satisfy his hunger.
Remember that these measurements are only a rule of thumb. Just as your appetite varies with each meal, your baby isn't going to take exactly the same amount at each feed. So don't force your baby to finish a bottle, even if there is only a little bit left.
Your baby will want between 150ml and 200ml of formula per kilogram of his body weight per day (UNICEF 2010). Bear in mind that your baby may want less than this in the first week, before he settles down to a pattern of feeding (UNICEF 2010).
So, if your baby weighs 3kg, he'll need between 450ml and 600ml of formula over a 24-hour period to satisfy his hunger.
Remember that these measurements are only a rule of thumb. Just as your appetite varies with each meal, your baby isn't going to take exactly the same amount at each feed. So don't force your baby to finish a bottle, even if there is only a little bit left.
How will feeding change as my baby grows?
How much formula your baby needs depends not only on his weight, but also on his age. Here’s a rough month-by-month guide to help you work out how much to give your baby:
- During the first week, try giving your baby between 30ml and 60ml at each feed. He won’t be able to manage much more than this in one go.
- By the time your baby is one month old, he will probably want between 90ml and 120ml at each feed. He’ll consume anywhere from 400ml to 800ml in one day. You'll soon sense if your baby needs more, as he'll finish his feed quickly and then look around for second helpings!
- When your baby’s between two and six months, he may want between 120ml and 180ml at a feed. He'll have anything from 700ml to over a litre a day.
- Once your baby reaches six months, he may want between 180ml and 220ml at a feed. His total formula intake may be about 900ml a day.
- When you start giving your baby solids, his daily intake of formula milk is likely to gradually decrease to about 720ml (24oz).
- Once your baby is fully established on solids, he’ll need about 500ml to 600ml (16.7 oz- 20 oz) of formula every day alongside a varied diet (DH 2009a). If he doesn’t want this amount of milk, you can always give him milky foods such as custard, rice pudding and yoghurt.
- After your baby's one year old, he can move from drinking formula to full-fat cow's milk (DH 2009a).
When should I replace formula with solids?
When you introduce your baby to solids at about six months, he won’t be eating a wide enough variety of foods to give him all the nutrients needs. So it’s important to carry on giving your baby formula milk.Formula will provide your baby with most of his nutrition until he’s fully established on solids. You can also give your baby vitamin drops from six months, particularly if he’s drinking less than 500ml of formula per day (DH 2009b, UNICEF 2010).
Continue to give your baby formula until he’s a year old, as well as drinks of water. You can give your baby a small amount of juice from six months if you wish, but make sure it’s well diluted to protect your baby’s teeth. One part juice to 10 parts water is plenty. Offer it in a beaker or cup at mealtimes only.
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