Prematurely born infants or those with definite medical situations, following programmed feedings recommended by the pediatrician is suitable.
However, for most healthy, full-term babies, parents can monitor their baby's cues rather than sticking strictly to a feeding chart. This approach is known as feeding on demand or responsive feeding.
Feeding Sign for Hungry Baby
Hunger cues may include crying, but it's recommended to watch for signs before the baby starts crying, which is a late hunger indicator and can make it challenging for the baby to settle down and eat.
Other hunger tips in babies include licking lips, sticking out the tongue, rooting (moving jaw and mouth or head in search of breast), regularly putting their hand to their mouth, opening their mouth, fussiness, and sucking on nearby objects.
It's essential to discern that not every cry or instance of sucking demonstrates hunger; babies may also suck for pleasure, and differentiating between the two can be difficult initially.
As to general feeding guidelines for babies, it's essential to note that every baby is unique.
Some may choose frequent snacks, while others may absorb more at each feeding and go more between sessions.
However, as babies advance and their stomachs can hold more milk, they typically drink more and have more intervals between feedings.
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Feeding Plan for Newborns
For babies aged birth to 6 months, most newborns eat every 2 to 3 hours, amounting to 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period.
The quantity may vary, starting with half an ounce per feeding for the first day or two and increasing to 1 to 2 ounces after. By 2 weeks, they may be taking 2 to 3 ounces per feeding.
At 2 months, babies often consume 4 to 5 ounces every 3 to 4 hours, and at 4 months, this increases to 4 to 6 ounces per feeding.
By 6 months, babies may drink up to 8 ounces every 4 to 5 hours.
Most babies successively raise their formula intake, averaging about 1 ounce more per month, reaching around 7 to 8 ounces per feeding. Solid foods are usually introduced around 6 months.
Concernment about overfeeding or underfeeding should be addressed.
Overfed babies, especially those bottle-fed, may encounter annoyance, spit-up, or vomiting, and face a greater uncertainty of obesity.
It's advisable to offer less initially and provide more if needed. If there are concerns about constant feeding, especially for comfort, consulting with a pediatrician is recommended.
Pacifiers can be used after feeding for pleasure, but for breastfed babies, it's ideal to introduce them around 3 to 4 weeks when breastfeeding is settled.
If a baby is having inconvenience gaining weight, avoiding lengthy intervals between feedings is essential, even if it means waking the baby.
Parents should converse about feeding frequency and quantity concernment with their pediatrician.
Does Baby Receives Sufficient Nourishment
To gauge if a baby is getting enough to eat, monitoring daily diapers is essential.
In the first few days, 2 to 3 wet diapers are expected, increasing to 5 to 6 wet diapers daily after the initial 4 to 5 days.
Stool frequency varies based on whether the baby is breastfed or formula-fed.
Regular health check-ups include weight measurements plotted on a growth chart, providing insight into the baby's progress and whether they are receiving sufficient nutrition.
Babies within healthy growth percentiles are likely receiving an adequate amount of food during feedings.
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