Our 2nd boy was born on May 1st and he's a gem! We're relearning all the new parent stuff and one thing is feeding...we don't think he's eating "enough"--whatever that is. We offer him 4oz of formula every 4 hours, except his last bottle, when we give him 5oz. His first bottle is at 7:30am and his last is at midnight. He rarely finishes his first bottle, leaving 1.5 to 2oz. Throughout the day he generally finishes it, maybe .5oz left here and there. At his last bottle, he usually leaves 1.5oz. So, in the end he gets about 20oz a day. He's about 23in long and 12.5lbs. So my question is...is that enough? He's not fussy before eating...he plays with the nipple when he's decided he's done. I read on Dr. Dears' site that babies should get 2oz of formula per pound of body weight. Well, he's not getting that.
We're a little perplexed because our first was a very enthusiastic eater. He will eat whatever doesn't outrun him! At this age, our first was taking 5oz every 4 hours and finishing every drop. And #1 was physically smaller than #2 is at this point. So, I'm probably just making up things to worry about, which I'm pretty good at, as most Moms are. :-) Just wondering what all of you thought...
Thanks so much for your wisdom!
I think he is probably fine, but call your doctor just to be on the safe side.
You can check with your pediatrician, but all kiddos are different. And just think, if you were breast feeding you would have NO idea how much he was getting. If he is happy, not dehydrated, not acting hungry, then he is fine. He may go through a growth spurt and become more hungry, but I would let him learn to eat if and when he is hungry.
if you're concerned, by all means, check with your pediatrician, but imo, if he is eating well(meaning sucking and swallowing effectively), happy, growing well, and sleeping well - he's just fine :) ALL babies are different! i've got a 5 month old girl that's smaller than your son, and my pedi says she's growing/developing fine, she's just a petite girl - just another example of all babies are different. congrats on your baby!
Juat remember that all people and babies are different. He's still eatting and not refuseing any food. Let him eat what he wants. Had a friend that was so worried that her daughter wasn't getting enoguh to get, she basically force feed her daughter and then she's get worried cause her daughter would throw half of what she ate up. After acouple people told her what they were seeing, she finially saw what she was doing and stopped.
When he's hungry he'll eat, when he's full he'll stop. :) I think your feeding him just fine. When he hits a growth spurt he'll probably take in more. If your really worried, call you pedi. He'll tell you if you son is getting enough to help him grow.
Good luck!
my two girls couldn't be any different. there have been times when i've wondered how my daughter is still functioning with how little she eats but my other daughter whould eat anything and everything.
one suggestion i would have is to put him on a schedule and wait 2 and 1/2 to 4 hours between feedings. if he is not snacking during the day he will eat a lot more at one time and you might get a better idea of how much he eats. it may take a little work to get him used to that. (you may have to put up with a little crying to hold him off until the 3 hour mark) but babies can and should go that long between feedings. it will make your day easier too because then you aren't feeding him all day long.
check out the book babywise on more about putting your child on a schedule. sure made life easier for me.
