Formula Help

SophiasMommy01

My daughter is 11 days old and on "Gerber Good Start" In the hospital we tried breastfeeding but unfortunately it didn't work. She started out eating about an 1 oz every 2-3 hours, and now she eats about 2 oz but is still hungry and waking up more frequently to eat. I tried giving her a bit more but it doesn't keep her content. should I try adding rice cereal to her formula? Any advice would be appreciated, i'm a first time mom.


Thank You!

mello13

Do NOT add rice cereal (or anything else). Newborns are supposed to eat every 2-3 hours (that's from the start of one feeding to the start of the next). This is because they have an incredibly small stomach and a fast metabolism. It will continue to be this way for the next several weeks, perhaps up to 3 months or more. It means your daughter is healthy and doing well! Congrats!

AllieAGame

Just to reiterate, don't add rice cereal (unless your doctor tells you to, but that is usually only in pretty bad cases of reflux). A newborn can't handle rice cereal for two reasons- choking is the big one and also they can't digest it very well. 

Keep feeding on demand, even if your LO eats frequently. I know it sucks, but this period will be over before you know it. Eating every 2-3 hours is the norm and a sign of a healthy baby. 

For a calmer baby, make sure she is not staying awake for more than 2 hours at a time, including feedings. Some babies need help being put down for a nap, but they need to sleep for at least 20 minutes or so (longer if they can) every 2 hours. 

costa2011

Just give her more formula. No cereal until four months at least. My LO was drinking 3 ounces easy by the third week. And like PP have said, eating every 2-3 hours is normal. I have a 10 week old that still eats every 2-3 hours during the day. Don't worry though, they will start to eat less often at night. Mine c sometimes sleeps the entire night.

kcooper1986

If you are concerned, it couldn't hurt to call your doctor. But like PPs said, it is totally normal for them to eat that often. My 12 day old eats every 2 hours, maybe 2.5 if I'm lucky! Also, remember that the hourly schedule is from start time, not end time. So by the time my LO finishes eating, I usually only have about 1.5 hours because it takes her about 30 min to eat.