Baby drinking 2-3oz each feeding

beemaya83

Hi ladies!

Baby boy had his 4th month checkup this week. He is a healthy 14lbs 7.2oz baby measuring 26 inches. The doctor asked how much he is eating at each feeding. I explained that baby "snacks" every 1-2 hours mostly 2oz. I can get 3oz sometimes. She said I need to try harder to increase his volume to at a minimum 3oz to 4oz each feeding. Trust me ladies, I have tried and he just refuses to eat more than that. I just changed the bottle nipple from the newborn to 3+ months. So I'm thinking this would help him work less hard to get his milk. But nope, still wants to snack at every feeding.

Any ideas on how I can get baby to eat larger volumes at each feeding? Anyone having similar experience? Help!

Btw, I bottle feed strictly formula.

ETA: I like to add that even though he is at a healthy weight now, the doctor explained that he needs extra volume of food so he can grow.

HoosOnFirst

Hi there, I think you will get more response if you post this in one of the existing threads on feeding.

beemaya83

Ah ok sorry I'll post there

kezdk

I don't believe in forcing babies to eat...they will not starve themselves and they know what they need. My pediatrician said to stop looking at the numbers - baby will vary his intake over the course of the day and get what he needs - just be sure to offer him the recommended amount. Formula and bottle babies can be over fed when parents obsess about the volume...think about it this way - if baby were breastfeeding, you would have no idea how much he/she drank. As long as baby has wet diapers, bowel movements, and is gaining weight, don't stress out about it too much. My little guy is averaging about what you are saying too...sometimes he polishes off a bottle really fast, and sometimes he turns his head away and shuts his lips. Read your babies body language and listen to the baby's needs rather than focusing on numbers.

beemaya83

I agree!!! I got similar advice in the October feeding thread. Thank you! @kezdk

JeeGooDowster

Does your baby use the pacifier?  A little trick we do is for the baby to use the pacifier to calm her down and then do a switch and she ends up finishing the bottle (different boat than you, we're at 5 oz per feeding).

jessieR358

mrsdowster said:

Does your baby use the pacifier?  A little trick we do is for the baby to use the pacifier to calm her down and then do a switch and she ends up finishing the bottle (different boat than you, we're at 5 oz per feeding).

I do that sometimes and then switch with my breast. I know he's hungry he's just worked up.