Formula feeding frequency

twoitalians

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought babies go longer between feedings on formula because it takes longer for them to digest it. DS seems to be eating more frequently now, every 1.5 to 2 hours. I don't even think that's taking a growth spurt into consideration. He's 7 weeks and during his growth spurts it seems like he is eating every hour. I'm wondering if it is because it is soy formula. Anyone have any thoughts?

twoitalians

Oh yeah I should mention that if we try to give him more ounces he spits them up.

Nicole7697

Hmmm not sure but my son has been like this all week! I thought it was a growth spurt but he's eating 3-4 ounces every 1-2 hours sometimes! It's crazy and he hasn't spit up but one time since this "growth spurt" started (if thats what it is) 

I thought if they ate 3 ounces they go 3 hours between feedings, 4 ounces every 4 hours and so on... but I asked my pedi at his 2 month check up and she said considering his weight he should be eating 3 ounces every 2 hours and 4 ounces every 3 hours (30 oz in 24 hours). Soooo I feel like all I do is feed, feed, feed! Lol.

byrne15

ds is the exact same way...

during the day he eats every 90 mins or so.  at night he will go 2-3 hours.

Oliver715

All I can say is you have to remember all babies are different. Thats why it's really hard to follow the books. My first was the perfectly scheduled baby eating every 3 hrs and sleeping through the night at 2 months... yeah perfect... my 2nd... with reflux and milk protein intolerance she is all over the place with her feedings! 7 weeks is still really young. You are still getting it all together. And it may be a growth spurt. I wouldnt force any more on him if he spits it up so you are doing the right thing there... Soy is really thin though so that may be why he is spitting it up.. How much does he normally eat at each feeding? And if you don't mind me asking, why soy? With reflux it is better to feed a little more frequently. So maybe he is just naturally having you do this?

I would sit back take a deep breath and just observe him. If he is hungry and about to eat his hand off at 2 hrs, feed him.. Some babies just need extra nutrition. 

twoitalians

Thanks ladies. I don't feel like he's so abnormal now. He's been eating 4 oz consistently at each feed maybe once every other day he will take 5 at a feed and keep it down.

His pedi put him on soy for milk protein intolerance. She doesn't seem to think it's reflux though some days I feel it is. He has only projectile spit up twice.

Oliver715

My GI specialist said that 70% of babies that have an intolerance to milk protein have an allergy to soy too. I switched ped bc my one didnt seem to have enough background on the subject. And most of the time reflux and milk intolerance go hand in hand. I strongly rec having your ped or a specialist do a poop test to test for blood in stool. You wont be able to see it. Someone told me to do all of these things and I thought she was crazy and overdoing it, but it turned out we had severe problems and once we found the right meds and formula things are toooons better!!! Another sign of allergy is eczema. Any cradle cap or what may look like baby acne? And if you think its reflux keep looking into it. Your mommy intuition is prob right!