transitioning from 4 to 6 oz bottles - how?

SunAndRain

DD will turn 6 months in about 10 days.  SHe is currently drink four 4-ounce bottles of breastmilk and formula at day care.  I generally nurse her in the morning and evening, and overnight as needed.

How and when did you get your LOs to start drinking 6 ounces at a time?  On one hand I realize there is no rush - she is eating the amount that is right for her and is self-regulating.  On the other hand, Mom is ready to try to spread out her meals to every 3+ hours in stead of 2.5 hours. 

And I would LOVE for her to drink a solid 6 ounces before bedtime...but that would mean giving up a nursing session so I don't know....  but I'm also not confident that she is getting a full meal at bedtime since my supply tends to be low (hence the formula supplements).

Any advice or experience to share?

Cheerio B

There's not really anything you need to do to get baby to drink a bigger bottle. If they still seem hungry after finishing a bottle, you can offer more. But if your LO seems content with what's she's getting I wouldn't worry about changing things. Some babies, and some adults, are snackers and eat more often throughout the day. I know this isn't really what you wanted to hear.

oliversmommy32912

DS is almost nine months, has been FF since six weeks, and he still only takes three to six oz per feeding, usually four or five. He gets 20 to 25 oz of formula per day and about 5 oz of solids. He has never been a big eater and it seems like we have tried everything to get him to eat more. At about 6 months he dropped is MOTN feeding and seemed to take in a little more during the day. He had been gaining weight steadily, although he is on the small side, so pedi isn't worried. She says all babies are different and some just don't eat a lot. I can't make him eat more than he wants to so I have just chosen not to stress about it. Good luck with things.

lil_jen051708

If your LO isn't showing signs of hunger after the bottles, there is no need to increase ounces. DS is 6 mo and still takes 4 oz each bottle and 23 Tbsp cereal as a brunch and about 2 oz fruit or veges before bed.

Like others have said, BM changes composition to give babies the nutrients they need as they get older. Formula doesn't change which is why FF babies need more ounces as they get older to get the calories they need.

SunAndRain

Thanks everyone. To clarify, I don't want to increase the total ounces DD drinks per day.  Rather I was wondering if she would increase the number of ouncers per feeding, therby decreasing the total number of feedings per day.

So say she drinks 24 ounces per day, either she would go from 6 4oz bottles to 4 6oz bottles per day.

I'll offer the extra ounce and see how it goes.  I seem to be supplementing more and more formula so who knows how much longer I'll be able to provide BM