Knowing the appropriate times to feed your child can be difficult, especially for first time mothers. Many mothers believe that setting their infant on a strict eating schedule is necessary. This is not strictly true. If you are feeding your child with formula, there are several things to remember.

The most important thing to keep in mind with infants is to feed them when they are hungry. Most eat approximately every three hours. They normally consume two to three ounces of formula as newborns and work their way to five to six ounces as they reach the half year mark. Each sitting can take twenty to thirty minutes.

A baby’s stomach is so small that they need to eat several more times a day than adults do. Just as our bodies signal us when we are hungry, the same is true for babies. A set schedule is not as important as simply feeding when baby is hungry. Try not to fixate yourself on how much the baby eats at each feeding. They will consume as much as needed for their body at that point, just as you may not eat the exact same amount at each meal. Babies are very capable of showing when they are in need of something. Read off your baby’s cues. Signs that babies are hungry include; rotating head from side to side, opening and closing mouth, playing with or sticking out tongue, or puckering their lips. If he or she falls asleep during feeding time, they are most likely full. If the baby is still hungry after their bottle, simply add another ounce at the next feeding period. As the baby gets older you will most definitely become more comfortable with this process.

Try not to set a rigid schedule to your formula feeding time. It is simply not necessary. Your baby will make sure to let you know when he or she is hungry. As babies age, they may feed less frequently, but consume more at each sitting. Become familiar with your baby’s cues and form a laid back routine around them.

Posted in Baby and Toddler

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