8 month old hates formula, how much should he be drinking each day?

Question

My 8 month old is so smart, he literally pushes away the bottle and
shakes his head no when I try to feed him formula during the day.
However, he will eat any kind of baby food I give him, so I know he is
hungray. My question is, at this age how much formula/fluids does he
need?

Answer 1

At this age they need between 24 and 36 oz a day. For the 1st year of their life it's so important that they are drinking atleast 24oz a day. They especially need it for brain development. Have you tried to give it to him warm? Get him to drink it when he first wakes up, right before nap and at bedtime. (gotta make sure and keep his mouth clean/teeth tho). Sounds like it's more of a timing issue with him. Once you hit what times he wants it you will be fine.

If he isn't drinking enough formula then I would ask about vitamin supplements. I asked about these with my daughter b/c she wasnt a good solid food eatter and my Pediatrician said everything she needs comes from her formula until shes a Year old.

Should I Stop Using Infant Formula When My Baby Starts Eating Solid Foods?


No. The nutrient content of various baby foods, either commercially prepared or homemade, varies considerably. Additionally, during the period of transition when an infant is gradually increasing both the type and the amount of solids being eaten, the formula still contributes substantially toward meeting the infant's nutrient requirements. During this time, either breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula can most appropriately meet these requirements. The Committee on Nutrition of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that either breastfeeding or iron-fortified infant formula be continued during the first year of life, even after solids have been introduced.

Why Shouldn't I Feed Just Plain Cow's Milk To My Baby?


Cow's milk (e.g., whole, 2%, 1%, 1/2% or skim) is not appropriate for children under the age of one year, according to the Committee on Nutrition of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Cow's milk is a poor source of iron, and iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional problem in infants. Cow's milk that has not been specially heat processed (such as the heat processing used in infant formula) can cause intestinal blood loss in some babies. Iron is lost with the blood. Also, the levels of protein and sodium in cow's milk are higher than recommended for infants. Additionally, cow's milk is low in vitamin C, vitamin E and copper. Further, cow's milk contains butterfat that is difficult for a baby to digest. For these reasons, the Committee on Nutrition recommends that breastfeeding or iron-fortified infant formula be continued during the first year of life.




What Nutrients Are Present In Infant Formula And Why Are They Included?


Infant formulas contain energy-providing nutrients (protein, carbohydrate and fat) as well as water (an essential nutrient) and appropriate vitamins and minerals. The energy nutrients provide the calories necessary to maintain bodily functions, support activity, and promote growth. They also support desirable immune functions as an outcome of overall nutrition. Protein provides the building blocks necessary to form and repair tissue. Vitamins and minerals are essential in the metabolism of energy nutrients. Minerals play an important part in bone structure, regulate certain body functions and, together with water, help maintain the body's water balance.

Standard iron-fortified formulas are nutritionally complete foods for normal infants. When a physician recommends a formula not fortified with iron, another source of iron should also be recommended. A physician may recommend fluoride supplementation to infants at least 6 months of age only if the water supply is severely depleted of fluoride.

U.S. manufacturers of infant formula currently offer formulas containing docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), two nutritional fatty acids considered to be “building blocks” for the development of brain and eye tissue. Formulas containing DHA and ARA have been shown to provide visual and mental development similar to the breastfed infant.

Answer 2

If he/she dont like the formula, try mixing a little regular milk in the bottle, my oldest son was on whole milk since he was 6 months old, with a little corn syrup. (per my pediatrician). And also try a sippy cup, try more water with a little sugar or jello...

Answer 3

Follow the advice of TIGERIA, she knows what she is talking about...cow's milk is inappropriate for children under 1 year and anything other than natural sugar (the ones in the baby food fruit and natural juices) is bad for them too...however, putting it in a sippy cup may help him feel like a "big boy" drinking out of a "big boy" cup...but call your pediatrician and ask...they may have you come in for an appointment.

Answer 4

I think only about 24 ounces. Try putting it in a sippy cup or a straw cup, or maybe try one of the newer formulas geared toward older babies, I think one is called Next Step?

Answer 5

I think at this age he should be having about 16 oz? I'm trying to remember when i worked for wic years ago. How's the weight gain? Does he seem content? What does his doctor say?

That's cute that he shakes his head no..LOL

Answer 6

hahaha i have the same peoblem with my daughter,believe it or not i tried all the bottles and sippy cups at walmart nothing worked with her. she does the same thing. i get a grape and squeeze it in her mouth then i let him drink her milk. i give her a toy in her hand and sing for her till she finishes her bottle.i asked her doctor about it she said its ok try to give her maccaronie and cheese and yougert that will provide calcium too .good luck

Answer 7

i don't remember where i read this but it said for children 12 months and younger, formula should make up 75% of their diet. don't know if it is true or not.

Answer 8

He could be growing faster then the other kids & he just doesn't want formula anymore.Or he could be allergic to milk & it hurts his stomach & you just haven't been able to figure it out yet

Answer 9

smart baby. formula causes diabetes and lowers the iq.