I think my infant is starving, he is eating around 36 oz of formula a day, what can I do?

Question

My son is only 1 month old and he is formula fed because I could not breastfeed.

Answer 1

If he is hungry, then *feed* him. If he's under 6 months old, this means human milk or formula.

Answer 2

The general rule of thumb is 2 to 3 ounces of formula per day for each pound of body weight. For example, if your baby weighs 10 pounds, he should be eating somewhere between 20 and 30 ounces of formula per day. This is AVERAGE. Some babies want less, some want more. Why do you think he's starving? Does he cry all the time and the bottle is the only thing that calms him? With infants this young, the only "comfort" mechanism they have is sucking. This is why many parents choose to use a pacifier, and it's why a bottle calms them down. First, make sure there's nothing else wrong with him. A baby's way of communicating everything is crying. I've yet to meet a one month old who looked at his mom and said, "I've got a dirty diaper!" Before you rush to feed him, make sure he's OK...clean diaper, doesn't have a tag in the back of his onesie scratching him, isn't feverish or otherwise ill, doesn't have gas, etc.

If you're really concerned, call his pediatrician.

Answer 3

That is a huge amount of formula for a one month old baby! How much does he weigh? I'm surprised he's not spitting up constantly, he must be sluggish and his tummy must be packed after feeds. Why on earth do you think he's starving?!? Most formula fed babies take about 2-4 oz every 3-4 hours at this age, so that would average about 24 oz, not 36 oz.

Answer 4

My daugher ate the same way, formula fed from day one she ate over 30 oz every day and was still on the low weight side. Every baby is different, but you should ask your ped if you are nervous about it! You could also try calling a nurse on the OB floor of the hosiptal where you gave birth. Most offer a nurse on call service for free.

Answer 5

How old is your infant?

Infants progress at different levels. If you don't feel that your baby is getting enough nutrition out of the formula.. follow your instincts. Start with baby food. Use mostly formula and start introducing some baby food (I believe you are supposed to start with green vegetables).

Also - talk to your pediatrician for more information.

Answer 6

Babies are good at knowing how much they need to eat. If your son is showing signs of hunger (rooting, sucking hard on his hand, making smacking noises with his mouth, etc) then go ahead and feed him. 36 ounces a day sounds about right for his age, but if you're still concerned, go ahead and talk to a doctor, or you could call your local doctor's office and talk to an advice nurse. It's free and they are usually very helpful when it comes to aswering any questions you might have about your baby's health.

Answer 7

Are you sure he's hungry? That is a lot of formula for a 1 month old. What are the signs that make you think he's hungry? If it's crying then he may have gas or he's over stimulated or various other possibilities. I would call the Dr to make sure.

Answer 8

My daughter ate all the time, I thought she would never stop. I was giving her 6 to 8 ounces of formula every 2 hrs ! yes she plumped up but she evened out.
If you're concerned just call the pediatrician, im sure hes fine =)

Answer 9

Ignore the rude people. It depends on how old your baby is. Just give your doctor a call if you're concerned. Don't listen to all the meanness on here. If you need answers right away contact you local hospital and they can get you in touch with a doctor or nurse who will know what is "normal" or not. Congratulations on the baby!!

Answer 10

In addition to calling your doctor, make sure you are mixing the formula correctly. If you are unsure, buy the premixed kind. You can't overfeed a baby. Feed on demand.
Maria