how to get my bottle feeding 6 weeks baby girl to eat more( at least 4 ounces)?

Question

she was born at 33 weeks she is 11 weeks now and wont drink no more than 3 ounces sometimes less

Answer 1

You can not force her to eat more. She may just be a snacker or get full. My 11 month old still only eats 6 ounces every 3 or 4 hours. Never more than that. I do good to get him to eat that. She will eat when she is hungry.

Answer 2

Babies eat what they need. If she is gaining weight, and having wet diapers, she's OK, relax and don't rush it.
A newborns stomach is the size of a small marble, at about 3 months, it's the size of a large gumball. 4 Ounces is a lot if you think of it. Check with your pediatrician. Some babies need help sucking and swallowing, perhaps a different nipple. But talk to your doctor. If they are concerned then you should be, If they aren't, let her eat till she's full, as long as it's not 6-8 hours between feedings.

Answer 3

Why do you want her to eat more? Is she underweight? That sounds like a normal amount to me, since she was preemie. As long as she is getting an adequate amount in a 24hr. period, there's no reason to worry about how much or how often she eats. Babies will eat when they're hungry and stop when they're full. If you feel she is doing this too often, then maybe she needs to be burped more frequently while feeding? Or perhaps she needs a 5min. break to rest up for more sucking.(it takes alot out of a baby to suck for long periods, especially preemies) . If these tips don't help, then she may have feeding problems such as colic, or reflux, which are easily treated, but she will need to see her doctor. Good luck

Answer 4

I think that since she was premature that her feeding is probably the same as 4 week old. I would try having her wait a little longer between meals that worked with my 4 month old he now goes 3-4 hours between feedings. Just try adding 10 min. more between feedings and today do that for like 3 days then in three days add 10 more minutes for 3 days and so on see if that helps

Answer 5

You don't. Babies are diffrent than adults. Thier little brains only signle "I need" or "I don't need". If thats all your baby wants than thats probably all she needs. As long has she had 6 wet diapers a day, poops once a day and is gaining or even just maintaining her wieght, don't worry your doing the right thing. If you consider a breast fed baby mommy never knows what baby is getting. If you are very concerned and don't think she is gaining then call the health nurse or doctor. Don't ever force feed or deprive baby all you will get is a gassy, grumpy,and either to skinny or overwieght infant. Good luck to you and happy parenting.

Answer 6

If your baby is gaing weight like she should don't force her. She will eat when she is hungry. It is normal for a baby to eat between two and four ounces until they are about 3 months old. Every baby is different and they all know when they are hungry and when they are full, don't worry.

Answer 7

Please don't try to force feed a preemie..
The nurse at our hospital did this to my preemie son and made him vomit everywhere for about 12 hours that she was on her shift.. as long as she is gaining weight (even if slowly, preemies gain a bit slower) then she is ok. remember that she is 11 weeks, but adjusted age is 3 weeks and most 3 week old babies eat less than 3 oz a feeding!

Answer 8

She was a premie, so her stomach is pre-mature also. She'll eat more when she can, forcing might make her vomit. As long as she is gaining weight don't worry about it. I know it means more feedings and it is very tiring. Don't put rice or any other kind of cereal in your daughter's bottle yet. She really can't handle it with being so premature.

Answer 9

You should never force her to drink a whole bottle! This is another reason breastfed babies are healthier, because they are never forced to eat more than they need. Just offer a bottle to her more frequently. Never force her to eat more than she wants. Good luck, and she should be fine on what she is taking on her own.

Answer 10

They have itty bitty tummies. If your baby is growing well and gaining weight I would not think that it a concern. The babies eat when they are hungry. You really should ask your pediatrician.