Our one month old baby has suddenly decided that she wants to eat almost every hour. Her cheeks are getting really chubby and she is putting on weight pretty fast. We are going to talk to the doctor on Monday, but was just curious if anyone here had any information on this.
2006-10-27 16:43:17 · 17 answers · asked by james 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
It's nearly impossible to do. If she's eating that much, she's probably in a growth spurt. Growth spurts are when the baby just does not stop eating. You think they possibly can't get another drop in those little tummies. They eat like crazy, sleep like crazy, then in the next biggest size.
The first link is helpful if she's exclusively breastfed. I'm not sure how that holds up to formula fed. The second link is from the same site and has information on growth spurts. (It's a breastfeeding site, but formula fed babies have them, too.)
When do babies have growth spurts?
Common times for growth spurts are during the first few days at home and around 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months and 9 months (more or less). Babies don't read calendars, however, so your baby may do things differently.
Growth spurts don't stop after the first year - most moms notice growth spurts every few months during the toddler years and periodically thereafter on through the teenage years.
How long do growth spurts last?
Growth spurts usually last 2-3 days, but sometimes last a week or so.
2006-10-27 16:52:09 · answer #1 · answered by CCTCC 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Every one told me I fed my baby to much because she was very chubby in the first year. I fed her until she was done and whenever she was hungry. In a growth spurt she would eat every hour and some times it was every four. She is now three and I just follow a healthy diet. She is a perfect size. My doctor told me not to worry and I don't think you should either. Babies don't eat for "entertainment" like adults do. They eat when they are hungry and need nourishment to grow, and they stop when they are full. I am sure you are doing a fine job and try not to worry. All mom's know it is hard for the first few months, especially with your first child. Good luck.
2006-10-27 16:53:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm guessing it's your first baby. A lot of parents mistake hunger for gas. When a baby is gassy their belly says hungry. So, they eat more. 2 to 3 ounces every 3 hours is plenty for a one month old. Burping after every feeding is the key.
About the rice thing up there. DO NOT GIVE A 1 MONTH OLD RICE!! Their digestive systems aren't developed enough to break down foods yet. It will cause your baby to become extremely constipated and your child will pay for it later on in life, digestively. Babies are not to have solids until 6 months of age.
2006-10-27 16:49:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't worry about it. Most likely she's going through a growth spurt. Increased appetite is a big tip-off for a growth spurt. Age is also a factor: most babies have growth spurts at 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months and 9 months (more or less).
Some kids "fill out" and then "stretch out," and some kids do it the other way around. Sounds like your little girl is going to fill out before she grows an inch or two.
2006-10-27 16:50:52 · answer #4 · answered by blossymom 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The baby is going through a growth spurt. Unless you force the baby onto a schedule so that she learns to ignore her natural hunger cues, you cannot overfeed a newborn.
2006-10-27 16:49:53 · answer #5 · answered by Terrible Threes 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
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2017-03-01 04:06:54 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of these answers are great - but please please please keep one thing in mind. Do not EVER give your 1 month old rice cereal. Babies tummies can't handle that until at least 4 months. Keep doing what you're doing. Babies most of the time know when they're full - they'll turn their head, show disinterest. If you overfill them, most likely they'll end up spitting it up. Chubby babies are adorable - - I wouldn't have it any other way. Once she starts getting mobile, she'll even out.
2006-10-27 19:50:17 · answer #7 · answered by mms1575 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if your wife is breastfeeding the baby is going to become hungry sooner than formula fed babies.
usually formula fed babies sleep at least 4 hours straight because the formula milk is heavier than breast milk.
but a breast fed baby is going to be much healthier. so no worries if the baby needs to eat every hour.
2006-10-27 17:00:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes. just because they will eat doesn't mean they need to eat. A baby can get used to eating when it is truly hungry or when it's only half full. Don't mistake every cry for hunger either. And breastfed babies will use you for a pacifier if you let them. Train her to eat at regular intervals unless you think she's sick she can go 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours at this age. Make her wait an extra 15 min.
She doesn't have to eat everytime she's not completey stuffed. Yes, she could be having a growth spurt but it wouldn't last more than a few days at most and she should eat more at one sitting then. Not every hour.
2006-10-27 17:06:01 · answer #9 · answered by suzyQ 3 · 1⤊ 5⤋
that is normal. babies go through growing spurts and sometimes want to eat every hour. if he/she is crying you don't just give them a bottle or breast feed them though. try other things first and if nothing works than that must mean they are hungry.
2006-10-27 16:47:59 · answer #10 · answered by dolly 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋