How much should my son be eating?

Question

He'll be 4 months the 18th. Basically he eats two sets of 6 ounces at night. But lately during the day he'll barely eat. He'll go like 5 hours during the day without eating. I wish he'd do that at night. From like 10 am - 10 pm he'll probably eat 8 oz - maybe 10 oz. He used to have such a hardy appetite. Now I don't know when to feed him and how much. My husband suggested I feed him less during the day, so he'll eat more often, so at night I'll give him a big bottle and maybe he'll sleep through the night more. What do you think? Should I be worried about his lack of appetite? He weighs I'm guessing about 15 or 16 lbs.

Answer 1

I have heard two rules on this 2.5-3 oz per lbs of body weight per day. Or 32 oz per day after 2 months.

However if you are feeding on demand your baby will generally eat what it the right amouny for him.

To encourage eating more during the day and hopefully get more sleep at night to do what breastfeeders do. Take the baby and bottle and go into a darkish, quiet room. This way there are no distractions. Bring a book for you to read. Try not to play too much with your child. Do give them loving calm attention and encouragement though. For the 4ish hours before bed try offerering a bottle every hour, this will encourage him to tank up before bed.

At 4 months your baby is learning to do so many things and explore he just doesn't want to miss anything so he is not eating during the day and instead eating at night. Mind you if you do not have a problem with this then it doesn't need to change. If you don't mind the extra wakings at night then don't drive yourself nuts trying to get him to eat more during the day.

Good luck.

Answer 2

my son is almost 6 months he drink over 18 oz in the morning and early afternoon and 3 bowls of rice cereal that isnt even includint night and evening. my son is 17lbs