Baby is six weeks old, breastfed, but I'm starting to introduce formula because I'm going back to work. I've been giving him one bottle of it a day and then I'm going to up it in a few days. Right now, he's only taking one ounce and that lasts him for a couple of hours. Is that a normal amount to start? Breastfeeding, he eats every couple of hours, I only do one breast per feeding and he goes for about twenty minutes or so. How much formula should a six week old be eating? How often should they eat?
2007-03-19 04:22:41 · 6 answers · asked by sgrjackson1 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Every baby is different but at 6 weeks, they still aren't eating all that much. I think my kid was between 2-4oz at that age. I would start off at 2 ozs, see how much of it he takes. If he takes it all, you may want to up it a bit but I wouldn't go over 4oz at this age. Some babies don't know when to stop!!
At this age too, they eat about every 3-4 hours - breastfed babies will eat more often, formula fed less often because the formula is actually more filling. What I did too was mix half and half (if you're also pumping) to get them use to the taste. My baby ate anything though! And she had no problem going from bottle to breast or taking formula or breastmilk. Some kids are just hungry and not picky eaters. ;-)
2007-03-19 04:30:31 · answer #1 · answered by da_knees 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would highly recommend pumping if you have a breastfed baby anyways, it really is the best. BUT... that being said, you can always just leave a couple instant cans of formula at the daycare for those days that you didn't get a chance to pump. As for the amount of formula, every baby is different, but I would caution on stuffing him full, as your breastmilk will not be enough for him on the weekends then.
Also, if you take fenugreek to increase your supply you can just start pumping like crazy to gain a surplus of pumped milk.
2007-03-19 11:40:46 · answer #2 · answered by Andi J 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start offering a 4oz bottle, If you have the time and resources, you can invest in a really good breast pump. Most bosses are quite understanding about your need to take a few breaks in your day to pump. It takes only about ten minutes of your time, and allows you to continue to nourish your child with the very best, YOUR MILK. I encourage you to contact your local lactation consultant at the hospital or birthing center where your baby was born. W.I.C may even be happy to provide you with a medical grade dual pump free of charge on a monthly rental basis. If you MUST switch to formula, I highly suggest Goodstart Supreme with DHA and ARA, which is as close to breastmilk as formula gets. Good Luck returning to work!
2007-03-19 11:43:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why aren't you pumping milk for him. Adding bottles of formula can cause you to loose your supply. Not to mention the risks associated with artificial feedings.
Supplementation of the Breastfed Baby
"Just One Bottle Won't Hurt"-- or Will It?
http://www.massbfc.org/formula/bottle.html
2007-03-19 11:32:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Did you know you can get a pump for the cost of just a few cans of fake milk?
Please pump if you can. Formula is a slippery slope and your baby will need all the antibodies he can get if he's in a care situation especially!
If you start pumping one side while he nursed from the other, you will have a big supply in no time!
2007-03-19 13:28:15 · answer #5 · answered by Terrible Threes 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
This is so sad. Day care for children under 1 is devastating to them emotionally, intellectually, socially, and physically. If you have no choice but to inflict this severe damage on him, at least rent a good breast pump, because his health and intellect will be so damaged by day care, he'll need the boost of breastmilk for years.
BTW, formula using lowers the iq ten points.
2007-03-19 11:37:18 · answer #6 · answered by t jefferson 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋