When a baby is seven months old, should formula be a snack next to the baby foods and cereal?

Question

or should the baby still eat the same amount of formula? my baby seems to not want formula accept for like a snack in between eating cereal and baby foods, like fruits and veggies. she won't even finish a six ounce bottle anymore only like 3-4 oz

Answer 1

Hmmm...my opinion is that she should rely mostly on formula/breastmilk for her nutrition until she is well over a year. But she seems to be adapting to the other foods well, and I wouldn't push her to drink more than she wants. I wouldn't panic about it, but I would bring it up at her next doctor visit or ask a dietitian.

Answer 2

No, your baby should still be relying on formula for most of her nutrition. Here are some tips(worked for me)

Give a bottle when she first wakes up and a bottle right before bed.

Give a bottle at feeding times, before you give solids.

Give a bottle in between feedings as the snack.

Even if she is not finishing a whole bottle, you are giving her enough bottles thruout the day for her to get adequate nutrition. Also, mix the cereal with formula for a little added amount. I used this system for all 4 of my kids and it worked. As your baby gets older, she will automatically lessen the amount of formula she is taking in, but for right now formula needs to be her #1 source of daily nutrition.

Answer 3

I think your baby knows instinctively what she needs. If the cereal and baby foods are filling her up, that's ok. If she still takes the bottle occasionally that's ok too. As long as the doctor says she is healthy and gaining weight, I wouldn't worry. Of course, if you are a new mother (I have three kids) it's hard not to worry and it's completely normal to worry. Try to relax. Maybe even try to get her to take some formula in a sippy cup. If she is grasping things at seven months, maybe she would try to use a sippy cup. try to get one that is spill proof with handles! :) Good luck!

Answer 4

How much formula you should give your baby depends on his age, weight, and whether you're feeding him only formula or using it in combination with breast milk or solids. But here are some guidelines you might find helpful:

Take your baby's cues
The most important guideline is your baby's behavior. Babies will eat when they're hungry and stop when they're full. Don't expect a newborn — or any baby, for that matter — to follow a schedule or mathematical rule.

Needs and appetites vary with each baby, and most babies change from day to day and month to month. The important thing is that you learn to read your baby's cues.

While it might seem easy to respond to your baby's every need with a bottle, for example, you'll want to make sure that he isn't crying for some other reason. If your baby's hungry, he might show signs like lip smacking, rooting (turning his head toward your hand when you stroke his cheek), and putting his hands to his mouth. You'll develop a sense that your baby wants more than you're giving him when he finishes the feeding quickly and looks around for more. (If your baby seems hungry after his initial bottle, prepare just an ounce more at a time, because if you make a larger amount, he may not finish it and it'll go to waste.)

Multiply your baby's weight times 2.5 ounces
If your baby isn't eating any solids (as he shouldn't before 4 to 6 months of age), the general rule of thumb is to offer him 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight each day. So if your baby weighs 6 pounds, you'll give him about 15 ounces of formula in a 24-hour period. If he weighs 10 pounds, he should drink 25 ounces in a 24-hour period.

Consider your baby's age
How much formula your baby needs depends not only on his weight but also on his age. If you're starting a newborn on formula, try giving him only an ounce or two at each feeding for the first week. Let his hunger guide you.

By the time he's about 1 month old, he'll probably be up to 3 or 4 ounces at each feeding and will consume 18 to 32 ounces in one day. From the age of 2 months to 6 months, you should be feeding your baby 4 to 6 ounces at a feeding, and he'll take in 23 to 32 ounces a day. (Some parents find that an increase of about one ounce per month works out about right.)

Once your baby reaches 6 months, you can feed him 6 to 8 ounces at a feeding, up to around 32 ounces of formula per day. At this point you should start adding solid foods to his diet, if you haven't already. You'll find that as your baby gets older, he will drink fewer bottles with more formula.

If you're worried that your baby isn't eating enough, take a look at his weight gain and talk with his doctor. She can tell you whether your baby's intake is appropriate for his size and age, and advise you about changes you should make to adapt to your baby's individual needs.

Answer 5

some human beings quit feeding their toddlers breast milk and formula at 6 months of age. As somebody else reported, only use it for a desirable up until now naps and bedtime. If she is happy and not distressed or uncomfortable from the solids, and is gaining weight nevertheless she would be able to be super.

Answer 6

That seems very young to switch to solids only. She still needs the nutrition in the formula. Maybe she will consume more if it is in a sippy cup. If she is thriving and gaining weight then it is probably OK the way she's decided to eat.

Answer 7

there is no such things as a snack for babies this young..she should get her calories between the two types of food..the formula and the solids..your pediatrician is your best bet for how much of each she should be consuming....just no junk food at this time..all calories count at this time of life, so every calorie should be a wholesome food....still 3-4 oz a sitting is pretty good if she's eating a bunch of solid foods..give her a hug and love her love her love her!!!!

Answer 8

HI,

That should be no real concern. My 2 year old still has it now as a snack now and again. I think as long as your 7 month is eating all the nutrients he should be then there is no worry.

Contact the doc just to make sure.

Answer 9

thats realy good cause it want be hard to break her from the bottle,she still needs her milk,but she is old enough to try her on whole milk she might like it better,cause her taste buds are forming,and she knows whats good.its good that she doesnt drink that much during meal time that means she getting all food.

Answer 10

This is 3x you have asked the same questions...dont you like the answers your getting or do you need further advice?