I have a 7 week old newborn (formula fed). He eats 2 to 3 ounces every 2 hours, how can I get him to eat more

Question

I don't know what to do, sometimes he eats every 2 hours - sometimes its less, sometimes he wants to eat an ounce every hour. How can I get him to eat more? I have tried holding off between feedings and he screams. I try to keep him awake or eating and he wont continue and I don't want to force him.

Answer 1

Every 2 hours is absolutely normal for that age. And really, that hsould be every 2 hours from the start of each feeding- so if he eats for 45 minutes, then its an hour and 15 minutes until you should start to feed again. Just keep feeding away, he'll slow down as he gets older- dont hold off between feedings, starving your kid to make him hungrier wont help anything- he has a tiny little tummy right now, like, the size of a walnut, you can only force so much in at 1 time.

Answer 2

I have a 7 week old also formula fed. She eats about 6-7 ounces a feeding. Which is every 4-5 hours. So ours are geting the same amount, I think its just what the baby wants. I have been told her whole life that she doesn't eat enough or eats to much. I don't think there is a right or wrong in this. If you trying to force him to eat you can over feed them and then he'll just spit it back up doing nothing. But something to clean up.

Answer 3

Maybe it's the wrong formula? I would also recommend making sure you're burping him enough. Maybe try to burp him after each ounce, see it that helps? He shoudl be eating every 3-4 hours by now, so he's not too far off schedule. He's still little. He could be growing more than you realize and NEED to eat this often. Ask your pediatrician if it continues to be a problem.
I breastfed, but I did supplement with formula after my babies were over 8 mos old. I only used soy or Nutramigen formulas because of the risk of them developing an allergy to dairy products. I never had a problem. I wish you well - there is no magic answer because each baby is different. Best Wishes!!

Answer 4

If you want to space out the feedings so he eats more at one sitting - sorry to say, you're going to have to listen to him scream for a time or two. However, at 7 weeks, I'd say just feed him every 2 hours. He will eventually take in more more at a feeding and then not be so grumpy when you hold out for 3 hours (maybe in 2-3 weeks).

Answer 5

Breastfed babies do tend to eat more during the day then formula fed babies. Breastmilk is thinner and formula is thicker. Also if you were breastfeeding from the time your baby was born he just got used to eating the amounts that your breast were producing. He will slowly eat more and more and wait longer periods inbetween feedings. I know that breastfed babies do tend to be smaller in weight the formula fed babies. My daughter is 6 months old and weighs 18 pounds, she has always been on formula. And my girlfriends son is 8 months old and has been breasfed up until one month ago and he is 18 pounds. I would not worry about anything, as long as the dr says he is okay i would not stress out :) Good luck

Answer 6

My son is 3 months and still has a schedule I can't predict at times. One week he'll go 6 hours at night without wanting a bottle, and another week he'll want it every 2-3 hours. Babies cannot control their hunger. When they're hungry, they want it NOW NOW NOW! Just feed your newborn whenever he's hungry. Even though it's awful not being able to predict his schedule, at least you get to spend more time cuddling him! I'm sure it'll get better when he's older though, so don't worry. Babies know when they're full, so please don't force him to eat more than what he wants. Also, newborns sleep a lot, so don't worry about it.

Answer 7

the answer is you can.t. as he gets older he.ll take more ounces. but at the moment just let him take what he wants. my son used to only drink 2 ounces and sleep for just under 2 hours. i know how tired you are as i was the same. but by the time he was 3months or so he started takin larger amounts. maybe in meantime u can get some1 to offer him his bottle as to give you a bit of a rest

Answer 8

You can't make the baby change his eating habits right now. He's growing at crazy rates right now, and so he's going to eat every time his body tells him he needs it. it's only going to be a few more weeks before his metabolism slows down and he starts eating cerial, then veges and fruit, etc.

Answer 9

Let him eat when he wants...he is much to young for you to be trying to control his eating habits

Answer 10

You don't...you let your baby eat at its own pace. Babies are naturally regulated for their body type.