HELP ME! How long can a 6 week old baby go without eating (hours)?

Question

It has been 8 and a half hours for my son. We just came back from the emergency room. The Dr on call there didn't seem that concerned about it because he apparrently "has a bad case of colic." He drank a little bit right before we left the hospital. I am about to feed him again, but I don't think he will take very much. He usually eats 3-4 oz every 2-3 hours very vigorously. I am very worried, help!

Answer 1

Every baby is different, and there is no set answer as to how long the baby can go without eating - however days is not a correct answer. A six week old baby should feed every 2-4 hours ideally.

Ask yourself these questions:
1) Has your baby stopped having wet diapers?

2) Lightly run your hand over the top of your baby's head - you will feel the "soft spot" there. (Do not press on this area) Does it feel sunken in?

3) Is the inside of your baby's mouth dry or only slightly moist?

Because 6 week olds don't actually cry with tears, this is not an accurate indication of whether your baby is needing fluid.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes - then call your pediatrician. They should not be concerned about being woken up, that is their job.

As for the colic, place a warm (not hot) washcloth on his belly, this should help him relax and reduce the colic symptoms slightly.

Answer 2

Babies are totally incapable of starving themselves. He will definately eat when he is hungry and that may only be a little bit at a time. He might not be feeling all that well or having an off day today. 6 weeks old is a time when they start to lose their post birth euphoria and change their whole routine that they had been doing for the first few weeks.

If the doctor wasn't worried then I wouldn't be too. He probably gave you the 'come back if....' scenario and I would stick to that. If he worsens, gets a temperature, starts vomiting or has diarrhea or makes no wet nappies at all in an 8 hour period then I would take him back. If he is taking at least some fluids (10-15mls every 1/2 hr) and makes some wee then he will probably be back to his normal routine shortly.

Try colic remedies like Infacol and try giving him baby massage. Rub his tummy in an anti-clockwise direction and this will hopefully make him burp or fart out any tummy gas that could be causing his inapetite.

Best of luck and congrats on the new baby!

Answer 3

If his belly hurts from the colic then maybe he doesn't want it to hurt more by having another feed. My son was a huge eater, he was feeding every 2-3 hours day and night for the first 3 months, my *** was either on the couch or sitting up in bed, lol. But I think the first week or so my boy was very jaundiced and would sleep all the time, he would go 10hrs at night. I was advised to wake him and feed him at least every 4 because otherwise the billirubin in his system would take longer to go away.
I would offer a small amount to your son often and see how that goes. It is a catch 22 if he eats his belly hurts, but if he doesn't he could get dehydrated. You could offer him some cool boiled water and see how that goes down. Other than that if it is no better by morning then go and see another Doctor to get a second opinion.

Answer 4

no its okay dont be worried my daughter was like that when she was born would even drink a full 6 oz at times. But then all of a sudden she also got very colicy she started to change how often she would eat I would try to keep her eating every 3 hours because that is what she had been doing for many weeks but she just did not seem to want it turned out she was crying all the time because I kept trying to feed her. I promise you she will let you know when she is hungry I figured that out. Just let her be play with her and then if she gets fussy or sleepy try giving her a few oz to sooth her she will imediatly let you know if thats what they want. Hope this works!

Answer 5

When my daughter was that age she would go through the night - 12 hrs - without feeding. I was also told by my nurse that if she have plenty of wet nappies she was getting enough to eat. As new mums we tent to react to everything, even the small things but you also have to trust your instincts. If you still don't feel comfortable you should get another opinion. For colic i tried infacol but found that Brauer colic refief worker better for us. I hope all is well for you and bub.

Answer 6

I have read that a baby will generally eat when it's hungry and it will not go without as long as you are offering. Having said that, I also read that if your baby refuses two feeds in a row then seek medical attention. It may not be serious but this is when they say to check it out just in case. If he does not feed this time then I would take him back. It may not be anything but it's always better safe than sorry.

Answer 7

maybe its not colic maybe the baby just dont feel good

i dont eat when i dont feel good either

TRY NOT TO WORRY!! If your baby hasnt eaten in another 4-5 hours take him back to the er or at the very least call the dr.

Answer 8

i had the same problem with my daughter, dont worry your baby will let you know when hes hungry, as long as it hasnt been a day without food dont worry, get some anti colic drops that will help get rid of the colic.

Answer 9

for a doctor not to be worried that your baby has not eaten for 8 hours is crazy. call your pediatrician right away. wake him/her up! your baby needs to eat............

Answer 10

I would go get another opinion