Ah, the joys of parenthood! From sleepless nights to endless changings, feeding your little one can sometimes feel like an Olympic sport. You want to make sure they are getting enough, but not too much - it's a delicate balance. One question many new parents ask is, "How much milk should I be giving my 2-month-old?" Fear not! We've got all the feeding facts you need.
The Basics
Before we dive into how much milk your baby needs, let's start with some basics:
What Type of Milk Should My Baby Be Drinking?
Breastmilk or formula? It's ultimately up to you and what works best for your family. However, most pediatricians will recommend exclusively breastfeeding until at least six months old unless there is a medical reason why that isn't possible.
How Often Should My Baby Be Eating?
Newborns generally eat every two to three hours around the clock (yay for those middle-of-the-night feedings!), so by two months old, expect feedings anywhere from 8-12 times per day.
Now that we have that covered let's get into how much milk exactly (prepare yourself)!
Guidelines For Formula-Fed Infants
While guidelines may vary slightly depending on who you ask, in general:
- A newborn weighing about seven pounds will take in approximately 1-1.5 ounces per feeding.
- Double their weight (14 pounds) and it increases to roughly 3-4 ounces per feeding.
- By four months old-ish babies consume anywhere between 16 oz -- 32oz of formula daily!
Every child is different though and these are just averages so don't fret if it seems like maybe coming out on top here isn't attainable (it really never has been).
Guideline For Breast-Fed Infants
If you're a breast-feeding parent, then chances are you might worry about how much (or little) milk your child is getting. If that's the case, here's what to expect when it comes to feeding amounts for your little one:
- Most breast-fed newborns will consume anywhere between 1 - 2 ounces per feeding.
- By two months old, this increases to roughly 4 ounces per feeding.
In general, most babies will get enough of what they need from breastfeeding (hooray!) and won't require any additional supplements until later on in their infancy.
How Do I Know if My Baby Is Getting Enough?
The million-dollar question (more like $20+!)...many new parents find themselves asking this so let's chat. A couple of key indicators include:
Wet Diapers
Babies should be having around 5-6 wet diapers daily with poo going ???? at least once every day or so. Should there be less than that lo & behold we've created ourselves some undreary laundry needing changing!
Growth
Yep yup! There’s obviously growth but pay attention people , even tho’
‘you can do everything right and create a piece of shit but the goddamn flies will still love it.' – Kelly LeBrock
Seeing growth specs such as gaining weight ????️♀️and inches????is showing whether your baby is getting fed just alright or not.
## When Should I Talk To A Healthcare Professional About Feeding?
Of course everyone worries–that won't go away really. But sometimes same level anxiety about things relating our ???? wee one causes us more trouble than good sometimes. Never hurts nor is too early whenever in doubt; regardless do call in which ever way comfort adheres(spiritual guides.... anyone?). Here are signs that you should consult a healthcare professional - Baby seems constantly hungry and can't be satisfied. - Is unable to finish an entire bottle or breastfeed without becoming fatigued(Alas!). - Seeming sluggish, agitated or lacking energy for long periods of time.
Final Thoughts
Nurturing our babies isn’t always easy! While feeding is essential, try not to feel weighed down by it all (figuratively!). Experiment, but also remember: having some trial & errors here and there when caring your little one is part of the game(we don't judge) . Don't forget that babies are pretty resilient (even with bad gas) so as long as your baby is growing, thriving and pooping ???? regularily —you’re both onto something good!
Who knows? You just might become the next Ellen DeGeneres in raising hilarious children while doing this mom -dad gig ????
Anyway where's my cupcake ?????