As a new parent, one of the biggest worries is whether your newborn baby is getting enough to eat. You don't want them to be undernourished but you also don't want to overfeed them and cause problems down the line. So how much should a newborn actually eat?
The First Few Days
When your little bundle of joy first enters the world, their stomach will only be about the size of a cherry. This means they won't need very much food in those initial days (or weeks) as they adjust to their new surroundings.
Colostrum
For breastfeeding mothers, during these first few days, your breasts produce colostrum- which usually milk production begins between 3 -4 day after birth especially for first-time mothers-but can come earlier or later similarly it's okay if you don't see any yet (don’t fret). It sounds gross but this yellowish liquid contains all sorts of important antibodies that will help keep your baby healthy and protected from infection early on.
Formula Milk Consumption During The Initial Phase
For bottle-fed babies, approximately 1/2 an ounce (wow!) per feeding session may be sufficient till mom’s breastmilk comes forth(If you decide not to exclusively breastfeed).!
Weeks Two To Six
At around two weeks old (yippee, we made it!), most babies are ready for larger meals (Houston we need more food). During this period an average volume is likely to range between 1--3 oz per feeding session(admit it it jumped up quickly, didn’t it?). But since every child grows uniquely just like adults , some may consume slightly less than that while others may require more. If there seems like what feels like constant feeing sessions (cluster feedings) give yourselves permission...you're doing great!
Hungry Nights
Your new bundle of joy’s consumption will also vary from one day to the next, as they go through growth spurts. This can be a measurement for you to know if your baby is going through it and requires an additional intake (more food? ) on those nights that he or she seems extra hungry.
Two Months And Beyond
By two months old, most babies are expected to be taking 4 - 5 ounces per feeding every three or four hours (did anyone say upgrade??) Now, keep in mind when we’re saying “most” babies- parents are blessed with distinguishing individuals that have individual needs; That said reality check – what works best for Aunt Mary’s newborn baby may differ astoundingly from what works well for nephew Tom's newly born.
Eating Habits Based on Growth Spurts
During even weeks such as the 6th week ,baby may undergo another growth spurt which means their appetite skyrockets! This often occurs at intervals of roughly 2 weeks hence causing change in baby's diet but afterwhich his rate of consuming more calories should level off. gosh..babies seem like gluttons.
Signals To watch Out For When Feeding Baby
Trying to figure out how much you need to feed your precious one? Here are some signs you can watch-out-for so that little Tarzan doesn’t get too full or too hungry:
- Keep tabs: Watch that clock (there ain't nothing wrong with timing) since less-than-thirsty-babies(unless ill health interferes), typically finishes a particular amount within about half an hour. If your child keeps guzzling down each bottle without nary an effort...you might want up-up-up calculate( yes - math lies everywhere) their required caloric intake. Proceeding cautiously does not hurt anyone!
- Baby Behavior: New parents, you will learn that babies give off often subtle cues when they're all hyped up and ready to eat( or not) take a moment to study your baby, monitor their facial expressions and see whether he or she is rooting(something like searching..yup!) for the bottle or breast.
- Weight Indicators: Just as no two adults are ever identical so also every newborn has individual growth rate ,Consult with your pediatrician in scrutinizing charts of your baby's weight accurately because healthy eating habits translate into steady weight gain.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately it’s important to follow baby’s lead (plus perhaps watch those signals we mentioned above), irrespective of books, screen-time movies on how much food you “should ”be giving them each day. Each child's appetite may vary depending on various reasons though most importantly size matters(forget what they say ????). Follow through feeding plans by assessing where current mood is concerning the mealtime. You know that old saying “happy mummy equals happy home? The same rules apply here – keeping little one well-fed keep precious new ones happy …and fed(feeding-frenzy-????)!