Fed is best, but how often should you feed your baby?
Once you have your child you are their central care person. You are in charge of making sure baby is continuing to thrive in their brand new world, (yours too!) You have two options when deciding how you want to feed baby. You could nurse your child, or use formula.
Nursing will often be referred to as the golden standard. For the baby breastmilk provides all the nutritional requirements and will change in composition as baby grows. Also breast milk contains substances that provide protection against illness. Studies also show that breast fed children have fewer problems with things like allergies, ear infections, eczema, tummy troubles, and other disorders. For you it is less expensive, and readily available to use. Of course many mothers struggle to breastfeed and have alot of pain and develop infections so sometimes it’s not ideal for everyone.
Instead they will choose to use formula. Formula provides your baby with the nutrients they need as well. It is in no means bad for your baby at all. The most important thing is that your baby is fed. For many parents formula is expensive and a hassle to use. There are plenty of different formula brands for you to use to provide your baby with the best option, they have sensitive tummy options, lactose free, anti-reflux, hypoallergenic, and so many more. Formula is also a great resource if your milk supply isn’t quite meeting your baby’s needs you can supplement a nursing session with a bottle of formula.
Now for the big question, how often do you actually feed your baby? I am going to give you suggested schedules for up to six months old.
From 0-2 months old if you nurse you should be feeding your baby every 2-3 hours having about 8-12 feedings every day. With formula from 0-1 months old you should be feeding 2-3 ounces every 3-4 hours. By 2 months old your formula fed baby should be having 4 ounces 6-8 times a day.
From 2-6 months old if you nurse you should be feeding your baby every 3-4 hours having 6-7 feedings everyday. For your baby who is having formula from 2-4 months they should be having 4-6 ounces about 5-6 times a day. From 4-6 months old they should be having 4-8 ounces about 5-7 times a day.
After 6 months old you can start including other foods such as infant cereal or puree fruits and veggies. Some mothers even choose to do baby led weaning, which is a big topic for another day. Overall your main goal is to feed your baby, and provide them all the nutrients they need. However you choose to do that is amazing and I promise you is just right for your baby. Many mothers feel pressured to breatfeed but traumatic experiences may make them want to switch, which is 100% understandable.
Remember, Fed is best.
with love
rachel :)
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