Formula food is an alternate form of food to breast-feeding. Generally, breast-feeding is the best food for a child. However, if the mother is not happy or has some problem for breast-feeding then they can always go for formula feed.
It is very important to know the right amount of formula to be given to your baby. The amount of formula your baby needs depends on many factors like baby’s age, weight, behaviour and in what way it is given.
• Behavioural pattern of the baby
Baby’s behaviour helps you to understand how much formula the baby needs every day. Usually, the babies show their hunger by crying, smacking their lips, rooting or putting their hands in their mouth. Keep a check on how much you feed every time. If the baby vomits immediately after feed, then he is getting more amount than normal.
• Baby’s weight multiplied by 2.5 ounces
If the baby is younger than 6 months, do not try this formula. This formula applies to the babies who are taking other solid food along with the formula. For example, if the baby weighs 10 pounds then give him 25 ounces of formula in 24-hour time.
• Consider the age of your baby
Most of the newborn babies would like to be fed every 2-3 hours with 1-2 ounces of formula. But, as they grow older, they increase their amount of formula and time gap too. At the age of 6 months, they need 7 to 8 ounces of formula 3-4 times a day. Some kids would like to remain on this quantity until they are one year old or they start on cow’s milk.
The babies also show some signs of them being full with the amount of formula you give. At this point, you can take this amount as the right amount for your baby.
Some of the signs are:
• They are relaxed and satisfied after the feed.
• They have 5-6 wet disposable diapers or 6-8 cloth diapers a day.
• They continue to gain weight after first two weeks, which most babies lose weight.
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