2.5 oz per every pound???

Question

Was just reading on babycenter that babies should be getting 2.5oz per every pound they weigh. My 3 month old weighs like 16-17lbs. I added it all about and it was less then what they say to feed him. So should I move up a bottle to like 8oz?? He eats 6oz in every bottle. He doesn't seem to be hungry after he finishes the bottles. But am I not feeding my son enough? What do yall think?? I am going to ask the doctors at his 4 month checkup... it is not for another 3 weeks though. I heard that babies do not need 8oz of formula in a bottle. So that is why I never moved up to 8 oz. Plus he doesnt ever seem to be hungry after he finishes 6oz. And I dont want to over feed him. He has been spitting up a lot lately. Sooo what do yall think??? He could still be able to eat more in his bottle but because his stomach is a little satisfied and has formula in it.. then he just doesnt let me know he wants anymore to eat...but if I gave it to him, he would take it. ahh i dont know. lol.

Answer 1

All babies are different, and if your baby is happy and gaining on what he's getting (and it's over 24 ounces) then you can trust him to take what he needs. 2 1/2 ounces/pound is average, some babies are happy with 2 ounces/pound, (or even less)  others need 3.

If you think he might want more, I would probably offer MORE bottles, rather than bigger ones.  His tummy is only so big and probably can't hold 8 ounces at a time, but he might be willing to eat more often. (If, for example, you're feeding every 4 hours, try every 3.

Answer 2

I read they should eat 2-2.5 ounces per pound, not 2.5 ounces.  Then I read they should eat no more than 2.2 ounces per pound.  My son does not even get to the 2 ounce per pound minimum and the doctor said it's fine.  He's gaining weight, he's happy, and he goes 11 hours between feedings at night.  Sounds like your baby is just fine.  Forcing him to eat more than he wants is not a good idea.

I also think they eat more per pound when they are smaller and growing more rapidly.

Answer 3

If there is more in the bottle and the kid is stopping at a regular amount I would say he's satisfied.

You'll know if he's not getting enough because he'll keep crying until he's full!

Formula seems to fill kids up more than breast milk so I would say 6 oz is enough.

Also formula is a little harder to digest so it's not that uncommon that he's spitting up a bit more.

Answer 4

I have a 6 month old that I was feeding 6 oz with cereal in the bottle and giving her a little baby food (about 1/2 jar breakfast, lunch and dinner) and when i told my doctor that and that she was spitting up alot he told me I was overfeeding her because she weighs 18 pounds.  So really I wouldn't know what to tell you !!

Answer 5

that is only a guideline.. if he is happy with 6 oz ,then don't try to force him to eat more because the chart says he should. you can try making a 7 oz bottle and see if he takes it. all and all if he takes to much, he will just spit it up

Answer 6

I had this same issue.  I was always being told by family and friends that I was not feeding my son enough.  At this age my son was only taking 4 ounces every four hours and was not fussy after a feeding.  Well, he took 4 ounces until he was 1 with the expection of two months where we took 5-6 (between 4-6 months).  When I tried to increase his formula, he would just spit up.  If your baby is healthy and still gaining weight, I would not worry about him needing more formula.  Also, when I told his pediatrician how much he was eating, she told me not to be concerned and if he would still be hungry, he would let me know.  He is now a 24 lb 4 ounce healthy and happy 17-month old.  

Also, all the books are just to serve as a guideline and every baby is different so follow the signs your son is giving and you both should be great!

Good luck.    

Answer 7

my daughter has never had 8 oz especially at 3 months old. If you son isnt hungry after 6 oz, then dont try and force feed him. Dont listen to the interent, listen to your son and what he tells you. my daughter is a year and a half now, and just started finished an 8oz bottle, sometimes she wont even finish it. if your son is going through formula that much, every 3 hours, maybe he is ready for you to introduce solids.

Answer 8

I read the same thing!! I think it's just more of an AVERAGE. My son weighs 15 pounds, that would mean 37.5 oz per day, he only has about 28-33 per day...he's fine!!! As long as your little one is putting on weight then he is fine!!!!

This is all so complicated!!!