30 TO 35 Ounces of Formula A Day Too Much For A 15 Week Old Baby?

Question

My 15 week old baby girl has 6 or 7 bottles a day with 5 ounces in each bottle So she has about 30 to 35 ounces a day of formula. she weighs 15 pounds and is 24 inches tall.

How much did your baby eat and weigh at that age? Her doctor said she should only have 30 ounces a day but I called a nutritionist's at the wic office and she said that it wasn't too much. I know other moms who feed their baby's more and are heavier than my baby. My baby isn't fat. The lady at wic said for my baby's age she could eat up to 40 ounces a day 5 to 7 ounces at a time. It just seems like her doctor is set on a certain number of ounces she should eat in a day but i know all babies are different and don't eat the same.

Answer 1

First of all, a baby can't be 'overweight' in the sense that they eat too much.  My exclusively BF niece was extremely chubby as a baby and is now a slim toddler.  My son at 18w was drinking about 36oz/day.  He was 28" tall and weighed 17lbs.  He could eat up to 40oz - you are correct.  All babies are different and should eat as much as they want.  They don't eat junk food or laze in front of the tv, so now's not the time to worry about your kid being 'fat'.  You're doing a great job by following your instincts as a mom!

Answer 2

hmmm...I'm not sure. My son always ate a little bit more than he was supposed to, and you're right, all babies are different.

Whenever i get advice from my WIC counselor that conflicts with my pediatrician's advice, I personally go with my pediatrician since that  is  his job ad he seems to know what hes doing :)

however, if you feel your pediatrician is wrong, maybe you should seek another one who makes you feel more comfortable.

you are the mama, so you know best....either way I'm sure your daughter is beautiful and healthy :)

good luck!

Answer 3

No that sounds fine. You know your baby the best and babies really will NOT overeat. They don't have the desire to overeat yet - that develops later in life. If your baby is happy, healthy and growing normally, you're feeding her enough. Good job, Momma!!

Answer 4

That sounds like just about the right amount for her age and size. (And her weight is just fine too.)

Based on the 2 1/2 ounces per pound of weight estimate, she 'should' be taking about 38 ounces, but anything between 30-45 ounces would be quite normal.

The idea that babies need to be limited to a certain number of ounces (often a maximum of 36, or even 32 ounces/day) is an old one -- based on old feeding patterns and older types of formula. Back in the 1930's and 1940's (and beyond) formula was made from evaporated milk, water and sugar.  Such formulas were very hard to digest, AND a single can of milk made exactly 32 ounces of formula.  Once a baby wanted more than that, rather than mess with partial cans and fiddly measurements, it was easier to just start solids, which were commonly started very early anyway.  Also, babies were fed on strict schedules, and a baby, by 3-4 months, was assumed to be eating 4 times a day -- (every four hours, and sleeping the night), so 32 ounces was the logical 'maximum.'

But modern formulas are easier to digest, with lower levels of sodium and protein, so a baby can safely have much more formula, if he wants/needs it.  More current 'limits' are typically around 45-50 ounces. But some doctors, and some sources, continue to cling to the idea that a baby must be limited to X ounces/day. (Of course, none of them tell you what you are supposed to do if baby clearly needs more than that.  Are you supposed to leave your baby to scream in hunger for hours?)