Amount of formula for 4 month old??

[SR35]

Hi my lo is 4 and a half months now and has recently been switched from breastfeeding to formula. She started off having about 7oz every four hours but the last few days it's a real struggle getting her to take more than a couple of ounces. Even in the mornings when she wakes up and you would think she would be hungriest she just doesn't seem that interested and eventually gets upset if I keep trying. I had her weighed last week and she was 15 pounds 3 oz but I'm worried she's going to start losing weight soon if she doesn't eat enough. I generally keep trying for half an hour to an hour and then give up until next time. I guess my question is, is it ok for her to not have much? I guess if she was really hungry she would take it? Thanks for any advice anyone can offer.

 

[juliekim0908]

If she was hungry, she would drink it.
Babies know especially at that age, when they want food. I wouldn't worry, do you think she's teething? my boy literally had about 6 oz of milk in a whole day when he was around 4 months old due to teething.

If your worried, see your HV/GP but hopefully shell get back to normal soon x

 

[SR35]

Thanks for your reply, yes she is dribbling quite a bit and shoving everything in her mouth! I am just trying to feed her every four hours and not when she appears hungry as we have a bit of a sleep/feed routine going and I don't want to mess that up but not sure if I should wait until she shows signs of hunger instead?

 

[jenni16]

My lo is being funny with his milk too. He's always been a good eater/drinker and was having 9oz upto 5 times a day and sometimes still wanting more. The last week or two, he rarely asks for food, so I just make sure I offer it every 3-4 hours. Sometimes he will have 5oz, sometimes the full 9oz or more.
I know he's still getting enough, just seems like he's not because of how much he was having before. Just keep persevering and, like you say, she will eat when she's hungry so long as you keep offering it regularly.
Could it be the change from breast to formula that she is getting used to?
Xx

 

[Mackmummy]

I find oscar is the same in the mornings, he usually has 7oz every 3 hours but doesn't always drink the whole bottle. Through the night he will wake at I east twice but only have an ounce if that then go back to sleep. He will then have a few ounces at about 7 which again sends him back to sleep then when he wakes I always think get will heed one three hiyrs later again but he never does then don't have a bottle until sometimes as late as 1.

 

[littlemonkey]

Common sense would dictate if she wants it she will have it. But my LO had terrible silent reflux and got to the point where he would drink naff all. All the doctors told me if he wanted it he would drink it, when actually he was in pain and couldn't drink because of it.

It could just be she doesn't want it, especially if she is at all unwell or teething. Make sure the teat size is big enough so she can get enough milk out without getting frustrated. If there is anything like reflux there will be other symptoms, with my son he was crying as soon as laid flat and as soon as he got into the feeding position. He would arch his back and squirm around during feeds as well. Generally he was a baby who cried a lot too. If she's generally content she is probably getting what she wants and needs but if you do have any worries don't be afraid of having her checked over by the HV or GP.

 

[Mummybexee]

I was about to say go up a teat size if you havnt already

 

[juliekim0908]

Thanks for your reply, yes she is dribbling quite a bit and shoving everything in her mouth! I am just trying to feed her every four hours and not when she appears hungry as we have a bit of a sleep/feed routine going and I don't want to mess that up but not sure if I should wait until she shows signs of hunger instead?

I would maybe go for the other option of feed when she shows signs, Ive always followed my boys queues pretty much and hes set his own routine in time.
like I said, they know when their hungry, and will let you know x

 

[SR35]

Thanks everyone, yes I guess she could be just getting used to the switch although she was having both for quite a while so it's not completely new to her. She has always been a bit of a fidgety eater and does cry when I try and give her more when she doesn't want it, but she seems fine afterwards and during the night she usually has about 7oz albeit very slowly, so I don't think its a reflux problem. Maybe I will try the next teat size then and see if that helps. I guess weaning will start soon and will probably bring a whole new set of problems!!

 

[Ashbee]

Bradley is 4 months and has 6oz of milk every 3/4 hours x