Overfeeding and colic

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Overfeeding and colic

Overfeeding a baby often results in discomfort from not being able to digest all of the breast milk or formula properly. Although crying from discomfort is not colic, it can make crying more frequent and more intense in an already colicky baby. When fed too much, a baby may also swallow air, which can produce gas, increase abdominal discomfort, and lead to more crying. An overfed baby also may spit up more than usual and have loose stools.

Young babies usually do not take more breast milk or formula than they need. Although the amount of food each baby needs varies, you can get a general idea of how much to expect your baby to eat in one sitting according to his or her weight.

**Recommended feeding for bottle-fed babies**
Baby's weight	Amount each feeding
6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg)	2–3 oz (60–90 mL)
8–10 lb (3.6–4.5 kg)	3–4 oz (90–120 mL)
10–12 lb (4.5–5.4 kg)	4–6 oz (120–180 mL)
12–16 lb (5.4–7.2 kg)	6–8 oz (180 240 mL)

Credits

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Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Last Updated	June 19, 2007

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Last updated:	June 19, 2007
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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