Bottle-Feeding: What Is Expected

Content provided by Healthwise

What is Expected

Usually your baby can begin bottle-feeding within hours after birth. Average feeding amounts will vary depending on your baby's age and how hungry he or she is at that moment.

A baby drinks from a bottle of formula for about 5 to 25 minutes at a time. Pay attention to your baby's nutritional needs and cues. Don't be concerned if your baby doesn't eat much at one feeding. He or she is likely eating enough over the course of a day or two. Forcing your baby to drink more formula than he or she needs can cause tummy aches and spitting up. But don't ever hesitate to call your doctor if you are worried about whether your baby is eating enough.

• On average, your baby should take in about of formula each day for every of body weight. An baby drinks about of formula each day; a baby drinks about each day.
• Babies younger than 1 year rarely need more than of formula each day.

Common concerns

You may have the following concerns about bottle-feeding your baby:

• When do I feed my baby? The length of time between feedings varies depending on the amount of formula your baby drank during the previous feeding. Most 2-week-old babies drink about every 2 hours. Older babies often drink more formula at each feeding. They often drink a bottle every 4 hours during the day. Sometimes they go 8 hours or longer between feedings at night. As you get to know your baby, you will be able to recognize his or her signs of hunger and fullness.
• How can I breast- and bottle-feed? You may choose to switch between breast-feeding and formula-feeding. Supplementing breast milk with formula may decrease your supply of breast milk. But it will not stop your breast milk production. It is best to wait until your baby has been breast-feeding well for at least 6 weeks before offering your baby formula.
• Are there differences between breast- and bottle-fed babies? Infant formulas take two times longer for a baby to digest than breast milk. As a result, formula-fed babies often take fewer feedings, sleep longer at night in the first few months, and have smaller, harder, stronger-smelling stools than breast-fed babies.
• When can I start feeding my baby solid foods? Starting at about 6 months of age (but no earlier than 4 months of age), you can start offering some solid foods to your baby. Gradually introduce new foods as you reduce the amount of formula. For more information, see the topic Weaning.

In an emergency, you can give your baby whole milk for a short time until you can get more formula.

Last updated:	August 16, 2007
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC