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When it comes to feeding newborns, accuracy and precision are key. Feeding your little one is the first act of care and love you will show to your little one. It is typical to spend most of your time nourishing your baby.
Whether formula-fed or breastfed, at three weeks it is common for babies to have a larger appetite and require more food at regular intervals. Feeding habits for newborns are bound to change as they grow older. So what can you do when your baby only consumes as much as 4 oz of milk?
One thing you should consider doing is to feed your baby on demand rather than at timely intervals. Also, opt for a slow-flow teat to reduce the amount of milk your baby consumes at a time. This will help your baby’s brain to quickly register that your baby is full.
If you do find yourself in a situation where your 3-week-old only eats 4 ounces during feeding times, it is natural to wonder if this is normal or a cause for concern. In this article, we will explore all the possible considerations of why this is so and provide tips on what to do when faced with this issue. Read on.
Is It Normal For 3 Week Old To Eat 4 OZ?
Yes, it is considered normal for a 3-week-old baby to only consume 4 ounces of milk (breast milk or formula) per feeding time as it is still within the appropriate feeding range. A lot of baby feeding patterns are different, meaning, that the reality for Mom A might not be the same for Mom B, and it isn’t a cause for alarm when your baby has a large appetite.
If your baby has a larger appetite, make sure to feed them to their belly’s capacity. Do not worry about overfeeding your baby as babies tend to refuse to eat when they have had enough food. However, if you are still uncertain about what your baby’s feeding needs are, it is best to consult with your pediatrician for professional advice.
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Feeding Chart For Babies
It is okay to be unsure about how much milk your baby should consume per feeding time based on their age. If you do find yourself wondering how many ounces of milk and at what intervals you should offer your baby food, we’ve got you. Below is a general feeding chart for babies, be sure to note that the specific feeding needs of babies may vary on their size and appetite;
| Age | Feeding Intervals | Ounces Per Feeding (Breastmilk Or Formula) |
| 0 – 4 Weeks | 2 – 3 Hours (most preferably feed on demand) | 2 – 3 Ounces |
| 1 – 2 Months | 3 Hours | 2 – 4 Ounces |
| 2 – 4 Months | 3 – 4 Hours | 4 – 6 Ounces |
| 4 – 6 Months | 4 – 5 Hours | 6 – 8 Ounces |
| 6 – 9 Months | 5 – 6 Hours | 6 – 8 Ounces |
| 9 – 12 Months | 4 – 5 times of feeding per day | 8 Ounces |
What To Do When 3 Week Old Is Eating 4 OZ
There are a few things when your 3 weeks old baby is consistently eating 4 ounces of milk and they are as follows;
1. Feed On Demand
When it comes to newborns within the age of 0 – 1 month, it is best practice to just feed them on demand. Make sure to understand your baby’s hunger cues, so you don’t mistake their fussiness due to discomfort for hunger.
2. Use A Slow Flow Teat
Try slow-pacing your baby’s feeding as this will help reduce the amount of food they consume per feeding time. Using a slow flow teat ensures that their brain quickly registers when the baby is full and prevents overfeeding.
3. Trust Your Baby’s Appetite
It is best to understand that babies’ appetites vary from baby to baby. It is natural and normal for your baby to have a much larger appetite than others. Rather than worrying about how much your baby consumes, you should trust your baby and feed them as much as they ask.
4. Consult With A Pediatrician
If you are still concerned about how much your baby consumes, it is best to reach out to a pediatrician for guidance and advice. Most of the time, healthcare providers assures that this shouldn’t be a cause for alarm as babies all have different appetites in general.
How Does Feeding On Demand Work?
Feeding on demand is best suited for newborns, because of how small their stomach is (almost the size of a walnut), and would often be in need of food. This means making food available to the baby as soon as there is a signal for it rather than sticking to a feeding schedule.
Parents that feed on demand might need to feed their little ones up to 8 – 12 times daily. Formula-fed babies on the other hand may not show signs of hunger as fast as breastfed babies due to the fact that formula tad harder to digest.
However, it is very important to understand the hunger cues of babies to prevent overfeeding and some of the hunger cues are;
- Making the clicking or sucking sound with their mouth.
- Smacking their lips.
- Moving or opening their mouth whilst tilting their head towards anything that touches their face.
- Sucking on their fingers.
- Fussiness or crying, which is usually the last sign that they are hungry.
Feeding on demand is great for building healthy eating habits in babies and is perfect for helping babies gain healthy weight as scheduled feeding has been associated with poor weight gain. You are sure to be helping your babies cognitive skill develop faster as they grow with on-demand feeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ounces of food should my 3 weeks old baby take?
Generally, 3-week-old babies should consume 2 – 3 ounces of breast milk or formula per feeding time. However, you should also understand that your baby might have a personalized amount of food that they find more satisfying, that said, your baby may require less or more than the usual ounce.
How often can my 3 weeks old baby be fed?
It is typical to feed your 3-week-old baby about 8 – 12 times a day to keep them well nourished and fed. Nonetheless, it is highly recommended to feed your baby on demand.
What age can babies eat 4 oz?
From 4 weeks to 2 months, babies are expected to consume as much as 2 – 4 ounces of milk per feeding time.
Summary
It is natural to be unsure about the right amount of milk your newborn should consume and when they consume above the standard oz consistently you worry about overfeeding them.
Best to know that is normal for some babies to consume more than 2 to 3 ounces of food this is due to the fact that they may have a larger appetite. If your baby is gaining excess weight or you are still generally concerned about your baby’s well-being, consult with your doctor for personalized guidance.
