Tag: Formula

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HOW TO TELL WHEN YOUR BABY IS HUNGRY OR FULL?

From birth to 6 months old, your infant will progress through a series of signs showing that he or she is hungry. The typical progression is:

  1. Infant will begin smacking lips, clucking tongue, and opening closing his/her mouth in a sucking motion (even during sleep).
  2. Infant will root – turning head toward caregiver and opening/closing mouth in a sucking motion.
  3. Infant will begin bringing hands to mouth.
  4. Infant will clench hands into fists and increase sucking on hands.
  5. Infant will begin to show lines of stress in his or her face.
  6. Infant will begin to cry.

It is important to note that crying is often a late sign of hunger. Look for signs 1-5 to better anticipate your baby’s needs and begin feeding when he or she is still calm.

 

FULLNESS CUES: BIRTH – 6 MONTHS

As your baby becomes full, you will notice the following signs:

  1. The lines in baby’s face will begin to smooth out.
  2. Hand that were tightly fisted and up near the cheeks will begin to slowly open. Arms will relax and drop to the sides.
  3. Baby will no longer maintain a tight seal at breast or on the bottle, and milk will begin to leak at the corners of the mouth.
  4. Baby will turn away from the feeding and refuse to re-latch onto your breast or the bottle.

It is important to note that if your baby has fallen asleep but still exhibits lines on the face or fisted hands, he/she is not yet full and will wake up shortly to re-feed. Take time to burp your baby, change his/her diaper and gently arouse him/her to complete the feeding. This will result in a more successful feeding and better rested baby and mom!

 

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Basics of Formula Feeding

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Using powdered infant formula

• Use water from a safe source, such as distilled or purified water, to mix with formula.
• Follow the measurement instructions on your formula container always adding water first and then powder.
• Allow 15-30 minutes to finish bottle. Prepared formula should be used or refrigerated within one hour.
• Formula may be prepared ahead of time and stored in refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Open cans of formula have a 30-day shelf-life. Write the open date on the lid, and if there is any left after 30 days, throw it away.

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Guide for formula feeding

As infants grow, their ability to consume a greater volume and variety of food increases. Newborns need small, frequent feedings, whereas older infants can consume more volume requiring fewer feedings. Initially, you can feed your baby formula on demand when he/she cries or shows signs of hunger. Your baby will drink 2-3 oz. every 2-4 hours the first few days of life. By the end of the first month, you will have a better idea of your baby’s feeding schedule. During the first few weeks of life, if your baby is sleeping five hours and missing feedings, be sure to wake him/her up to feed.

Choosing a formula

There are many commercial formulas available for purchase, and one brand or type of formula is not best for all babies. Most pediatricians will recommend using a formula that is iron fortified, but always talk with your child’s doctor about what formula is best, especially if you suspect your baby has an intolerance or allergy.

The information contained here within is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Edwards Health Care Services (EHCS) does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned here within. Reliance on any information provided by EHCS, EHCS employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication here within is solely at your own risk.

Sources:
• https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/learning-breastfeed/making-breastmilk
• https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/Amount-and-Schedule-of-Formula-Feedings.aspx
• https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/frequency-feeding-frequently-asked-questions-faqs/
• https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/breastfeeding/how-much-and-how-often.html

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