If you’re trying to acquire the best formula 4 month old formula feeding schedule, you’re probably wondering how often to give your baby the formula. You’ll find that a baby’s feeding schedule is usually six to eight times per day, with one or two nighttime feedings. It is perfectly normal, and you should avoid drastically changing the number of bottles your baby has during this time. The next step is to introduce solid foods. But don’t make these solids your baby’s primary source of nutrition.
As with all feedings, it’s best to let your baby guide the schedule and determine the amount. You want your baby to gain enough weight and dirty their diapers without overfeeding. So let your baby determine how often, how much, and how slow to feed. It is called responsive feeding. You should feed your baby only when they’re hungry or full. You should consult a pediatrician if you’re unsure about your baby’s needs.
After feeding your baby in the morning, the baby will likely nap for about an hour. Then, he’ll wake up around noon and enjoy feeding two tablespoons of rice cereal mixed with four ounces of breast milk. Then, he’ll nap for 30 minutes to an hour before going back to sleep. After his nap, you’ll probably want to take the opportunity to clean the house and fold laundry.
At this stage, babies will probably feed every four hours and consume about six to eight ounces per feeding. To determine how many feedings your baby should receive, multiply your baby’s weight by 2.5 and divide by the number of hours. You can also introduce solids earlier than six months, either before or after bottles. It is your choice. Just remember to follow the instructions on your package. The sooner you begin, the better.
A newborn’s tummy is about the size of a fist. Initially, you can start with a single or two-ounce feeding. You can introduce a smaller amount at each feeding, but as your baby grows, you’ll be able to add more as the baby’s appetite increases. You can expect to wet the diaper every three to four hours as a sign that your baby is getting enough.
By four to six months of age, most babies are ready for solids. The signs that your baby is ready for solids include:
- Gaining head control.
- Losing the tongue-thrust mechanism.
- Developing the ability to grasp a spoon.
However, solid food shouldn’t replace milk as a primary source of nutrients. Your baby should be drinking around four to six ounces of milk per feeding and should be eating solids about every four to five hours.
Your baby’s hunger cues are very important. It is imperative to follow them and feed your baby on demand. You can feed your baby two to three ounces every three to four hours in the first few weeks. After that, you may feed your baby more than once daily, but your baby will quickly establish a feeding rhythm. If you notice a difference between two and four-ounce meals, it’s time to switch to a more frequent feeding schedule.
