The answer to the question, “How much ounces should a 3 week old eat” is a complex one, and varies widely depending on a number of factors, including age, weight and breastfeeding frequency. There are no exact numbers for formula-fed babies, but the AAP recommends feeding your baby between two and three ounces per pound of body weight each day. That means that a thirteen-pound, three-month-old will need 32 1/2 ounces of formula a day. However, other studies have shown that babies that same age may drink as little as twenty-four ounces a day, while others may need up to thirty-four.
Breast milk and formula supply the majority of a newborn’s nutrition, but solids provide new flavors and textures that are important for growth and development. Most babies settle into a routine of three solid meals each day, though individual differences in feeding schedule may occur. When it comes to the amount of formula, most babies take six to eight ounce bottles every three to five hours. Some babies even enjoy a bottle first thing in the morning.
Feeding guidelines vary from baby to baby, so don’t try to figure out how much your child should eat on a daily basis. Feeding your child based on their appetite will give you the best insight into how much they need. Avoid coaxing him to finish his bottle or forcing him to eat when he is hungry. Coaxing him to eat is not recommended as it can override his natural hunger and satiety mechanisms. It is important for your child to be satisfied with his or her meal, as it ensures proper growth.
Feeding a baby can be tricky – many new parents are confused by their infant’s needs and physiology. They end up making the wrong decisions. While they may sleep through the night, they may need one or two feedings in the middle of the night. A good way to test your baby’s hunger without giving him a feed is to let him go several hours between feedings. If he wakes up quickly, it’s probably time for another feeding.
A baby can hold up to two and a half ounces of liquid each time they nurse. At nine months, they typically cap out at 32 ounces of formula a day. As a general rule, about half of the baby’s calories should come from food, and the other half from breast milk. Growing infants are very adventurous and have a discerning palate. Don’t take pushy behavior personally.
Learn more about How to Wake Up a Newborn
Feeding a newborn is an art, but there are guidelines to follow. You need to follow your baby’s lead. They know what they need, and they’ll tell you. Ensure that your baby has adequate milk and food intake, and try to enjoy the journey as much as possible. Your little one will be eating finger foods and other foods before you know it! It’s important to understand that this is a normal pattern and that it is completely normal for your baby to feed more than one time per day.
