How much should my 3 week old eat? That is a question that plagues all parents. While you might not realize it, your baby is already communicating with you through their crying and lip-smacking behaviors. Their body temperature and appearance can also let you know when they are hungry and full. Those same physical cues may also indicate when they need a feed. If you notice any of these signs, contact your pediatrician for further instructions.
Feeding and sleeping go hand-in-hand at three weeks. Young babies tend to fall asleep immediately after feeding because they are tired from the complex feeding action. It may even be an hour or two before a baby wakes up, but you should not force them into a feeding schedule. Instead, try to get out into the world and let your baby explore. A stroll around the neighborhood is great for a newborn!
Feeding schedule: Your three-week-old should eat 8 to 12 ounces of food every day. You may still wake up every three to four hours during the night. However, you should aim to get her to wet between five to eight diapers per day. If your baby is constipated, avoid using medicine or pacifiers. Besides, your baby’s hunger signals may change in the future.
Feeding time: Your baby will likely need more or less milk during each feeding than the recommended amount. Feeding time is more important than feeding frequency, as babies grow and have varying appetites. Some babies may require more than one feeding in one sitting, while others might need a few hours between feeds. If your baby is feeding more frequently than you want, you should adjust your schedule accordingly. You can also wake him up for a feeding if you need to.
Feeding time: As your baby begins to eat more solid food, you can cut back on the amount of milk your baby drinks. When your baby starts eating solids, she will be more likely to spit up more often. Although this is normal, it doesn’t mean you should stop breastfeeding. Instead, you should gradually reduce her milk intake until she is a year old. For optimal results, you should gradually decrease the amount of milk your baby drinks in each feeding.
How much should my three-week-old eat? It all depends on your baby’s age and health. You can offer them vegetables and fruits that are soft and easy to chew, yogurt or cottage cheese. You can also prepare casseroles that contain fruits and vegetables in their favorite flavor. Alan Greene, author of Feeding Baby Green, suggests serving a pasta casserole with red sauce. However, if your child’s appetite seems insatiable, you should consult your pediatrician.
For a formula-fed baby, the amount of formula they drink is around two or three ounces per feeding, every three to four hours. Once your baby has started to grow, the amount of formula your baby drinks will increase. The rule of thumb for feeding is 2.5 ounces per pound of body weight. To be safe, your pediatrician may recommend you wake your baby up to feed him or her.
