Feeding and Sleep Patterns in a 42-Day-Old Newborn

The milk intake and sleep duration for a 42-day-old newborn?

Hello Dr.
Hsiao,
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
My baby was born on November 17, 2016, currently weighs 4 kg and measures 53 cm.
During the day, he typically feeds every 2 to 2.5 hours, exclusively on breast milk from a bottle, with each feeding amounting to about 80 to 100 ml, occasionally reaching 110 ml.
He often takes a break after consuming about 50 ml for burping (though burping doesn’t always happen), and he tends to cry loudly before resuming feeding.
He frequently falls asleep while drinking and can’t be awakened afterward.
After feeding and burping, he doesn’t always burp successfully.
Each feeding lasts about half an hour, but at night, he often only drinks 50 ml before going back to sleep and cannot be awakened.
He typically feeds every 3 to 3.5 hours at night, usually around 11 or 12 PM, then again at 3 or 4 AM, and finally at 6 or 7 AM the next morning.
His total daily milk intake has reached a maximum of 810 ml, and he is awake for long periods with short sleep durations (I’m not sure if this is due to feeding every 2 to 2.5 hours without intentionally waking him; I only feed him when he cries, and sometimes he remains awake between feedings but is very punctual about wanting to feed every 2 hours).
Often, he stays awake the entire afternoon and evening.
I would like to ask the doctor: Given my baby’s current weight, is this milk intake too much? Is the size of the feedings appropriate? Also, is his sleep sufficient? I have tried to feed him more, hoping he might sleep longer, but he doesn’t seem to accept it and cries loudly.
I have also attempted to give him one bottle of formula per day, currently using Meiji.
Initially, he could drink 100 ml, but one day he only drank 60 ml and then refused to drink more, crying when I tried to feed him.
Could this be due to gastrointestinal discomfort? The color of his stool after the formula feeding is the same golden yellow as when he drinks breast milk, and he has not experienced constipation or diarrhea.
Could it be that the formula is not suitable for him?

QQ, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/28

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

The stomach capacity of an infant is approximately 25 to 30 cc per kilogram of body weight, so this amount of milk is not excessive.
For a baby over a month old, the stomach capacity is still quite small, making frequent small feedings common and acceptable.
If an infant's sleep is not disturbed by external factors but rather arises naturally, then the duration is sufficient.
If there are concerns about gastrointestinal discomfort or formula intolerance, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician for a professional evaluation.

Reply Date: 2016/12/28

More Info

When it comes to understanding the feeding and sleep patterns of a 42-day-old newborn, several factors need to be considered, including the baby's weight, feeding frequency, and overall health. Based on the information provided, your baby weighs 4 kg and is consuming between 80 to 110 ml of breast milk per feeding, with a total daily intake of up to 810 ml.
Firstly, let's address the feeding volume. The general guideline for newborns is that they should consume approximately 150-200 ml of milk per kilogram of body weight per day. For your baby weighing 4 kg, this translates to a daily intake of about 600-800 ml. Therefore, your baby's current intake of 810 ml is within an acceptable range and does not appear to be excessive. The variability in feeding amounts is also normal, as newborns often have fluctuating appetites.

Regarding the feeding frequency, it is typical for newborns to feed every 2 to 3 hours during the day. Your baby is feeding every 2 to 2.5 hours, which is consistent with this norm. The fact that your baby sometimes cries before feeding indicates that they are likely hungry, and it is common for babies to show signs of hunger in various ways, including crying. It is also normal for babies to fall asleep while feeding, and it can be challenging to wake them afterward.
As for sleep patterns, newborns typically sleep a lot, but their sleep can be fragmented. The average sleep duration for a newborn is about 14 to 17 hours a day, but this can vary widely. Your baby seems to be awake for longer periods during the day, which is not unusual, especially as they grow and become more alert. However, if your baby is consistently awake for long stretches, it might be beneficial to create a more structured sleep environment. This can include dimming the lights and reducing noise during nighttime hours to help signal to your baby that it is time to sleep.

You mentioned that your baby sometimes drinks only 50 ml at night and then goes back to sleep without waking up. This behavior is also common in newborns, as they may not always consume large amounts during night feedings. If your baby is gaining weight appropriately and is alert and active when awake, this feeding pattern is likely normal.
Regarding the introduction of formula milk, it is essential to monitor how your baby reacts to it. If your baby is refusing formula and crying, it could be due to a variety of reasons, including gastrointestinal discomfort or simply a preference for breast milk. The fact that the stool color remains consistent with breast milk (golden yellow) and there are no signs of constipation or diarrhea is a positive sign. If you suspect that the formula may not be suitable, it is advisable to consult with a pediatrician for further evaluation.

In summary, your baby's feeding and sleeping patterns appear to be within a normal range for their age. Continue to monitor their weight gain and overall health, and don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional if you have concerns about their feeding habits or sleep patterns. Establishing a consistent routine and creating a conducive sleep environment may help improve your baby's sleep duration and quality.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Infant Sleep Patterns: Feeding and Sleep Concerns

Hello, doctor. My baby is currently thirteen days old. After each feeding of formula, it takes about an hour for him to fall asleep. During this time, he does not cry or fuss; he just lies quietly with his mouth moving. He is currently taking 90 cc of milk and weighs 3,270 grams....

Dr. Chen Rongtai reply Pediatrics
The letter mentions issues related to sleep and feeding. The baby currently weighs 3,270 grams and is consuming 90 cc of formula. If we calculate based on feeding every 4 hours, the total daily intake should be 540 cc, which is adequate for the current weight. However, some babie...

Should You Wake Your Baby for Night Feedings? Pediatric Insights

Hello, Dr. Pei: My baby is currently 7 weeks old and is exclusively breastfed. I usually don't control her schedule, except that I ensure there is at least a two-hour interval between feedings. However, she has gradually adjusted her nighttime sleep, going from waking up twi...

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Ms. Chang: Hello, after a baby reaches one month of age, their sleep patterns tend to align more closely with adult schedules, meaning that nighttime sleep will be extended while daytime sleep duration will be shortened. Overall, the total sleep time throughout the day is still r...

Understanding Sleep Challenges in Infants: Insights for Concerned Parents

Dear Dr. Wang, Hello. My baby has just turned seven months old. Normally, infants are expected to have long sleep durations, but since birth, my baby has always struggled to sleep for extended periods. During the day, he often wakes up crying after just half an hour of sleep, an...

Dr. Wang Jiayi reply Pediatrics
I apologize for the delay in responding to your question due to personal matters. To assess a child's physical and mental growth and health, it is essential to first check if their height, weight, and head circumference are within normal ranges. A basic physical examination,...

Managing Irregular Feeding Patterns in Infants: Tips for Parents

Hello Dr. Hsiao: My child is currently one and a half months old and consumes about 100-120 CC of milk every three hours. However, every night around 11 or 12 PM, the feeding amount is significantly larger, and unlike during the day, he doesn't fall asleep right after eating...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
Dear Netizen, In response to your question, the interval between feedings for infants generally lengthens as they grow older. This is because the amount of milk a baby consumes at each feeding tends to increase with age, allowing for longer intervals between nighttime feedings. ...