Concerns About Infant Feeding and Development: Expert Advice Needed

Q: Concerns About Infant Feeding and Development: Expert Advice Needed

Hello, Xiaoxuan： 1. If the child does not experience vomiting or diarrhea and has no gastrointestinal discomfort, there is no need to restrict their milk intake too much, and it is not recommended to use glucose water for feeding. 2. The human body naturally h

Milk consumption issues?

Hello, Director Zhao: My son has just turned one month old.
Most of the day, he drinks milk every three hours, about 100-120 cc each time, but sometimes he wants to eat every two hours, and very rarely even less than two hours.
When he wants to eat every two hours, I usually try to feed him glucose water, but he often refuses and cries until I give him milk.
At night, to avoid disturbing others, I usually give in and let him drink.
Is this excessive? I am using Nestlé hydrolyzed protein for him, and sometimes he finishes drinking and immediately has a bowel movement.
The pharmacist mentioned that this indicates poor gastrointestinal absorption, meaning he drinks and then poops without absorbing the nutrients.
Is that correct? He has bowel movements about two to three times a day, usually right after drinking milk.
Additionally, I have another question, and I'm not sure whether to ask you or which specialty to consult.
My son's penis is quite small while his testicles are relatively large.
What should I do about this? I am particularly concerned about his short penis.
I would greatly appreciate your guidance, Director Zhao! Thank you very much!

Xiao Xuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/03/29

Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics

Hello, Xiaoxuan:
1.
If the child does not experience vomiting or diarrhea and has no gastrointestinal discomfort, there is no need to restrict their milk intake too much, and it is not recommended to use glucose water for feeding.

2.
The human body naturally has a phenomenon known as the "gastrocolic reflex," which means that after consuming milk, it may stimulate the urge to defecate in children, leading to bowel movements.
As long as the stool is normal, there is no need for excessive concern.

3.
Generally, the areas of concern are the child's urination and the condition of the foreskin.
If the testicles are present in the scrotum and urination is normal, with no unusual dark pigmentation, there should be no major issues.
The child will continue to develop as they grow older.

Reply Date: 2004/03/29

More Info

Dear Parent,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your one-month-old son’s feeding habits and development. It’s completely normal for new parents to have questions about their infant’s nutrition and growth, and I’m here to provide some guidance.

Firstly, regarding your son’s feeding schedule, it’s common for infants to have varying feeding patterns. At one month old, many babies will typically feed every 2 to 3 hours, consuming around 100-120cc of formula per feeding. If your son occasionally wants to feed every 2 hours, this can be perfectly normal, especially during growth spurts. Infants often go through phases where they seem hungrier, and this can be a natural part of their development.
Using glucose water as a substitute when he seems hungry is not generally recommended. It’s important to provide your baby with the nutrition he needs from formula or breast milk, as these are specifically designed to meet an infant's nutritional requirements. If he is crying and seems hungry, it’s best to offer him formula rather than glucose water, as the latter does not provide the necessary nutrients for growth and development.

Regarding your concern about overfeeding, it’s essential to follow your baby’s hunger cues. If he is showing signs of hunger, it’s okay to feed him. However, if you notice he is consistently wanting to feed more frequently than every 2 hours, it might be worth discussing with your pediatrician to ensure he is gaining weight appropriately and that there are no underlying issues.

As for the bowel movements, it’s normal for infants to have several bowel movements a day, especially if they are formula-fed. The fact that he is having two to three bowel movements daily after feeding is typically a sign that his digestive system is functioning well. If your pharmacist mentioned concerns about nutrient absorption, it’s essential to monitor his growth and weight gain. If he is gaining weight appropriately and seems healthy, this is a good sign that he is absorbing nutrients well. However, if you have ongoing concerns, a consultation with your pediatrician would be beneficial.

Now, regarding your concern about your son’s genitalia, it’s important to understand that variations in size and appearance are common among infants. The size of the penis and the appearance of the testicles can vary significantly from one child to another. In most cases, these differences are normal and do not indicate any health issues. However, if you have specific concerns about his development or if there are any abnormalities, it would be best to consult a pediatrician or a pediatric urologist. They can provide a thorough examination and reassure you about your son’s development.

In summary, continue to feed your son based on his hunger cues, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for any concerns about his feeding patterns or physical development. Regular check-ups will help ensure he is growing and developing as expected. Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Your attentiveness to his needs is commendable, and seeking advice is a crucial part of being a caring parent.

Wishing you and your son all the best as you navigate this exciting journey of parenthood!

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