Feeding Concerns for Your 3-Month-Old: Milk Intake and Digestive Issues

Q: Feeding Concerns for Your 3-Month-Old: Milk Intake and Digestive Issues

Hello： The daily intake for children should be around 150 cc/kg/day. <br>If your child weighs 6 kg, they should drink approximately 6*150=900 cc in a day. <br>If you feed them every 4 hours with 150 cc each time, that would total 900 cc for the day, which should be sufficient for

Milk consumption issues?

Hello! 1.
My child is currently three months old and is fed approximately every 3-4 hours.
We are currently preparing 150cc of formula, but sometimes he doesn't finish it.
Is he getting enough nutrition? 2.
Based on his current age, how much formula should he be consuming? Previously, he was drinking a brand of formula and had normal bowel movements for the first two months, but now he only has a bowel movement every two days.
Could this be related to the formula? Should I consider switching to a different brand? Thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions.

Ding Mama, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/12/04

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Hello: The daily intake for children should be around 150 cc/kg/day.
If your child weighs 6 kg, they should drink approximately 6*150=900 cc in a day.
If you feed them every 4 hours with 150 cc each time, that would total 900 cc for the day, which should be sufficient for a typical infant.
Normal bowel movements range from three times a day to once every three days, and should be of moderate consistency.
If your baby experiences hard stools after consuming a specific formula, my experience suggests that using formulas from Taiwan's Wei Chuan or Japan's Morinaga, Meiji, and Snow Brand tends to result in fewer issues with hard stools.
Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely, Pei Ren-Sheng.

Reply Date: 2006/12/04

More Info

Feeding concerns for a 3-month-old baby can be quite common among new parents, and it's understandable to have questions regarding milk intake and digestive issues. Let's address your concerns step by step.

1. Milk Intake: At three months old, babies typically require about 24 to 32 ounces (approximately 700 to 950 mL) of formula or breast milk per day. This usually translates to about 4 to 6 feedings, with each feeding being around 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 mL). If your baby is taking 150 mL but not finishing the bottle, it may indicate that they are either not hungry or that their appetite is changing. Babies can have fluctuations in their feeding patterns, and it’s not uncommon for them to drink less at times. As long as your baby is gaining weight appropriately and has enough wet diapers (at least 4 to 6 per day), they are likely getting enough nutrition.

2. Feeding Amount: If your baby is consistently leaving some milk in the bottle, you might consider reducing the amount you prepare to see if they finish it. However, it's important to ensure that they are still getting enough overall. A good rule of thumb is to follow their cues; if they seem satisfied and are alert and active, they are likely getting enough. If you are concerned about their intake, consulting with a pediatrician can provide personalized guidance.

3. Digestive Issues: Regarding your concern about bowel movements, it’s normal for babies to have varying patterns. While some babies may have a bowel movement after every feeding, others may go a couple of days without one. If your baby was previously having regular bowel movements and has now changed to every two days, this could be related to their diet or simply a normal variation. Formula-fed babies can sometimes experience constipation, especially if they are not drinking enough fluids or if the formula is not well-suited for them.
4. Changing Formula: If you suspect that the formula may be contributing to digestive issues, it might be worth discussing with your pediatrician. They can recommend whether a different formula might be more suitable for your baby. Some formulas are designed to be gentler on the stomach or to help with constipation.

5. Signs of Adequate Nutrition: Keep an eye on your baby's growth and development. Regular check-ups with your pediatrician will help monitor their weight and height, ensuring they are on track. If your baby is alert, active, and meeting developmental milestones, these are good signs that they are receiving adequate nutrition.

6. Hydration and Constipation: If your baby is experiencing constipation, you can try offering a small amount of water (if advised by your pediatrician) or consider gentle tummy massages to help stimulate digestion.
In conclusion, while it’s natural to worry about your baby’s feeding habits and digestive health, many variations are normal at this age. Monitoring their growth, staying in touch with your pediatrician, and responding to their hunger cues will help ensure they are thriving. If you have ongoing concerns about their feeding or digestion, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for tailored advice.

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