Is Four Feedings a Day Enough for My Four-Month-Old Baby?

Is drinking four meals a day too little for someone over four months old?

Hello doctor, my child is currently four and a half months old and weighs 6.7 kg.
She is currently having four meals a day, drinking 200 cc each time.
Is this sufficient? Is the interval between her last feeding at 9 PM and the first feeding at 8:30 AM too long without milk? Additionally, her eyes were originally double eyelids, but for the past week or so, they appear puffy and have changed to single eyelids.
Could this be swelling, or is it normal for a child's eyes to change and not be well-defined? Thank you.

Yuan Yuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/07/27

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

Typically, a five-month-old infant's weight is double their birth weight, so it appears that your child's weight gain is normal, indicating that her milk intake should be sufficient.
Similarly, if the child's weight gain is normal and based on her own needs, there is no issue with her drinking milk at longer intervals.
Additionally, since a young infant's blood and lymphatic circulation is not yet fully developed, it is normal for areas with thinner skin, such as around the eyes, to appear more swollen at times.

Reply Date: 2014/07/27

More Info

When it comes to feeding a four-month-old baby, it's essential to understand that each infant has unique nutritional needs based on their growth patterns, weight, and overall health. In your case, your baby weighs 6.7 kg, which is a healthy weight for a four-month-old. Generally, infants at this age should be consuming around 100 to 180 cc of formula or breast milk per kilogram of body weight per day. This means your baby should be getting approximately 670 to 1206 cc of milk daily.
If your baby is currently having four feedings a day with each feeding consisting of 200 cc, that totals 800 cc per day, which falls within the recommended range. However, it's crucial to monitor your baby's cues. Babies are quite adept at signaling their hunger, and if your baby seems satisfied and is gaining weight appropriately, then your feeding schedule is likely adequate.
Regarding the timing of feedings, spacing them from 9 PM to 8:30 AM does create a long interval without feeding, which can be concerning. However, if your baby is sleeping well and not showing signs of hunger during the night, it may be acceptable. Many parents find that their babies will naturally wake up when they are hungry, and if your baby is sleeping through the night, it might indicate that they are getting enough nutrition during the day.
It's also worth noting that breast milk is digested more quickly than formula, which can lead to babies feeling hungry sooner after a feeding. If you are breastfeeding, you might find that your baby needs more frequent feedings during the day to compensate for this faster digestion.
As for the change in your baby's eyelids from double eyelids to what appears to be single eyelids, this can be quite normal in infants. Babies often experience variations in their eyelid appearance due to factors like fluid retention, which can cause temporary puffiness or swelling. This is particularly common in younger infants as their lymphatic and circulatory systems are still developing. If the swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as redness or discharge, it would be wise to consult your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues.

In summary, your current feeding schedule seems to be within the normal range for your baby's age and weight. However, always pay attention to your baby's hunger cues and adjust as necessary. If you have any concerns about their feeding patterns or health, don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for personalized advice. They can provide guidance tailored to your baby's specific needs and help address any concerns you may have regarding their development.

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