Feeding Your Baby: How Much Milk Should a 6-Month-Old Drink?

Baby drinking milk?

Dr.
Chang: I apologize for interrupting your rest time.
Our child will be six months old after February, and currently, he sometimes drinks about 70 cc of milk per feeding, while in the morning, he drinks around 40 to 50 cc.
If he drinks 70 cc but stops halfway, should I wait until the next feeding to offer him more, or should I discard the remaining milk and prepare a new bottle? Thank you, Doctor.
His bowel movements and hydration are normal.

Yide, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/01/16

Dr. Zhang Yingwen reply Pediatrics

At six months, infants may begin to enter a phase of milk aversion, making it difficult to accurately estimate their milk intake.
Due to uncertainty about the proper storage of previously consumed milk and the potential for bacterial contamination in the mouth, it is advisable not to offer milk at the next feeding.
Wishing you health and safety!

Reply Date: 2015/01/16

More Info

Feeding a 6-month-old baby can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to ensuring they receive adequate nutrition. At this age, babies are typically transitioning from a diet primarily consisting of breast milk or formula to include solid foods. However, milk remains a crucial part of their diet, as it provides essential nutrients necessary for their growth and development.

According to pediatric guidelines, a 6-month-old baby should ideally consume around 24 to 32 ounces (approximately 700 to 950 milliliters) of breast milk or formula each day. This amount is important to ensure they receive sufficient calories and nutrients, particularly calcium and vitamin D, which are vital for bone development. If your baby is only consuming about 400cc (approximately 13.5 ounces) of milk daily, this is significantly below the recommended amount.

It's not uncommon for babies to show a preference for solid foods over milk as they begin to explore new tastes and textures. However, it is essential to strike a balance. If your baby is consuming a variety of solid foods, including cereals, fruits, and vegetables, you may be concerned about whether they are getting enough nutrition. While solid foods can provide additional nutrients, they should not replace milk at this stage. Milk should still be the primary source of nutrition for infants under one year old.

If your baby is refusing milk, it is crucial to monitor their overall growth and development. Regular check-ups with a pediatrician can help assess whether your baby is meeting growth milestones. If your baby is gaining weight appropriately and is active, they may be experiencing a temporary phase of reduced milk intake. However, if you notice any signs of dehydration, lethargy, or failure to thrive, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.

Regarding your question about whether to wait until the next feeding to offer more milk or to discard the remaining milk, it is generally advisable to offer the milk again at the next feeding time. If your baby is not interested in finishing the milk, you can try to offer it again later, but it is essential to avoid forcing them to drink. Babies have their own hunger cues, and forcing them can lead to negative associations with feeding.

In terms of preparing milk, it is crucial to follow the instructions on the formula packaging to ensure the correct dilution. Over-concentration can lead to nutritional imbalances and potential health issues.

In conclusion, while it is normal for a 6-month-old to show varying preferences for milk and solid foods, it is essential to ensure they are receiving adequate nutrition. Aim for at least 24 to 32 ounces of milk daily, and continue to introduce a variety of solid foods. If you have concerns about your baby's feeding habits or nutritional intake, do not hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for personalized advice and support. Regular monitoring of growth and development will help ensure your baby is on the right track.

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