how much milk for a big baby

[kallaroo]

hi
my ds is 17 weeks old and weighs just over 20lb (just over 9kgs).i started him on formula 4 weeks ago and he is now draining 8oz bottles. i put him on the hungry formula and he still drinks the same amount but sleeps better during the night.
he is on a four hour EASY so has 5 a day.
he is started to whinge a bit after his bottle which he would not normally do.  today i gave him a bottle with 9oz and he was fine after this.
i am just wondering is this too much for a baby of his age (but weighs as much as an average 6 month old)
what is the most milk that you can give a baby before having to wean.

[* Paula *]

Hi,

I  would say that if your lo is settled with 9 oz bottles then let him have them.

The guideline is that they have 2.5 oz per lb of weight, some lo's eat more, and some eat less.

I have heard of some lo's taking 10oz per feed, so would not worry too much about it.

If your lo is not having any night wakings, I would say that he is still settled on his milk, and not ready to wean yet.

HTH's

Paula

[oilerbaby]

I have always been told by my Mom (a nurse) and the public health nurses that you should not give a baby more than one bottle at a feed (which is 8oz. here).   

You have to see after his bottle is done if he is just whining because he still wants to suck or if he is whining because he is still hungry.  If you find he is not able to go the 4 hours until the next bottle then he is most likely still hungry. 

My ds whines the odd time after his bottle as well but holds out fine until the next feed (4 hours as well). 

I have also read on the site that the way to figure out the amount of milk is 2.5 oz. per pound (somebody correct me if I'm wrong...).  Generally a good guideline I have found.  Now, if he starts waking up earlier or not sleeping through the night you can start with 1 tbsp. of rice cereal before bed as well - and you are now going to get lots of posts saying you should hold off on solids until 6 months.  Every baby is different and you just need to see what suits yours.  My first two started at 4 months and 3 1/2 months.  My ds now started at 3 months - and they're all fine.  You have to do what you're comfortable with though... good luck!

 

[* Paula *]

The reason it is suggested to hold of solids until 6 months as a lo's tummy is very sensitive, and can end up causing problems such as constipation, allergies etc.  Baby rice can be very constipating for a lo.

I have taken this information from the FAQ's section of the Solid Foods Board:-

Other points to consider: Younger babies may have difficulty signaling to you when they are full, and their digestive systems may not be mature enough to handle solid food. Gas, tummyaches, and constipation can happen anytime during solids introduction, but consistent digestive problems may be a sign that your baby's body isn't ready yet. Also, there is no conclusive evidence that solid foods will help your baby sleep through the night.

Some bottles in the UK go up to 9 or 10oz.  I have heard of people adding extra to another bottle if their lo is still hungry.  All babies are different and take different amounts of milk.

HTH's

Paula