Increasing quantity of milk

[Lachlan's Mum]

Hi All :)

Just wondering whether anyone has any tips for getting bub to drink more mls per feed?

Lachlan is now almost 14 weeks old and I am still only making up 150ml bottles (5 per day) and most of the time he leaves 30 or 40 mls anyway. I know the can is only a guide - but he is "supposed" to be up to 180mls...and even on the 150mls per kg of bodyweight x 5 per day he is not drinking enough.

He is gaining enough weight at the moment and doesn't seem hungry (ie is not screaming for extra feeds or anything) - he will occasionally have an extra night feed but not often.

I am just concerned that his weight gain will slow down :(

Any suggestions? :confused:

[michelle]

I had one child who would consistently drink way more than they were 'supposed' to and one who would drink only half the recommended amount. My daughter at 21/2 years weighs what my son did at 1 year. I think you just have to remember that all people are different in whether they will be a large or small person or have a big or little appetite, even within the one family. As long as he goes for regular check-ups at your local child health clinic or pharmacy or wherever you normally go, and the nurse is happy with him I wouldn't be too concerned. :)

[Gemma]

Hi Lachlan's Mum,

Grace has always taken less than her daily quota and she is now 11kgs at 12 months (90th percentile). Don't worry, if he is happy then he is fine. A beby will never dehydrate themselves and they only take what they need, so don't stress.

[Mish]

Hello Lachlans Mum
Just letting you know Taleisa never drinks the whole bottle either, I was a bit concerned but I think as they get bigger (particularly our Reflux babies) and their digestive systems get better I think they will take more. I make up 210 mls for Taleisa and she only drinks 150mls. If I try to make her drink more her Reflux is worse so I guess its a catch 22 - all will be fine as long as they keep gaining weight don't worry... :)

[Chloe's mama]

Hi Lachlans mum,

My girl was very good with the bottle early on and started to refuse as she got older. I just let her stop, play or cuddle her for about 20mins and then offer the bottle again. If he's in the healthy weight range and the nurses are happy and he seems happy then I would get too worried. My daughter never woke for nights feeds either when she was newborn. It's not that strange, we're just very lucky!!

[Lachlan's Mum]

thanks all for your feedback!! Funny enough Lachlan started drinking a bit more almost straight after I posted on here! :rolleyes:

thanks anyway I appreciate it!