4 feeds to 3?

[joshs_mum]

Hi,

my son started on formula at about 6 months, for a short time on 5 bottles/day and then 4 bottles/day. Up until this week he has consistently drank 180-220 mls of formula per bottle. This week he has dropped the amount of milk he is drinking. He will now have about 200 mls in the morning, about 140mls at 11 and again at 3, and about 100 mls at night.

Do you think it is time to drop to 3 bottles? He is 7 1/2 months, according to the formula tin it is a little early to be doing this. He weighs 9.5kg and has 3 medium-sized solid meals a day.

I am just a little concerned he won't be getting enough formula. Even dropping the amount of solids he is eating isn't changing the amount of milk taken. He is a reasonably contented little boy who has always had good weight gain.

TIA

[the pero clinic]

Dear Joshs_mum,

For babies between 6 and 12 months, it is suggested that they have around 100mL of formula / kg of weight each day. This would mean approximately 900mL in 24 hours for your little boy. Some babies will need more or less than this.

Your bub seems to be having only 500mL daily – which does seem a bit low. Formula or breastmilk still plays a very important role in nutrition at this age. Solids should be given in addition to milk, and should not take over from formula. It is possible that his recent decrease in formula feeds will pass, and it is good that you have tried to decrease his solid meals a bit.

If your little boy continues to gain weight, stay hydrated and does not seem hungry, then do not worry too much. If you are able to encourage your bub to take 4 bottles, or increase the amount in each of the three bottles, then that would be good. Continue to keep an eye on how much solids he is eating. It just may be that your little boy doesn’t have a big appetite and that this is normal for him.

Please speak to your doctor or CHN if you have ongoing concerns.


the pero clinic