Feeding Guide: 0-4 months
Breast milk or infant formula is all that your baby needs for around the first 6 months.
For the first 2 months or so your baby will most likely require a night feed. He has a very small stomach capacity (about the size of his own fist) and needs extra feeds to meet his energy requirements for his rapid growth.
As his stomach capacity increases and he is able to consume more, then he should be able to drop his night feed.
Your baby suckling at the breast stimulates milk production. The more he suckles, the more milk you will produce. This is nature’s way to ensure that you will produce the quantity of milk he needs. Interrupted sleep is exhausting, so try and rest during the day when your baby is sleeping. A rest during the afternoon may also help your milk supply in the evening.
If your baby is breastfed, then feed on demand. If you are bottle-feeding, your baby will need 5 to 6 bottle feeds a day for the first 4 months. The total amount will be about 850 mls per day at 2 months and up to 1000 mls a day by 4 months.
Is He Getting Enough?
If your baby is having at least 6 wet nappies a day and is gaining weight satisfactorily, then he is getting enough breast or bottle-feeds. It is important to check your baby's progress regularly with your child health nurse. Your nurse will be able to help you with all your concerns regarding your baby and she will also weigh baby and measure your baby's length, head and chest circumference.
