Baby not taking enough at feeds

[babyfromgod]

My baby should be taking between 5-7oz at a feed but he is only taking 3-4oz. It is really frustrating and worrying me as i don't want him to get dehydrated. He used to be such a good drinker too. I have tried changing his formula to a nicer tasting one but it still doesn't help. I might try a different bottle today and see if that helps but i'm running out of ideas!

 

[Lara310809]

My LO is notoriously bad for this; at 5 months old she was only taking 10-15oz per day I kept going to get her weighed and the HVs said not to worry as long as she was putting on weight and was happy enough. I would say the same to you, but pop to the HV and mention your concern just in case they have any more suggestions. It's hard when you want them to eat, and they refuse, but if your LO is happy, there isn't much you can do.

 

[babyfromgod]

Thanks, should i try and extend the time between his feeds and see if he takes more at the next feed?

 

[Lara310809]

That never worked for me. My LO used to sleep 14 hours straight, without a feed at all, and when she woke up she wasn't even slightly hungry I would have to wait about an hour before she would take the bottle, and even then she may only take 1-2oz

I demand feed, and I have done since my LO was a couple of months old. I just offer her as much milk as she likes, when she wants it. Some feeds she will have more, and some she won't have much. I just offer her milk frequently during the day when she's not taking much, and offer her lots of water too, because if she's not eating her milk, she still needs to keep her fluids up so she doesn't get dehydrated. Keep a note of how much formula your little boy is taking, and if you are still worried, speak to the HV or the paediatrician about it.

 

[ginab]

im in the same boat.. whats the 'nicer tasting formula' you tried? i tried not offering it at all until she cried for it.. i agree with lara.. id just go with the flow there's a reason your baby doesnt want to take much just go with the baby and if hes happy and gaining then try not to worry or he will pick up on your anxiousness and it will make it worse. It seems it is quite normaly for baby's to go through these phases or just not drink that much milk and still thrive.

your not on your own xx

 

[babyfromgod]

Thanks ladies, i will maybe try make smaller bottles so i'm not wasting so much. The nicer tasting one is S26 newborn, not sure if you have it where you live? It tastes creamier and sweeter

 

[elixir]

im in the same boat. feed time is a nightmare. but i hv started 2 ealize that if the LO is happy and gaining weight i shoul stop worrying abt how much the books say she should eat. i mean we all dont eat the same amount do we? hang in there hun!

 

[dizzymeg]

have you upped teat size? olly did this at roughly your LO age and we changed to vari flow teats, it was a miracle! it means he drinks as much as he wants as opposed to being restricted by the teat size.
xx

 

[ke29]

Just remember that the instruction on the amount of feed they should take is only a guide! My lo doesnt take the recommended amount at the recommended interval. I feed on demand, he's gaining weight, Im not worried!