How Much Milk Should Babies Drink?
All mothers ask themselves how much milk their babies should drink. This is normal as all parents want to make sure their children get strong and healthy. However, the amount of milk needed will vary from baby to baby.
First of all, it is important to know that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusively breast milk until children reach 6 months of age. The reason for this is that the mother’s breast milk contains everything a baby needs to grow healthy and strong.
Therefore, there is no specific amount of milk your baby needs to drink. Instead, breastfeed as often as your baby wants.
There are certain situations that require breastfeeding with infant formula. Of course, your pediatrician will be the one to provide you with the exact indications surrounding the nutrition.
However, you can still calculate the amount of breast milk substitute you should give your baby. This will depend on your baby’s weight, age and other signs your baby is exhibiting.
During the first 6 months of life, babies get all the nutrients they need through breastfeeding or breastfeeding. Therefore, a newborn’s needs may be great, and may, in some cases, need to be fed every 2 or 3 hours. Some aspects that will help you calculate your baby’s needs are the following:
Depending on your baby’s weight, you can prepare 75 ml of infant formula per pound. For example, if your baby weighs 8 pounds, you can offer him or her 900 ml a day.
Throughout your little baby’s first days of life, the amount your baby drinks will be minimal. However, the amount will increase over time.
It is important to point out that these are simple standards and procedures that can help you determine how much milk your baby can drink. There are days when your baby may drink more, or days when he or she drinks less.
Another way you can calculate the amount of milk your baby should drink is according to the signs that indicate hunger. There are certain moments when your baby will be hungrier, according to his or her stage of development. Therefore, pay attention to the following signs:
- Your little baby will continue to cry even after he or she has eaten. Your baby may also seem nervous, suck on his fingers or rub around his face. If so, your baby may still be hungry.
- On the other hand, if your baby is not feeling well, he or she may drink less than usual.
- There will be occasions where your baby may drink more than he or she needs and end up spitting it out. This is another indicator of how much milk your baby can drink.
Experts point out that you should breastfeed your baby as often as he or she wishes. However, you need to learn how to identify your baby’s needs. The act of sucking is very soothing for babies, so it is also true that babies can overeat, due to anxiety.
It is one thing to know if your baby is full. Another is to know if your baby is getting all the nutrients he or she needs. To determine this, your pediatrician will monitor your baby’s growth and development.
A good sign is the fact that your baby is growing and that his or her bowel movements are healthy. And, of course, if your baby seems overall calm and satisfied after breastfeeding, this is another sign of proper nutrition.
Remember that all children are different. Therefore, avoid becoming overly rigid when it comes to volumes and schedules, during the first few months. If your baby seems happy, big and strong, then you can be sure that you are doing a good job.
In conclusion, it is a useful information to know how much milk your baby should drink. It gives you an idea of what he or she needs in order to grow healthy and strong.
Remember that your little baby also needs love and understanding. Check with your pediatrician if there is anything that worries you. And, remember to enjoy every moment with your baby – they grow so fast!
