Baby feeding and nutrition

Feeding

Age Amount of formula^ Number of feedings per 24 hours Development Solid foods Water
1 month 2 to 4 ounces per feeding 6 to 8 times No No
2 months 5 to 6 ounces per feeding 5 to 6 times No No
3 to 5 months 6 to 7 ounces per feeding 5 to 6 times No No
4 to 6 months 28 to 32 ounces per day 4 to 6 times Make first cereal feedings very soupy and thicken slowly. Yes No
7 months 30 to 32 ounces per day 3 to 5 times Start finger foods and cup. Yes Yes
8 months 30 to 32 ounces per day 3 to 5 times Formula intake decreases; solid foods in diet increase. Yes Yes
9 months 30 to 32 ounces per day 3 to 5 times Eating more table foods. Make sure diet has good variety. Yes Yes
10 to 12 months 24 to 30 ounces per day 3 to 4 times Baby may change to table food. Baby will feed himself or herself and use a spoon and cup. Yes Yes

^Breastfeeding highly preferred to formula feeding

Formula Types

Usually all formulas should be mixed 1 scoop to 2 oz of water. Water should be added first and then powder. [1] [2]

Cow's milk protein

  • Milk based, for most babies
  • Examples: Enfamil Complete, Similac Advance

Low lactose or lactose free

  • Sometimes used after a diarrheal illness, but these are not needed in the grand majority of patients
  • Examples: Similac Sensitive, Enfamily Gentlease

Soy protein based

  • For infants with IgE mediated cow's milk allergy
  • For infants with galactosemia
  • Examples: Enfamil Isomil, Gerber Good Start Soy, Similac Isomil

Extensively hydrolyzed

  • Most are lactose free
  • For infants with food protein induced proctocolitis or IgE mediated cow's milk allergy
  • Examples: Enfamil Nutramigen, Similac Alimentär

Amino acid based

  • Free from amino acids, indicated for patient's with severe cow's milk protein allergy
  • Lactose free
  • Examples: Electra, Neocate

See Also

References

  1. DiMaggio, D et al. Ask the Pediatrician: What Are the Best Kinds of Formula?. The Bump. March 5 2018.
  2. Fleet, Sarah E. et al. Overview of enteral nutrition in infants and children. UpToDate. Nov 19 2021.