J.O.
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How much formula should a 3 month old be drinking? He's only on formula.
MDs state: 2oz per pound per day. So if your child weighs 12 lbs. They should be drinking a minimum of 24 oz A DAY.
It is important to remember that every child is different. I was worried about one of my kids at that age because I had read that he should be eating 24 to 32 oz of formula a day and he wasn't. He was closer to 18 to 20. I asked his dr. and she said no need to worry. That that is actually a lot. As long as he was gaining weight, that is what is most important. I think at that age, I would offer him 4 oz every 3 to 4 hours and sometimes he would drink it all...sometimes only 2 or 3 oz. He will stop when he is full. I will recommend not to try and force it. My husband kept feeling like he needed to eat more and would keep trying to get him to eat and he would end up throwing up. So offer him a bit more then you think he would eat just to make sure he has enough and when he stops eating he is done.
All 3 of my kids were pretty much formula fed (long story...) and I think I focused way too much on how much they ate....remember that breast fed babies mom's don't know exactly how much they eat...the baby stops when they are full. I was much more relaxed with my 3rd one on the whole thing and she turned out just fine.
My son drinks 3 oz every 2-3 hours depending on how long he sleeps, but he also sleeps through the entire night til 7 a.m. Happy New Motherhood
He will let you know how much he should be drinking. Jill is right---as long as he's gaining weight, doing well, and not having digestive problems, just give him as much as he wants and not more.
Hi E.,
It's based on weight. He should be drinking 2-2.5 oz per lb a day. So if he weighs 12 lbs he should be drinking 24-30 oz. a day. If he has 5 feedings a day, it's about 4.8 - 6 oz. a feeding/bottle. I hope that helps....it can be stessful not knowing what is enought and what is not enough!
Congratulations, and happy mothers's day!
S.
