What to Do My Son Eats Too Much

There really is no such thing as an infant eating too much. He just sounds healthy. He definately shouldn't be eating cereal, or any other solids until he's about 6 months old.

My oldest was 9 lbs when she was born and had major blood sugar problems. She would eat a lot. I was kind of worried about how big she was getting so I started added an extra ounce or two of water to her formula. Instead of the 3 scoops and 6 ounces of water I put 3 scoops and 8 ounces of water. She is now 8 and still ALWAYS hungry and yeah she's no bean pole but she isn't chubby either.

H.

Dear A.,
So, just to clarify, Andrew is 1 month old? Is that right? If so, the only thing he needs to be "eating" is breast milk. Definitely not cereal - no solids until at least 6 months and no juice, water, milk, etc. A newborn gains about 1/4 to 1/2 a pound a week in the first month or so and sounds like Andrew has gained over a pound a week. You're sense that he is growing a little too fast seems right on.
Best of luck!
L. (midwife)

My husband was worried that our daughter was too chubby. My doctor told us there is no such thing as a fat baby. So don't worry about your son's weight right now. Give him what he what because it's what he needs. Right now your job is to fulfill his needs: food, sleep, a clean diaper & lots of love.

Wow! Read other responses - such great mommies out there! Wanted to reinforce there is no such thing as a fat baby unless you are feeding it anything outside the ordinary breast milk or formula, although formual babies do have a tendancy to be bigger. Totally agree their digestive systems aren't ready for cereal or anything else before six months. Throw away "The Baby Whisperer" books where people tell you how to control your baby's desire to feed or make a new born sleep throughout the night. So many babies were being admitted to the ER for dehydration that many of the publishers are refusing to print second editions of those books. Be happy that you have a healthy and growing baby. I nurse until my daughter breaks off and gurgles her thanks. I nurse her for nurishment, comfort and sometimes she just needs a drink, not a whole meal. She tells me what she needs now that she is two, almost three months old. I'd wake her and nurse every 1-2 hours when first brought her home, then 2-3, now 4 hours seems to be the routine unless she is stressed or just tired and wants that comfort. Breast feeding is one of the coolest things I've accomplished in my lifetime.

i recommend you run, don't walk to your local library or bookstore and get Child of Mine by Ellyn Satter. She has also written a book called How to get your kid to eat...but not too much, which is probably equally valuable, but I haven't read it. she is considered the authority in parent/child feeding relationships and child nutrition
best of luck,
S.
mother of triplets

Many of my friends had big baby boys. They stayed big for a while staying at the high end of the growth chart. They began to trim down down over time, either when they started walking or when they got bigger. All of those big baby boys are all healthy looking and not overweight now at the age of 6. I wouldn't worry about it. If your little guy is happy at 6 oz. then keep him there. Of course, talk with the doc about it but I imagine that everything should turn out fine. Kids seem to get heavy from later habits of eating too much junk food, little activity etc. If he's happy and you're happy, why rock the boat?

Good luck! S.

Newborns do not always know when enough is enough. Feed him the amount your doctor recommends and if he is still hungry I would try feeding him less milk each time but more often. Feeding him additional nutrients (like cereal) could possibly cause damage internally at this age. Most newborns are really responding to the contact they receive while being fed, try playing and snuggling if it seems too soon for him to be hungry again.

Let you newborn eat as much as he wants to. There should be no caloric restriction. If he's doing well then let it go. And by all means, please DO NOT GIVE CEREAL to an infant under 4 months at least (preferably 6)! I have all kinds of digestive problems and allergies because my mother did that to me. A child that young does not have the enzymes sufficient to digest cereal, which is why nature has them push it out of their mouths. I've also seen babies that young take 6-8 oz. at a stretch.

I think there is nothing better than a baby w/rolls! That said, ask your ped. first for an opinion on amount & if he is gaining weight too fast. Definately no cereal, he is too young. Most peds. will recommend on-demand feeding of a babies (nursing or formula) for the first several months. They're growing & need the nutrients. Also, babie's tend to have a growth spurt around 6 weeks so he may be going thru that. Since he was a big baby at birth, could be he's just gonna continue to be a big baby. Good luck!

I wouldn't worry about him eating too much. My son was 7 lbs at birth and 20 lbs at 6 month. Some kids are just big eaters. I would wait on the cereal until closer to 4 months, but talk to your Dr. about that. Since your son is bigger don't worry if he doesn't roll over or sit up in the time frame the books tell you. My son didn't sit up by himself until he was 10 months old. He's 2 1/2 now (almost 40 lbs), and he just fine. They all level out.

Did I read this correctly? You're concerned that your 1-month-old is eating too much? When babies are this young, feeding on demand is what we do. There's never a question of whether they're eating too much; if they're full, they'll stop. Your son was a big baby at birth, and is growing at a rate that's right for him. This is a critical time of growth for babies, and they need all their nutrients. As far as ceral goes - he's too young to know what to do with it once it hits his lips; but, more importantly, his digestive system is to immature to handle even a simple food like ceral. Stick to breastmilk only, and if you're not nursing, a high quality formula. I'm guessing your pediatrician will agree, but I'd be interested to know if he/she doesn't. Don't worry, your baby is doing exactly what he's supposed to do.

My son was big also and gained weight really quick (about 1/2 a pound a week), but his weight was always proportional to his height so it was OK with his doctor. I would continue feeding him his formula when he's hungry and just let the doctor know your concerns at his appointment. I wouldn't continue with the rice cereal, it isn't usually recommended until after he's 4 months old. Some babies just grow a little quicker than others, and I think chubby babies are so adorable!! Good luck with everything!

Who in the heck told you to give hime cereal?? Anyway, babies don't eat too much. Definately talk to your doctor about your concerns because on very very rare occasions (I'm talking one in a million) there is something wrong, but my baby ate that much at that age, and she ate every hour until she was about 8 months old. That is a lot of weight for him to gain in two months, but every baby grows at a different rate- I have a friend who had a premie who was well over 30 lbs by her first birthday (yes, slightly chunky) but now that she's a little older she's totally evened out. Don't stress!! Just feed him when he's hungry and talk to your doctor, and don't stress yourself! BTW, breast or formula?

I am a breast feeder so I am not too versed on formula but my first thought is to make sure you are not mixing the formula too concentrated, that could cause your baby to want the liquid because he is thirsty but if the formula is on the stronger side he could be getting too much I suppose. So make sure you are reading the directions right (add the 4 or 6 ounces THEN the powder, if you do it the other way around the space the formula takes up will make the formula more concentrated), I don't mean to insult your intelligence or anything :)

Let him eat. He probably needs it, he might be going through a growth spurt. Also you should wait until he is 4 months before giving him cereal.

Hi A.,
Is your baby breast feeding? 2 months is way too young for cereal. I think 4 months is the absolute earliest you would want to introduce that. My baby didn't start eating cereal regularly until 8 months although I introduced it at 6 months. She is very healthy. Look up on the internet what the average weight gain is at that age depending on what you are feeding him. I don't think it's unusual for the baby to gain that amount. Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby and the baby will get just the right amount of nutrition if you are eating correctly.

You can never feed your baby too much. My son was the same way - born 9 lbs. 6oz. and was very pudgy (and cute!) for his age from 2 months to 1 year. We used to call him the Michelin Man. If ANY doctor tells you your son weighs too much at 16 pounds - get a new doctor. Be thankful that your little one is a good eater, b/c so many moms can't get enough food in their little ones and someday, your guy might be too busy to eat. So I say that you are doing great and keep up the good work. Side note; my breastfeeding consultant told me that if I thought my little boy was eating a lot now (at 2 months old) - just wait until he's 15 years old - then I will see what 'eating a lot' really means!

Please do not worry about how much your son eats until they start eating real food - my son has any where from 4 ox to 12 oz in a sitting and he is 7 months and eats baby food right now - i wouldn't worry too much and hold off on the cereal a little longer - especially aroung growth spurts they will eat a lot and then go back to normal - whatever normal is - good luck

You should not be giving him cereal at 1 month. Doctors do not recommend cereal until about 6 months old.

The best advice I can give you is to relax and just let your son eat what he wants to eat. Some babies just eat more than others. Also, are you sure he weighs 16 pounds? That seems awfully large for a 1 month old baby. My son was 9 lbs. 9 ounces at birth, and at 1 month he was 11 lbs. 12 oz. Everyone thought he was older because he was so big, but he was just a happy, healthy, breast-fed baby.

Just try to relax and see what the doctor says. He will weigh him to see his exact weight. He will also advise you on how much food to feed him.

Good luck, and please stop giving him cereal. His little tummy cannot handle that.

Your baby is doing FINE! Don't worry about what someone else is saying, if you feel that your son is doing just fine... he's gonna be okay.. My son was only born at 7 pounds 11 ounces, and at 3 months old he was already 21 pounds. At nine months now, he is 32 pounds, but also 37 inches long... babies will not hold in their stomachs more than they can handle.. (by the way, I held off on ANY food, juice, etc until he was six months old) You know something? My son ate 6 ounces from the time he was born. (his father is also six foot eight, and I'm five ten, so take into consideration height sizes for your baby). It's almost next to impossible to overfeed a healthy baby. There is such thing as teaching him to eat everytime he's upset, but if you're making sure his diaper is changed, and he's burped, etc.. and he's got tons of cuddle time, then no sense withholding what his growing body needs! Someone mentioned and I agree with the fact he may be having his six week growing spurts! my son never stopped growing, so no worries! Keep us updated!
S.

Hi A.,
My sister was told that her 2nd daughter was too big and the doctor told her to start her on a diet, but because her 1st born was the same she ignored it and both her daughters are just fine and not overweight. Trust your instincts as a mother. Were you or your husband big babies? Doctors are there to give you advice and recommendations, not to tell you what to do. The choice is yours. And if you're not happy with what the doctor tells you get a second opinion.

If your son is only 2 months old I would NOT start on solid foods just yet (i.e., cereals). I started my daughter at an early age (4 months old) and I believe her body was not physically ready. Today she is almost 3 years old and she is suffering from constipation problems. I've heard that feeding children solids at too early of an age can cause constipation. Good luck!

I am a 29 year old mother of 3 boys with a girl on the way. My 3 boys were 9lb 4 oz. 9lb 10 oz. and 10lb They were each 16-18 pounds at 2 months and their pediatritian was never concearned. By the time they reached one year the weight gain had gotten more on track according to the growth chart. They were in the 90th percentile on weight, but also on height too, I think that makes a difference. I wouldn't worry too much about how much he is eating, he is still so young. Juat make sure you aren't feeding him whenever he just makes a peep, he might be crying for some other reason, try soothing him with something else first, rather than just going straight to feeding him. If he's hungry though, feed him!

Don't worry about feeding him too much. If he is hungry feed him. My son was born at 10 lbs and he continued to gain one pounds a week for the first couple of months. He is now 5 months old and he weighs 22lbs. I was also concerned about him being so big and if he was eating too much but the doctor said he was perfectly fine. He said not to worry about it. As long as he is healthy everything is okay. Good luck.

I don't think 6 oz is too much. How often does he take the 6 oz, and will he take a pacifier in between. He should go for at least 4 hours if he is taking 6 oz at each feed. If he is content with his formula, don't try cereal. It is better for him to get the nutritional calories from his formula rather than the "empty" calories from the cereal. A good rule of thumb is 24 oz of formula a day at two months. I am a foster mom and have cared for over 150 babies...good luck.

Hi A.,

I don't think your son is eating too much. My baby girl was 8lbs 9oz when she was born and when we went for her two month check up, she was almost 15 lbs. I breastfeed her but have pumped to see how much she eats and it's about 4-6 oz. like your son. He was born a big boy so he needs more then other babies born at average weights. My other two sons were big eaters too though (and they were born at average weights, 7-6 and 7-9), so it all depends on your baby's needs. Now if he was spitting up a lot after you fed him then that would be a concern. I have a girlfriend who had a big eater too but he was spitting up a lot and her pediatrician said he had acid reflux (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). Well, my baby girl is 3 months now and she still continues to eat a lot, so you shouldn't be concerned. Hope this helps.

My name is K., I am a mother of twin girls who are now 7. They have always been healthy eaters.(breast fed until 15 months)
Is your son drinking formula or breast milk?
It sounds like formula if you are quoting the oz.'s. It is common for formula fed babies to put on weight quicker than breast milk fed babies. It this case I would say to do some research on the type of formula you are feeding him, read the ingrediants, and do some comparisons. Unfortunatly, that is the extend of my formula knowledge.
If it is breast milk that he is munching on, than he is growing fast and his little body knows what he needs. Keep feeding him. Breast milk is very rich in nutriants and has everything your little guy needs.You can't really "feed them too much" breast milk. Sometimes they drink more than a formula feed baby would because the make up is different and the amounts that come out at a time may vary. He may be going through a gowth spirt and your supply needs to catch up to his needs(which it will).
I would be very hesitant about introducing any other foods, even cereal at such an early age. Usually, you don't need to introduce other foods until they are 6 months old.(breast fed, may be different for formula?)
I hope this is helpful. Trust your instincts, Mama! A healthy baby is the goal!
K.

My daughter weighed 10.3 lbs. at birth and drank 8 oz. after her 1st month. Not a big deal. Just make sure he is on a feeding schedule and stick to it. I fed my daughter rice cereal at 3 months and she was fine.
Good luck with your healthy baby!

He is probably just growing. Don't worry about it. If he is breastfeed or getting mamas milk there is no such thing as over feeding. I am not sure about formula. But my guess is that his tummy is getting bigger and he is growing. Which is a good thing. :)

Well what do you mean by he eats too much.. I mean he is only drinking milk Right? Are you breastfeeding or formula? You say he was almost 10 lbs at birth and 16 lbs now 2 months later.. that isn't too bad..

My son was 8 lbs at birth and in the hospital for 10 days without eating anything and he is now 16 lbs at 3 months and all I do is breastfeed him every 3-4 hours. You shouldn't be giving your baby any kind of cereal of food until 5-6 months old. Their stomachs cannot digest anything else more than milk properly. So as long as all you are doing is giving him milk and feeding every 2-4 hours your baby should be just fine.

Hope this helps

It could be a growth spurt, they have them every 2 months as infants. At 2 months, he is way too young to be able to digest food. Check with your doctor, he couuld be normal for him. My baby is breastfed, so I have no idea how much he eats, but somedays all he does is nurse! Good luck.

babies should not be given cereal until they are at least 4 months- their digestive tracks can't handle it and if you don't want your poor baby screaming with gas pains, I'd suggest waiting until he's more like 6 months. 6 oz doesn't sound like much for a 16 pound boy. I wouldn't worry about your baby gaining weight so long as your pediatrician says it's a healthy amount.

Your baby will take what he needs and when he needs it. As long as he is not spitting up a lot after meals then I would say he is eating the right amount. Babies go through growth spurts around 6 weeks, 3 months and again at 6 months so they will want more. Your baby was also bigger at birth so take that into account, too. Please don't feed your baby cereal yet! His little tummy is too sensitive for that. Most MDs recommend starting it between 4-6 months but I have also heard starting it as late as 9 months. Babies don't make certain enzymes to digest certin foods right away so be patient! The time will come for everything. Good luck :)

1 month old is way too early for solid food, let alone cereal. Feed him only formula or breast milk unless directed otherwise by a physician. Not a nurse or someone like a nurse or a mother or anyone else.

My guess is you weighed him on a bathroom scale and that's why you think he is 16 lbs. Arrange to weigh him at your pediatrician's (shouldn't be an office visit just to weigh him) and get an accurate measurement. I think you'll find he weighs much less than 16 lbs. If he does weigh that much or even 13 lbs then I would consult with a pediatrician because that sounds pretty big for his age.

I think it is important to bring your concerns to your doctor. Do you have a 2 month well-baby check up scheduled? The doctor is there to help you and your baby. If your child is gaining weight too quickly, the doctor will tell you and help work out a solution. If not maybe you should consider a new doctor!
I would not give your 2 month old cereal. His digestive system is not developed enough until 4 mos.
Hope this helps.
D.

My son was 9lbs 1oz when he was born and he always tipped the scale. His doctor never had a problem with it. My daughter was 8lbs 4oz when she was born. She's not gaining nearly as much as he did and her doctor is complaining about her gaining too much.

I think it has a lot to do with your genes. I think sometimes doctors let their personal opinions get in the way with their jobs.

Your child is going through a 6 week growth spurt.