Appetite
Not all babies are the same. Appetites vary from baby to baby, week to week and month to month. Their baby should be their guide as to how hungry they are.
- When a baby has had enough, they will let go of the teat or fall asleep
- Parents should never force their baby to finish feeds
- If they’re still awake and seem interested in the bottle, even when it’s empty, they are probably still hungry
- If parent’s are unsure about the amount of milk they are giving their baby, they should be encouraged to contact their midwife, health visitor or other healthcare professional
How much?
There are instructions on the packaging of infant formulas on how much formula to give based on the age of the baby.
Guidance for a baby fed on SMA First Infant Milk is as follows:
| Suggested feeding table. Birth - 12 months |
Approximate age
of baby |
Approx weight
of baby |
Preparation for single feeds |
Feeds in
24 hours
|
| |
Cooled, freshly boiled
water |
| kg |
lb |
Level scoops |
ml |
fl. oz. (approx.)
|
| Birth - 2 weeks |
3.5 |
7.75 |
3 |
90 |
3 |
6 |
| 2 - 4 weeks |
4.2 |
9.25 |
4 |
120 |
4 |
6 |
| 2 months |
4.7 |
10.25 |
5 |
150 |
5 |
5 |
| 4 months |
6.5 |
14.25 |
7 |
210 |
7 |
5 |
| 6 months |
7.5 |
16.5 |
8 |
240 |
8 |
4 |
| 7 - 12 months |
- |
- |
7 |
210 |
7 |
3 |
This does not apply to premature babies or babies with a low birthweight.
This table is only a guide. Babies may need more or less than the volumes stated. Babies should be fed on demand.