Eating Too Much?

Updated on July 06, 2007
M.C. asks from Roseville, MI
8 answers

My son is 4 weeks old and he's eating up to 4-6 ounces of formula every 2-3 hours, is that too much? I've read that he should be eating 2-3 ounces every 3-4 hours.

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D.R.

answers from Detroit on

Hi Melissa,

Sounds like it's time to start adding cereal to the bottle. I don't mean rice cereal, I mean the good stuff: Froot Loops, Cocoa Puffs, Frosted Flakes, etc. You know, the TASTY STUFF! If that doesn't work, try thickening the formula with Acme Cement Mix. Trust me, this stuff works! But I would only use it as a last resort, since it is so expensive (trying to buy anything online from the Road Runner is tough, I tell you!)

Okay, obviously I'm just joking with you girl! You know I love ya, and you've got a beautiful baby boy who I can't wait to see again. My little Anna was probably eating the same amount, but she was taking in 2.5 or 3 ounces every 2 hours, so at least YOU have a little break in between feedings!! Your beautiful little boy is a big boy. When I saw him, I couldn't believe how big he was! And I don't mean "fat"...he's just big all around, tall, and perfectly proportioned. He was the same size as Anna when I saw him, and she is 7 weeks older than he is!

So don't you worry about it, Sweetie. I think nature takes care of us by giving us clueless, first-time mommies babies who really do know what they need, sometimes better than we do! So if Baby Boy is hungry, feed him. I'd just skip the Froot Loops for now, at least until he 2 months old. LOL! :)

1 mom found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Detroit on

I have 2 girls, and both ate more then what the so called experets say. I found the way to keep a happy baby, and your sanity, is to feed them when they are hungry. Babies know when they are full and stop when they are no longer hungry. Eventually you will learn to read his signs as to when he is full. I also had both of my girls on rice cereal by a month. I would only put a couple tablespoons in their nighttime and main naptime bottles, and that seemed to help and they aren't even close to be over weight!!!!

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A.H.

answers from Grand Rapids on

Both of my sons were big eaters early on. Your son will be fine... he might be a little chunkier, but when he starts moving, it will all burn off. My 2 1/2 year old was HUGE!!! He had rolls everywhere, but now he is a happy, healthy little boy and is right on track. My little one is doing the same thing. It's totally normal.

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K.T.

answers from Detroit on

first of all stop worrying about it, there is no way a 4 week old can over eat. They are just not able yet. I have 2 children. My son will be 6 this month and my daughter is 14 months old. with my son I bottle fed, and with my daughter I did both breast and bottle for a while. One thing I learned is that when you bottle feed thay do seem to eat/drink more then with the breast. And that may be sinply because you cant measure what they get when they are getting it from the breast, and also, since the breast milk has much better nutritional value they may not need as much.

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T.S.

answers from Kalamazoo on

Melissa....
One word answer.... cereal..... many will disagree, but it works.... all of my kids were on cereal by that age and they are still fine.....lol Heck i had my younger son on it at less than a week....of course start only one kind of any new food at a time (easier to detect if there is an allergy) and rice is always a good start.... good luck
T.

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L.N.

answers from Benton Harbor on

Hi Melissa~
Every baby is different and only you and your doc can judge his eating. They should be tracking his growth and wet diapers to determine his progress. My son took a lot of formula from the beginning, but now at 6+ months he has yet to take more than 6oz at a time, 4 times a day. He's a big, fat, healthy boy so I don't worry. Personally, I would say kudos for getting him to take a full feeding every time and being able to get a good 3 hour routine going! A full belly and a good nap make for a happy baby (and a happy mom) who will take those good habits with him as he grows and develops. Be thankful that you have accomplished what many moms struggle with (i.e. a baby who wants to snack every 1/2 hour). As long as he is growing, wetting and sleeping, trust your mommy instincts...they are the best indicator you can have!

Congrats on your baby boy...have fun with him!
~L.

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K.W.

answers from Jackson on

Hi, Don't worry about how much they are eating at that age. They will eat however much their bodies tell them they need to to get the nutrition they need. And do not worry about them gaining too much weight because once they learn to walk, trust me, lol, they burn it all off.

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A.V.

answers from Detroit on

Everyone told me that they will only eat what they need. But that does seem like a lot, call you pediatrician. My Daughter is 10 1/2 months and eats 5 7 oz bottles and 3 meals a day. But ALL babies r different!!!

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