Formula - Offering different amounts at each feed?

[sailorcherries]

Until about 3.5 months my LO was a dream to feed, he'd take about 5 to 6 oz 5 times per day.
When he hit the 3.5 month mark he started eating less overall and each feed was a different amount overall, including a dream feed which seen him through the night.

Finally at 5 months he has started to eat more again but he has very little in the morning and before bed, two larger bottles during the day and a small amount at his dream feed.

Is it okay to vary the amounts offered to suit? He gets an 8oz bottle in the morning and takes 5 or 6oz, occasionally 7oz. He then gets two 9oz bottles during the day and takes 8oz. Before bed it's another 8oz bottle and he takes around 5 or 6oz. Them at 10.30pm/11pm he has a dream feed of around 3oz.

Is such a variation okay?

Yes its fine

The amount of bottles it says on the box such as 5 6oz bottles in 24 hours is basically a guide. My dd3 varies the amounts she takes but added together they add up to the recommended amount and sometimes more. As long as your ds is happy and growing I wouldn't worry too much

Yes. There should always be some milk left in the bottle. If your baby drinks it all then you need to offer more milk.

I know when to up his amount. At no point is he draining the bottle.

It's more the offering an 8oz, 9oz, 9oz, 8oz then 4oz dream feed, as opposed to 5 or 6 7oz bottles for example.

Mine was the other way round and took larger am and pm bottles with smaller daytime ones

My DD used to have 11oz at time, several times a night and then during the day have between 1/2oz to 4oz.

As long as they have enough wet and dirty nappies and are putting on weight then it is all fine.