Constantly hungry - formula - 6 weeks old

[Preg1989]

Hi,

First time mum and looking for some advice for my formula fed newborn. (My friends all EBF so haven’t been able to help).

My baby is 6 weeks old and at last weigh in, was 11lb 1oz. They have gained weight every weigh in since birth, no drop at all.

Lately, in the last 10 days or so, baby hardly ever seems satisfied after a feed; constantly mouthing, putting fingers in mouth then eventually crying. I’m currently making up 5oz feeds - according to the guidelines on the packaging (Hipp Organic) but I’m generally always giving extra after the 5oz has been guzzled. (2-3oz)

I’m concerned about over-feeding. How much is too much? Or is there no such thing? Over 24 period yesterday, he had 40oz of milk… the period between feeds is usually 3-3.5 hours - giving some extra milk does not prolong the time between.

I try to give baby a soother/dummy but I always give in and make more formula as hate even the thought of baby going hungry - even though the logical voice in my head says there is no way. This always makes baby “full”. They aren’t a sicky baby and the whole feed stays down. I can count on one hand the number of times baby has been sick over the last 6 weeks.

Should I up baby’s formula volume? Or continue as is and provide top ups? Or should I stop the extra?

I tried Dr Google but no advice found - my HV isn’t very good…

Thank you!

You’re doing an amazing job!

It sounds like your baby is cluster feeding, mine did the same!
Ignore what the formula box says, I’ve learned that your baby will feed what it wants so don’t think you need to go by the box.
If your baby is draining the bottles and wanting more then I would make bigger feeds.

I was going to suggest silent reflux but since there’s no sick and they seem comfortable after a feed then I’d put it down to a growth spurt and cluster feeding. I was in the exact same position at 10/11 weeks old with my baby and the health visitor said it was likely cluster feeding, to give my baby what he wanted and he’ll stop feeding when he’s not hungry.
She also said to make sure I pause often to burp the baby which I did.

You’ll find that once your baby has ‘had enough’ they will turn their head away from the bottle or use their tongue to push the teat out of their mouth.

I’ve always been envious of breastfeeding groups and wish we had a local formula fed group as it can be tricky to formula feed and know what’s right and you’re often left to it by health visitors.

It's great you're reaching out for advice. It sounds like your little one is doing fantastic, gaining weight consistently - that's a great sign!
Since your friends are all breastfeeding, it's understandable you're looking for formula feeding guidance. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Feeding Schedule:

• Demand feeding: At this age, it's usually best to feed your baby on demand. This means feeding them whenever they show signs of hunger like rooting (turning their head towards your breast or nipple), sucking on their hands, or making sucking noises.
• Frequency: Expect to feed your baby around 8-12 times in a 24-hour period. Don't worry if it seems like a lot, they're growing quickly!
• Burping: Burp your baby during and after feedings to help release trapped air.

Formula Choices:

• Talk to your pediatrician: They can help you choose the best formula for your baby's needs.
• Follow instructions: Be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions on the formula container.
• Avoid switching formulas frequently: This can cause digestive upset.

Additional Tips:

• Signs of a full baby: A full baby might turn away from the bottle, stop sucking, or fall asleep during feeding.
• Don't force feed: If your baby doesn't seem interested in feeding, wait a bit and try again later.
• Relax and enjoy: Formula feeding is a great option, and it can be a very bonding experience.

Remember, you're doing a great job! If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. They are your best resource for any questions you have about your baby.

Thank you @Lostworlds & @ChefFoodi

I’ll give bigger feeds a go from today and see how we go! Appreciate you taking the time to respond! X

I think the general advice is that if they are finishing the bottle each time, you need to increase the amount in the bottles by an ounce. So if he's currently clearing 5floz, try 6 Floz. Don't forget that he hasn't read the label on the carton

Is he very tall by any chance? The general rule is 2.5 floz per pound in weight which would mean he should be having roughly 28 floz per day. Tall babies often have more than this though.

Other things to try are adding Dentinox to the feed just to rule out wanting the milk to smooth tummy ache and maybe switching to a Comfort Formula.

Another thing that might be happening is that he's "catching up". Sometimes babies can be born on one centile and then move up or down to another centile and then stay there.

It might be worth though reading this article from Start for Life and then speak to your HV at the next weigh in

Thanks @RappersNeedChapstick that’s really helpful!

Yes, he’s tall - I’d say a very sturdy wee thing overall! I’m trying the 6oz to see how we get on.

I found that article too but suppose I was looking for more specific advice but appreciate its hard when every baby is different!

Yes, he’s tall - I’d say a very sturdy wee thing overall! I’m trying the 6oz to see how we get on.

Do you know what his length centile was when he was born?

Sounds like my little one when newborn! As PP say just feed as they need to. They have frequent growth spurts too which can make them even hungrier!

If its warmer weather sometimes multiple feeding is due to thirst as much as hunger. You can offer small interval top ups to see if its thirst or hunger? But its absolutely normal for a baby to consume up to 32oz + at this age. Also the amounts 5oz are pretty small and may not create a sense of fullness, so maybe less feeds but larger? Try a few things and see what works. The fingers in mouth is common and it may not be hunger it may be a self soothing thing so make sure you know that your baby is able to settle and that this is not an emotional demand that is being linked to being hungry instead?