Baby just won’t take much formula!

[SassyPants87]

Posting on here for more traffic

DS is 12 weeks and I stopped BF about a week ago due to faltering growth. He’s been taking formula the last few days but will never take recommended daily amount! At this rate I’m like what difference did it make with him being on breast! He’s having weekly weigh ins and still hasn’t put on much weight

is it just a simple case of having to get used to formula and he will take more once his stomach is bigger?

I don’t want to keep forcing him and create bottle aversion! He’s only just accepted bottles

he should be having 720ml each day, I’m lucky if I hit 500!

Anyone else gone through this before? I feel like I’m getting obsessed and driving myself crazy. any advice would be most appreciated

Breastfed babies have smaller stomachs. If he's not unsettled, I wouldn't worry. My DD was the same. She never took the age specific amount of formula. She is a glowing, tall, energetic, bright as a button, sharp and funny 10 year old (well she will be on Monday). As long as your baby is growing steadily don't fret

Have you tried smaller amounts more frequently?

Yes this happened to me. It's taken 6 months for her to take anything except the breast at all, even expressed milk. I wanted to wean her from the breast in July. Getting food into mine is the only thing that has helped, but obviously you don't have that option yet.

Sorry you’re going through this, I’m sure it will improve in time. What type of bottles are you using? That’s about the only think you could change I think

There is quite a range of normal. Where did you get the 720 ml figure from? The amounts on the formula container are just a guide and babies can take more or less. My DD was taking quite small amounts at a time and was often below the expected amount (based on 150-200 mL/kg/day) and vomiting quite frequently too but has managed to follow her curve. Some babies just have small stomachs even if FF from the beginning. You could also try a different brand. My DD seemed to like Kendamil more than Aptimal for example and started drinking a bit more and vomiting a bit less when I swapped.

You will need several weeks of weighing before you can notice a trend since exact weight depends on how recently they have eaten and whether they have pooped or peed since. So I would wait a bit before being worried (unless the medical professionals are concerned) and try to relax.