Feeding Schedule and Amounts For Four Month Old

[lizzlee]

I just started a four month old this week, and it's been a long time since I've cared for one this young. Mom feeds him around 5:30, about 4 oz. She says she feeds on demand but I think she gives him a bottle anytime he cries. He cries for a bottle every 2 hours but will only take 4 ounces at a time. I let him fuss himself to sleep a couple of times yesterday but he will only cat nap for about 30 - 45 minutes at a time. I would like to feed him around 8:00 after I do school drop offs, around 11:00 while the others are sitting down for lunch and around 2 before school pickups, then around 5:00 before pick up. Any advice on getting him on schedule or this too long between feedings. He is on formula exclusively with no plans to start solids soon. He is very large for his age as well, wears a size 3 diaper.

[LysesKids]

I just started a four month old this week, and it's been a long time since I've cared for one this young. Mom feeds him around 5:30, about 4 oz. She says she feeds on demand but I think she gives him a bottle anytime he cries. He cries for a bottle every 2 hours but will only take 4 ounces at a time. I let him fuss himself to sleep a couple of times yesterday but he will only cat nap for about 30 - 45 minutes at a time. I would like to feed him around 8:00 after I do school drop offs, around 11:00 while the others are sitting down for lunch and around 2 before school pickups, then around 5:00 before pick up. Any advice on getting him on schedule or this too long between feedings. He is on formula exclusively with no plans to start solids soon. He is very large for his age as well, wears a size 3 diaper.

At 4 months old babies are fed on demand not on a schedule and 4oz every 2 hrs is normal at least for breast fed... I have one that is 4 months and drinks 5oz every 2.5 hours - he is half formula/half EBF (mom can't keep up). I understand what would make it easier on you, but that child might actually be hungry because you are withholding feedings when he wants... big or not, 4 hrs is too long of a stretch for any infant that young. None of my parents start solids before 6 months ever - it's not needed. Are his parents large? If so he may grow into his weight later on

[Heidi]

At 4 months old babies are fed on demand not on a schedule and 4oz every 2 hrs is normal at least for breast fed... I have one that is 4 months and drinks 5oz every 2.5 hours - he is half formula/half EBF (mom can't keep up). I understand what would make it easier on you, but that child might actually be hungry because you are withholding feedings when he wants... big or not, 4 hrs is too long of a stretch for any infant that young. None of my parents start solids before 6 months ever - it's not needed. Are his parents large? If so he may grow into his weight later on

But it's every 3 hours she's wanting to feed him.

[LysesKids]

But it's every 3 hours she's wanting to feed him.

I was half awake ... I saw the every 3 hrs but for some reason wrote 4. Little one might still need the 2 hrs because that's what they are use too and she can gradually increase the time in between slowly; might work... I know none of mine can go 3 hrs at the moment and I have 3 under 7 months... the oldest of the 4 in care is just turning 1 in a few weeks ( yes, I am a legal infants only home here in TN)

[lizzlee]

Yes, every 3 hours. Of course I would not withhold feedings if I thought he was hungry sooner than that. The couple of times I let him fuss himself to sleep it had only been about an hour since a feeding, sorry I wasn't clear about that. Previously when I had given him a bottle that soon after a feeding he just used it to go sleep and didn't even drink an ounce. The only reason I mentioned that he is big for his age is wondering if he might need a little more than four ounces at a time. Again, sorry for my lack of clarity. My children were breastfed so I did feed on demand of course and I will do whatever I need to meet this little one's needs, just wanted some advice from others who are more familiar with infant care. Thanks for the help!!

[jenboo]

The formula fed infants I've had have been just fine eating 5-8oz every 4 hours. One came to me on the schedule and the other just naturally fell into. I did have to keep him awake for the morning feed because he would fall asleep during it. After a few weeks, he would stay awake until after the bottle.

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

When my little guy was at the doc 4 months they said 4-6 oz every 2-3 hours. Generally that is what he wants.
Little girl 2 weeks older eats 6-8 oz every 3-4 hours.

[Unregistered]

I just started a four month old this week, and it's been a long time since I've cared for one this young. Mom feeds him around 5:30, about 4 oz. She says she feeds on demand but I think she gives him a bottle anytime he cries. He cries for a bottle every 2 hours but will only take 4 ounces at a time. I let him fuss himself to sleep a couple of times yesterday but he will only cat nap for about 30 - 45 minutes at a time. I would like to feed him around 8:00 after I do school drop offs, around 11:00 while the others are sitting down for lunch and around 2 before school pickups, then around 5:00 before pick up. Any advice on getting him on schedule or this too long between feedings. He is on formula exclusively with no plans to start solids soon. He is very large for his age as well, wears a size 3 diaper.

A 4 month old is too young to be on a schedule. You also don't want a crabby crying baby all the time. Full babies are happy babies and can focus on learning new skills and sleeping well. I have 3 babies and all eat about every 2 hours between 2 oz-9 oz. They are also on solids and eat very well and totally normal for their age. They are 10 mo, 11 mo, 15 mo- 15 mo old doesn't have bottles though. They are the happiest babies anyone has ever seen. Barely ever cry and are great at playing and ahead at everything so far. I would follow their lead. It doesn't take much and soon he/she will be able to hold their own bottle themselves so it won't really effect you as you can lie them down if you are needed elsewhere. I would not worry about the babies weight. Babies fluctuate in size and that is normal. No baby should be on a diet or have their weight worried about. As for naps he/she will get used to fussing a little and sleeping. Takes time when they are rocked to sleep at home. I give 5 min of fuss and then hold. Slowly progressing to up to 15 min of fussing and if not asleep then they are not tired enough and can come back out and play some more.