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BIRTH TO 4 MONTHS OF AGE
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During the first 4 - 6 months of life, infants need only breast milk or formula to meet all their nutritional needs. Breast milk is the recommended feeding method for the first 6 months of life although a fortified formula can adequately meet an infant's needs.
If breastfeeding, a newborn may need to nurse 8 - 12 times per day (every 2 - 4 hours), or on demand. By 4 months, the baby is likely to cut back to 4 - 6 times per day, however, the quantity of breast milk consumed at each feeding will increase.
Formula-fed babies may need to eat about 6 - 8 times per day, starting with 2 - 5 ounces of formula per feeding (for a total of 16 - 35 ounces per day). As with breastfeeding, the number of feedings will decrease as the baby gets older, but the amount of formula will increase to approximately 6 - 8 ounces per feeding.
Never give honey to an infant, as it may contain the spores that cause botulism. An infant's immune system is not fully developed to fight off this disease.
Although an infant may sleep through the night, waking to feed may be necessary if the infant is not eating enough during the day or if they are underweight. Routine check-ups with your physician to monitor your child's growth will ensure they are eating adequately during the day. Your doctor or dietitian will inform you if waking to feed is recommended.
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