HiPP Goat Milk Formula Stage 2 German (6-12 months) 14.10 oz

Choosing the right formula for your baby can be a crucial decision. Factors such as your baby's age, dietary needs, and any specific health considerations play a significant role in determining the most suitable formula. Consulting with your pediatrician is highly recommended to ensure the best choice for your baby. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your baby's unique requirements and guide you through the selection process. Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another, so it's essential to seek professional advice.

A step-by-step guide to making up a bottle for your baby can be found by clicking here: How To Make A Baby Bottle

Determining the right amount of milk for your baby, whether it's formula or expressed breast milk, is essential for bottle feeding. The quantity will vary based on their age and weight. Initially, newborns require small amounts, but as they grow older and bigger, their intake will increase.

Most babies naturally develop their own feeding pattern and routine, so it's crucial to feed them when they show signs of hunger instead of rigidly following a strict schedule.

In the early stages, newborns typically consume small amounts of milk, whether it's expressed breast milk or formula. Around one month old, they will likely need between 90 ml and 120 ml per feed. Breastfeeding mothers can gauge their baby's intake by monitoring wet and dirty diapers.

For formula-fed babies older than one week, the general guideline is between 150 ml and 200 ml per kilogram of body weight over a 24-hour period until they reach around 6 months old. For instance, a 5 kg (11 lbs) baby will typically require 750 ml to 1 liter of formula milk daily. However, the exact amount may vary depending on their weight and individual appetite since every baby is different.

There may be occasions when your baby wants to bottle feed more frequently than usual. This could be due to teething, illness, or a growth spurt they are experiencing.

Source: HIPP (2023)

Newborn babies thrive on frequent, small feeds, usually requiring feeding every two to three hours. It's important to follow your baby's cues and allow them to nurse for as long as they desire.

If your baby shows signs of refusing the bottle, it's best to stop the feed. Avoid trying to force them to finish the entire bottle.

As your baby grows older, the time between feeds will naturally increase, and you may find that feeding every four hours is sufficient.

As a general guideline, a newborn baby typically consumes around 60 ml to 70 ml of formula per feed, totaling seven or eight feeds per day. Between three weeks and eight weeks, the quantity may increase to between 90 ml and 120 ml, with five to seven feeds per day.

From two months to six months, a bottle-fed baby may require around five feeds per day, but the amount of milk per feed will increase to approximately 150 ml to 210 ml.

Even after six months, when solid foods are introduced, babies still need an ample amount of milk. At this stage, they will likely have four bottle feeds per day, each containing between 150 ml and 180 ml. This quantity gradually decreases as solid food intake increases.

Source: HIPP (2023)

While bottle feeding allows you to measure the amount of milk your baby consumes at each feed, it's natural to have concerns about whether they're receiving enough nourishment.

A reassuring sign that your baby is feeding well is if they settle comfortably between feeds and continue to gain weight. Additionally, monitoring the number of wet and dirty nappies they produce can serve as an indicator.

Once your baby is a few days old or older, they should have at least six wet nappies within a 24-hour period. During the first 48 hours, it's normal for this number to be lower, with only two or three wet nappies.

In the initial week, your baby may have around four dirty nappies per day. However, as they grow older, the frequency of bowel movements tends to decrease, and after a few months, it may stabilize to approximately two per day.

If you require personalized advice regarding the appropriate amount or frequency of feeding for your baby, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare professional.

Source: HIPP (2023)

Similar to breastfeeding, it's crucial for parents who bottle feed to be able to identify their baby's hunger cues. Crying should be seen as a late indicator, as there are several signs to observe before your baby reaches that stage.

If your baby appears restless and struggles to settle, it's often a sign of hunger. You might notice them turning their head and opening their mouth, a natural response known as rooting. Additionally, they may suck on their fist, fingers, or even try to suck on objects like toys. Paying attention to these cues can help you recognize when your baby is ready to be fed.

Source: HIPP (2023)