After birth, if breast milk supply is insufficient for newborns, timely supplementation with formula becomes necessary. Since the gastrointestinal system of infants is not fully developed in the early stages, the feeding amount and timing of formula need to be carefully controlled. Typically, the feeding amount of formula is calculated based on the infant’s weight, with a recommendation to feed every 2-3 hours.
During the first few days after birth, the daily required amount of milk is approximately 100 to 200 milliliters per kilogram of body weight. For example, a 3-kilogram infant needs to be fed 300 to 360 milliliters of milk per day, divided into 7 to 8 feedings after adding an appropriate amount of water, with each feeding amounting to about 60 to 70 milliliters.
As the infant grows to around 15 days to one month old, if digestion is good, transitioning to full milk feeding can be attempted, with 100 to 150 milliliters of milk per kilogram of body weight recommended per feeding, about 60 to 100 milliliters per meal.
Between one month and two months of age, the milk amount gradually increases with weight, offering 6-7 feedings per day with intervals of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, individual feeding sizes ranging from 80 to 120 milliliters, not exceeding 150 milliliters each time.
From the second to the third month, feeding times adjust to 5-6 times a day, with feedings every four hours, increasing the feeding amount to 150 to 200 milliliters per meal.
For infants aged three to six months, maintaining five feedings per day at intervals of four hours, milk amounts range from 150 to 200 milliliters for three to five months, and 200 to 250 milliliters from five to six months. The total daily milk intake should not exceed 1000 milliliters, with single feedings not exceeding 250 milliliters, and introducing complementary foods starting from four months.
Between six to nine months, the feeding frequency reduces to every four hours, with 200 to 250 milliliters per meal, decreasing from four meals to three, gradually replacing some milk meals with complementary foods and reducing sugar intake.
For infants aged nine to twelve months, the number of milk meals further decreases to two per day, each meal consisting of 250 milliliters, maintaining a four-hour feeding interval, with all other meals replaced by complementary foods, ensuring hydration between milk meals.
By following the above feeding guidelines, it can help ensure that infants receive appropriate nutrition to support their healthy growth.
