New parents often feel confused when faced with feeding their newborn: Is the baby full? Why does the baby vomit after feeding? What to do if the baby refuses to drink formula? Without understanding the feeding patterns of infants, improper feeding may affect the baby’s healthy growth.
It is particularly important to address several common feeding concerns before formally starting feeding.
Firstly, babies who are breastfed seem to be more likely to be hungry. In fact, breast milk is easily digested and absorbed, leading to faster digestion in babies, but this does not mean there is insufficient breast milk. Babies seek frequent sucking not only out of hunger but also as a natural need in their growth process. Breastfeeding requires more frequent feeding, with shorter intervals, which helps to increase breast milk production.
Secondly, newborns have limited food intake, with their stomach capacity initially only 30-35 milliliters, gradually expanding as they age. Therefore, small frequent meals are more suitable for them. A baby’s growth can be measured by stable increases in height and weight, rather than individual meal sizes.
Moreover, spitting up in newborns is a common occurrence due to their underdeveloped digestive system. After feeding, the baby should be held upright and gently patted on the back to help release gas and reduce spitting up.
Lastly, when preparing formula milk, thicker does not mean better. Improper concentration can increase the baby’s kidney burden and lead to health issues. Follow the product instructions strictly for preparation to avoid increasing the thickness arbitrarily. Additionally, children under two years of age should not directly consume fresh cow’s milk, as its high protein and mineral content may exceed the child’s kidney processing capacity.
By understanding these feeding essentials, new parents can take care of their newborns more calmly and confidently. Preparing in advance will better equip expectant parents for welcoming new life.
