Understanding Infant Stomach Size and Feeding Needs
Understanding The Infant’s Stomach Capacity
As a new parent, understanding your baby's feeding needs can be overwhelming. One of the most important things to understand is the size of your infant's stomach and how much they should be eating. In this blog post, we'll discuss the size of an infant's stomach and provide tips on how to ensure your baby is getting the proper amount of nutrition.
Firstly, it's important to know that a newborn's stomach is quite small, roughly the size of a cherry or marble. As your baby grows, their stomach will also expand, but it's important to remember that it's still relatively small in the first few weeks of life. This means that they will need to eat frequently, often every 2-3 hours.
When it comes to the amount of milk or formula that your baby needs, there are some general guidelines to follow. In the first few days of life, your baby may only need a small amount of colostrum, which is highly concentrated and nutrient-rich. After a few days, your baby will likely be eating around 1-2 ounces of milk or formula per feeding.
Volume and Stomach Size
Days 1-2 [7-13ml or 0.2-0.4 oz]
The newborns stomach is the size of a cherry during the first one - two days. Baby should be eating frequently, every few hours. The infant should only be taking in less than an ounce during each feeding.
Days 3-4 [30-60ml or 1-2 oz]
You’ll see that babies stomach has grown quite a bit in just an additional day or two. Now compared to the size of a walnut the baby should still be eating frequently at every few hours but now, taking in 1-2oz a time during each feed.
Days 5-7 [60-90ml or 2-3 oz]
Growing like a weed they say, at a week old baby is officially taking 2-3oz feedings at a time. The babies tummy is now the size of an apricot, meaning it still empties pretty quickly. Expect frequent feeds every few hours for the first six months of babies life.
2-3 Weeks [90-120 ml or 3-4 oz]
Babies tummy capacity is the size of an egg. Very tiny still only making room for 3-4 oz at a time. These feeds are essential for babies growth and it is only during these frequent, small capacity feeds that baby will be able to digest at his/her pace leaving a satisfied and relaxed baby 99.9% of the time.
6 Months - 1 Year [180 ml - 0.4L or 6oz to 2cups]
It is around half a year to a year old where babies are able to contain 6oz of milk at a time. You can also start to spread feed times out since baby is receiving more ounces at a time during each feed. Baby may start to sleep for longer stretches of time and that will be rewarding for the both of you.
It's important to pay attention to your baby's cues and not solely rely on a strict feeding schedule. Your baby will let you know when they are hungry, and you should feed them on demand. Over time, you'll start to recognize the signs that your baby is hungry, such as rooting, sucking on their hands, or making sucking noises. It's also important to ensure that your baby is getting enough milk or formula. Signs that your baby may not be getting enough include infrequent wet or dirty diapers, lethargy, or a lack of weight gain. If you're concerned that your baby isn't getting enough, speak with your pediatrician.
In conclusion, understanding your infant's stomach size and feeding needs is crucial for their health and well-being. Feeding frequently and on-demand, paying attention to your baby's cues, and monitoring their weight gain and diaper output are all important factors to consider. With patience and attention, you can ensure that your baby is getting the nutrition they need to thrive.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Momentous Doula Care.