Q:
My 5-week-old acts as though he's starving after four ounces of formula. I started feeding him five, but he gets hungry before three hours is up. Should I add baby rice cereal to his formula? He weighs 10½ pounds. He was born at 7 pounds, 15 ounces and arrived three weeks early.
A:
Babies go through a growth spurt at around 6 weeks, Andrea, and eat more often than usual. Growth times last about four days and are common at 10 days, 3 and 6 weeks, then 3 and 6 months of age. The second half of the first year tends to level off and babies develop predictable routines.
Your son is certainly growing adequately, so I wouldn't increase the amount of formula you are giving him without discussing it with your pediatrician. Unfortunately, overfeeding during infancy may lead to weight problems later on because new fat cells are being created to provide storage for the excess calories.
The rule of thumb is if your baby is spitting up after feeding, and doesn't have reflux, he is probably taking in more than his stomach can hold.
Susan M. Leisner RD, IBCLC, RLC Nutritionist & Lactation Consultant
Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.
