Feeding

[bren1888]

Hi

I saw one of your topics below about cereal etc but I have a specific question - I hope it doesn't seem redundant.

Our baby is nearly 6 months now. We have her eating cereal in the morning, fruit in the afternoon and vegetable in the evening. Each is mixed with a little formula. She also takes 6 (5oz) bottles a day - 3 of the bottles after eating.

This schedule seems to be working well and she is a very contented baby. She does seem to be beginning to wake alittle earlier than before - is it possible she's beginning to requre a little more food.

The questions we are not sure about are:
How much food is enough ?
What types of food ? and How often for each type ?
Is three meals enough ?
When do we need to start thinking about reducing bottle feedings and increasing solid food feedings ? Or should we continue with the 6 bottles daily ?

Any help or input is much appreciated
Brendan

[auzziekat]

Hi Brendan,

Well here are the answers to your very valid questions, always remember no question is ever redundant!!

The questions we are not sure about are:
How much food is enough ?
At 6 months of age your baby should be taking approx 26-32 ounces of formula a day and two solid feedings.. It doesn't matter that you are giving your baby three, keep doing that, although I would probably cut down one bottle and up the ounces, so she is having 5 x 6oz bottles. It just makes it easier on you guys..
What types of food ? Cereals, fruits and vegeatables.and How often for each type ?Once a day is ok..
Is three meals enough ?Yes definatley, at 6 months..
When do we need to start thinking about reducing bottle feedings and increasing solid food feedings ? By 12 months your baby should be taking more solids than formula, over the next 6 months she will gradually let you know that she wants more food and less formula, the way she will do this is by not finishing all her bottles, then you should cut that one down to say 4 oz... But for the next 2 months keep everything the same with the exception of the amount in the bottles.. Or should we continue with the 6 bottles daily ?I answered this one already!!

I hope I haven't confused you, and I hope this helps..

Kathy

[bren1888]

Thank you, it really does help !!