Quick Answer
The general rule is that a 4-week-old baby should eat around 2-3 ounces per feeding every 2-3 hours. This equals about 25-35 ounces total in a 24 hour period. However, every baby is different and may need slightly more or less. It’s best to follow your baby’s hunger cues and allow them to eat until satisfied at each feeding. Overfeeding should be avoided as it can lead to spit up, gas, and discomfort.
How Often Should a 4-Week-Old Eat?
Most 4 week old babies need to eat every 2-3 hours, which typically ends up being 8-12 feedings per day. Newborns have very small stomachs, so they need to eat frequently. Expect your 4 week old to wake up to feed during the night as well. Breastfed babies may nurse a bit more frequently than bottle fed babies.
Here is a sample feeding schedule for a 4 week old:
| Time | Feeding |
|---|---|
| 7 AM | 3 ounces |
| 9 AM | 3 ounces |
| 11 AM | 3 ounces |
| 1 PM | 3 ounces |
| 3 PM | 3 ounces |
| 5 PM | 3 ounces |
| 7 PM | 3 ounces |
| 9 PM | 3 ounces |
| 11 PM | 3 ounces |
| 1 AM | 3 ounces |
| 3 AM | 3 ounces |
| 5 AM | 3 ounces |
As you can see, this schedule has 11 feedings per day with 3 ounces per feeding, totalling 33 ounces over 24 hours. Keep in mind that this is just an example – your baby’s needs may differ.
How Many Ounces Should a 4-Week-Old Eat Per Feeding?
The average 4 week old will eat around 2-3 ounces per feeding. However, every baby is different. Here are some guidelines on ounces per feeding at this age:
– Breastfed babies will nurse for varying lengths of time at each feeding. Time at the breast will range from 10-45 minutes. They get just the right amount of milk they need in that time frame.
– Formula fed babies will generally take 2-3 ounces every 2-3 hours if using a standard newborn bottle nipple. Some may go up to 4 ounces.
– Bottle fed breastmilk often takes a larger volume than formula since breastmilk is less dense in calories and nutrients. A breastfed baby may take 3-4 ounces of pumped milk at a time.
– Premature or small babies may only take 1-2 ounces per feeding initially. Their stomach capacity is smaller.
– Larger, fast growing babies may need 3-4 ounces or more per feeding.
– Overfeeding a young baby can lead to spit up, gas, fussiness and overweight. Offer the breast or bottle and let your baby feed until showing signs of fullness such as slowing down or stopping sucking, falling asleep, relaxed hands and body.
– Avoid force feeding specific amounts. Follow your baby’s hunger cues. Their intake will vary from feeding to feeding.
If your baby is consistently eating way under or over the typical 2-3 ounce range at this age, consult with your pediatrician. Your baby may need an evaluation to rule out any problems.
How to Know if Your 4-Week-Old is Eating Enough
To make sure your 4-week-old is getting sufficient nutrition, look for the following signs:
– They are taking in adequate total ounces over 24 hours. Expect around 25-35 ounces per day on average.
– Having 6-8 wet diapers per day. Urine should be pale yellow.
– Having 3-4 dirty diapers per day. Stools are yellow and seedy.
– Baby is gaining weight appropriately. At this age babies gain about 1 ounce per day.
– Seems satisfied and content after eating.
– Sleeping well between feedings.
– Has good energy and is generally active when awake.
– Soft spot on head is flat, not sunken.
If your baby seems constantly hungry, excessively sleepy, has few wet diapers, is not gaining weight or shows signs of dehydration such as a sunken fontanelle, they may not be eating enough. Consult with your pediatrician promptly if you have any concerns.
Signs of Overfeeding in a 4-Week-Old
While the 2-3 ounce guidance is just a general rule of thumb, some parents overfeed thinking bigger feedings are better. Watch for these cues that your baby is getting too much:
-Spitting up large amounts frequently
-Excess gas and abdominal discomfort (crying, drawing legs up, arching back)
– Fussiness during and after feedings
-Leaking milk out of the mouth
-Choking or gagging on the bottle
-Sluggishness or falling asleep at the very beginning of feeds
-Stools are watery and more frequent
If you see signs of overfeeding, try burping more frequently during feeds, using a slower flow nipple, or offering smaller amounts at a time. Let your baby stop feeding when showing signs of fullness.
Tips for Feeding a 4-Week-Old Baby
Here are some helpful tips for feeding a 4-week-old:
– Hold your baby semi-upright during bottle feeds. Never prop the bottle and leave them unattended.
– Alternate which side you start the feeding on for breastfed babies.
– Burp your baby every 1-2 ounces if bottle feeding or when switching breasts when breastfeeding.
– Gently rub or stroke baby’s cheeks or back to encourage eating if they start falling asleep.
– Watch for your baby’s signs they are full such as slowing sucking, releasing nipple/breast, hands relaxing, falling asleep.
– Avoid introducing bottles until breastfeeding is well established, around 3-4 weeks old.
– Use the slowest flow nipple recommended for baby’s age and stage.
– Offer a pacifier when feeding seems comfort driven rather than hunger driven.
– Hold and comfort baby for 10-15 minutes after feeding before putting down for sleep.
Following your baby’s cues is key during the newborn period. Their appetite will vary a lot at this young age as they go through growth spurts and developmental milestones. Pay attention to their signals of hunger and fullness and adjust the amounts you offer accordingly.
Reasons a 4-Week-Old May Eat Less
While most 4 week old babies will take in around 25-35 ounces per day on average, some periods of decreased intake are normal. Common reasons include:
-Going through a growth spurt. Baby will nurse more frequently before starting to take in larger feedings.
-Hitting a developmental milestone like learning a new skill. Greater focus on mastering the milestone can result in less interest in eating.
-Feeling under the weather. Colds, viruses and ear infections can temporarily suppress appetite.
-Teething. Swollen gums can make eating uncomfortable.
-Reflux or food sensitivity. Tummy troubles can reduce desire to eat.
-Overstimulation or overtiredness. Adjusting home environment and routine may help.
-Introduction of solids or formula. Their immature gut and kidneys adjust to the changes.
If your baby eats less for more than 48 hours or shows signs of dehydration, call the pediatrician. Brief periods of decreased intake are usually not a concern as long as baby seems satisfied.
When to Introduce a Bottle to a Breastfed Baby
For breastfed babies, it is best to introduce a bottle somewhere between 3-6 weeks old. This gives mom’s milk supply time to fully establish while helping baby learn to interchange between breast and bottle feeding.
Aim to give one bottle feeding daily of pumped breastmilk via bottle. Have dad or another caregiver offer the bottle so baby gets used to taking a bottle from someone other than mom.
Begin with a slow flow nipple size. Only introduce one new thing at a time, either bottle or expressed milk.
Offer the first bottle when baby is calm – not overly hungry. Be patient and encouraging as they learn this new skill.
Don’t wait longer than 6 weeks to introduce a bottle or it may become more difficult for baby to accept later on.
How Much Formula Should a 4-Week-Old Eat?
For formula fed 4 week olds, here are some guidelines on daily intake:
– 24-32 ounces per day
– 2-3 ounces per feeding
– 8-12 feedings per day
– Overfeeding can lead to spit up, gas, diarrhea
Tips when formula feeding a 4 week old:
– Use iron-fortified infant formula
– Make 2-4 ounces at a time to limit waste
– Offer slower flow nipples designed for newborns
– Hold baby semi-upright for feedings
– Burp after every 1-2 ounces
– Watch for baby’s signs of fullness
– Don’t prop bottle or put baby to bed with bottle
If your formula fed baby is still really hungry after 32 ounces daily, check with your pediatrician to see if you need to temporarily increase the volume.
When to Start Feeding Water to a 4-Week-Old
Healthy babies do not need supplemental water at this age, even in hot weather. Breastmilk or formula provides all the hydration and nutrition they need.
Giving water can:
– Fill up baby’s tiny tummy leaving less room for nutrient-rich milk.
– Interfere with feeding cues signaling when baby is hungry/full.
– Pose a risk of water intoxication if over-fed water.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no extra water for babies under 6 months old. Always consult your pediatrician before offering any water.
Around 4-6 months when starting solid foods, a small amount of water can be added to purees/cereals for desired consistency.
For constipation relief, rectal fluids or diluted juice may be recommended under a doctor’s supervision only.
When and How to Introduce Solid Foods
Most pediatricians recommend starting solids between 4-6 months old. At 4 weeks, baby’s digestive system is still too immature to handle solid foods.
Signs baby may be ready for solids around 4-6 months:
– Good head/neck control
– Loss of tongue thrust reflex
– Ability to sit upright supported
– Interest in food when others are eating
If introduced too early, solids can increase risks of food allergies, choked airway, obesity and nutrient deficiencies. Wait until baby shows developmental readiness.
Tips for starting solids:
– Offer single ingredient purees like rice cereal or mashed banana.
– Give solids 30-60 minutes after finishing breast/bottle feeding.
– Start with 1-2 tablespoons per feeding 1-2 times per day.
– Gradually increase texture, amount and variety over time.
– Let baby set the pace – don’t force feed.
– Watch for signs of allergy or intolerance.
Consult your pediatrician if you have questions on when and how to introduce first foods to your baby!
What If My 4-Week-Old Won’t Take a Bottle?
It’s common for breastfed babies to resist taking a bottle at first. Here are some tips to try:
– Have dad or another caregiver offer the bottle, not mom.
– Choose a slow flow nipple made for newborns.
– Offer the bottle when baby is calm, not overly hungry.
– Gently stroke baby’s lips with nipple to encourage sucking.
– Try different bottle nipple shapes to find one baby likes.
– Add a drop of breastmilk to nipple so baby tastes it.
– Keep trying different bottles and nipples – don’t give up!
– Try different positions like side-lying or semi-upright.
– Have mom leave the room during bottle feeding.
– Swaddle baby to their comfort level.
– Use milk freshly pumped that day vs. frozen milk.
If baby is still refusing bottle after several weeks, talk to your pediatrician. They may have additional strategies or want to rule out any oral/feeding issues.
Handling a Slow Eater
If your 4-week-old is taking 30 minutes or more to eat 1-2 ounces, here are some tips:
– Burp baby halfway through feeding.
– Try a different nipple flow – may be too fast or too slow.
– Check bottle nipple for clogs. Replace if worn out.
– Make sure formula or breastmilk is not too cold.
– Gently massage or stroke baby’s cheeks to keep them awake and eating.
– Limit distractions in feeding area.
– Swaddle baby before feeding if very unsettled.
– Try different feeding positions. Side-lying works well.
– Press bottle nipple downward on tongue to promote sucking.
– Check for signs of reflux, like arching away.
If pacing or sucking problems persist, speak with your pediatrician. An occupational therapist can also help assess oral motor skills.
Conclusion
Feeding a newborn is an ever changing process. At 4 weeks old, most babies will eat 2-3 ounces every 2-3 hours, or 25-35 total ounces per day on average. However each infant is unique and you need to follow their hunger cues to determine when they need to eat and when they are full. Overfeeding should be avoided. Speak with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s nutritional needs and feeding development. With time and patience, you will get to know what works best for your little one!
