When it comes to feeding your baby, one of the most common questions parents have is when to increase the amount of formula or breastmilk per feeding. While every baby is different, there are some general guidelines you can follow to determine when your little one may be ready to up their intake from 3 oz to 4 oz per feeding.
How can I tell if my baby is still hungry after 3 oz?
Some signs your baby may need more than 3 oz per feeding include:
- Finishing the bottle and still acting hungry – rooting, sucking on hands, etc.
- Seeming unsatisfied after eating 3 oz, crying/fussing shortly after finishing the bottle
- Consuming 3 oz very quickly and eagerly (less than 5 minutes)
- Waking up frequently overnight hungry and needing to feed
- Not lasting long between feedings (less than 2 hours)
If your baby is consistently exhibiting these behaviors even after receiving their usual 3 oz per feeding, it may be time to try offering more.
What is the average feeding amount by baby’s age?
Here are some general guidelines for average feeding amounts by age:
| Baby’s Age | Average Feeding Amount |
|---|---|
| Newborn (0-3 months) | 2-3 oz every 2-3 hours (24-32 oz/day) |
| 3-6 months | 4-6 oz every 3-4 hours (24-32 oz/day) |
| 6-12 months | 6-8 oz every 4-5 hours (24-32 oz/day) |
Keep in mind that these are just averages – some babies will need more or less. The best way to know if your baby is ready to up their intake is by paying attention to their hunger cues as described above.
At what age can I increase from 3 oz to 4 oz per feeding?
Most babies are ready to increase from 3 oz to 4 oz per feeding between 3-6 months. By 6 months, the average baby takes 4-6 oz per feeding. Some signs your 3 month old may be ready for 4 oz include:
- Draining 3 oz bottles consistently
- Seeming hungry again shortly after taking 3 oz
- Sleeping longer stretches overnight if given 4 oz versus 3 oz
- Gaining weight appropriately and following growth curves
If your baby is showing these signs, you can try gradually offering 3.5 oz or 4 oz to see if they will consume the larger amount. Increase slowly and watch for signs of fullness or spit up, which may signal 4 oz is too much.
How often should I feed a 4 month old 4 oz bottles?
At 4 months, most babies take about 4-5 feedings per day of 4-6 oz each. So every 3-4 hours is typical. Keep in mind that each baby has individual needs. Use your baby’s hunger cues rather than the clock to determine when they need to eat. Some 4 month olds need as few as 4 feedings per day, while others need up to 6 smaller meals.
Signs your 4 month old may be ready to consolidate to 4 larger 4-6 oz feedings include:
- Sleeping through the night more often
- Going 3-4 hours comfortably between feedings during the day
- Drinking 4-6 oz when offered during the day
If your 4 month old seems hungry again shortly after taking 4 oz, they may do better spreading their intake over 5-6 smaller feedings. Follow your baby’s lead on the right feeding schedule.
What if my baby won’t finish a 4 oz bottle?
It’s normal during the transition period for babies to not always finish every 4 oz bottle. Try these tips if your baby is struggling with the larger amount:
- Burp them halfway through the bottle to make more room for milk
- Offer the bottle when they seem hungriest, such as before naps/bedtime
- Pace the feeding by tipping the bottle horizontally and letting them take breaks
- Divide the intake over 5-6 feedings instead of 4-5
- Switch bottle nipples to control the flow
If your baby consistently isn’t finishing 4 oz across several days, their stomach may not be ready for that much volume yet. Decrease back to 3-3.5 oz and wait a week or two before trying again.
How do I know if 4 oz per feeding is enough for my baby?
Signs that your baby is being sufficiently fed with 4 oz bottles:
- Having 6-8 wet diapers and regular bowel movements each day
- Gaining weight appropriately according to the pediatrician
- Being alert and active during play time when awake
- Sleeping well and going 3-4 hours between feedings
- Seeming satisfied after eating without signs of hunger soon after
If your baby seems constantly hungry, fails to gain weight properly, sleeps poorly, or shows low energy, they may need more than 4 oz per feeding. Increase slowly by 0.5 oz at a time until hunger cues resolve.
What if my baby is still hungry after 4 oz?
If your baby gulps down 4 oz bottles and acts famished again shortly after, their stomach capacity or calorie needs may require more than 4 oz now. Try offering 4.5-5 oz and look for the following:
- Less fussiness after eating
- Longer periods of satiety after feedings
- Resolution of other signs of hunger like attempting to suck hands
Make sure to pace feedings and watch for spit up, which can signal overfeeding. Increase the amount gradually and follow your pediatrician’s guidance on ensuring proper caloric intake and weight gain.
How often do I need to wake my baby to eat at 4 months old?
At 4 months, most babies no longer need to be woken during the night to eat. If weight gain is on track, let your baby sleep as long as they need to at night without disruptions. Focus daytime feedings around baby’s natural hunger cues while ensuring they eat enough during daytime hours.
Signs your 4 month old is ready to drop night wakings include:
- Doubling their birth weight
- Consistently sleeping 6-8 hour stretches at night
- Taking in at least 25-35 oz per day
- Waking up happy and refreshed after long nighttime sleep periods
If your baby is still waking several times per night needing to eat, speak to your pediatrician to ensure there are no underlying issues. With your doctor’s guidance, you can work on consolidating night feeds and getting baby onto a healthy sleep schedule.
How do I get more calories in per feeding?
If your baby needs more calories at each feeding, try these tips in addition to offering more ounces of milk:
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of infant cereal to the milk
- Offer an ounce or two of high calorie formula
- Supplement with pumped breastmilk after nursing
- Include a feeding of expressed breastmilk fortified with formula powder
- Discuss nutritional supplements with your pediatrician
Slowly increase the calorie additions and watch for signs of intestinal discomfort, like gassiness or constipation. Check with your pediatrician before significantly altering baby’s diet.
What size nipple should I use for 4 oz feedings?
When increasing feeding amounts, you may need to use a faster flow nipple size to keep up with your baby’s expanding appetite and prevent frustration at the breast or bottle. Here are some common nipple sizing guidelines:
| Age | Nipple Size |
|---|---|
| Newborn | Newborn or Preemie |
| 1-3 months | Newborn or Slow Flow |
| 3-6 months | Slow or Medium Flow |
| 6+ months | Medium or Fast Flow |
Watch for choking, gagging or spluttering as signs that the flow is too fast. Size up gradually as needed to match your baby’s feeding style and ability to handle the flow.
Conclusion
Increasing from 3 oz to 4 oz feedings is an important milestone, signaling your baby’s readiness for more substantial nutrition at mealtimes. Pay close attention to hunger and satiety cues, weight gain patterns, and advice from your pediatrician to determine the right timing for your child. With patience and flexibility, you’ll find the optimal feeding amount and schedule to help your baby thrive.
