[kalhayd2]

Four months in and you'd think I'd have my kid figured out by now...
Kenzie goes through spurts. We've switched formulas a multiple times and we're now on Nutragimen with a bit of oatmeal. Before the switch she was on Similac Advance no oatmeal except in her night bottle per doctors request to help with congestion due to suspected reflux?
Anyhow, all week she had been eating great. 6 ounces every 4 hours- she sleeps through the night now- and her 1st bottle is always her smallest(4) ounces. Now, she's back to only wanting a max of 4 ounces( I can keep offering on and off and she'll take 6 but not because she is very hungry) every four hours. I know the weight thing 2 ounces per pound rule- she is no where near that. Though, she gains steadily. But, I really think that is because I keep offering her to finish off her bottle. So, I don't want to stop doing that and run into more problems, ykwim? So, would you just go with the flow? And ignore the fact that EVERY baby her age I know drinks WAY more than her? Or continue to let her snack so she gets the fluid ounces that are more feasible for her age/weight?

Side note- she doesn't arch anymore on this new formula, she is no longer constipated and is generally happier- though still goes through these phases where she eats little amounts- and then bigger amounts weeks later! So confused!!

[kalhayd2]

What I don't get is if indeed she's just a small eater(As I have read that babies only eat what the need- and not to encourage more)- then why does she eat 6 ounces all week and shoot back down to three or four? Or is this just a question to drive myself insane../

[DivasMomma]

our children sound the same

Kaydee is 5 months 1 week, and she only eats 4oz (barely) every 4-5 hours. She has reflux, so even if we offered her more 1. she wouldnt eat it, 2. if by chance she did it would ALL come back up anyway...
Kaydee is almost 16lbs, so if the saying were correct she should be drinking 32oz...she only takes about 20oz a day, and maybe only 16oz stays in her.
she is also gaining at a good pace...I would say as long as she is gaining weight, follow her cues. The days she east more may be bg growth days for her.

[kalhayd2]

Thanks. I'll do that and follow her cues.. Kenzie was almost 15 pounds- she is weighed again on the 8th for her four month...

[Tracey with 6]

I know it's hard but she really does know what she wants, if she is putting on weight and is generally content I really wouldn't stress. I know how hard this will be for you Lisa but from photo's she looks great : )

[Samual]

If she was hungry she would definately tell you, as long as she is gaining weight even if it's slower than you would hope, shes ok.

[kalhayd2]

Thanks. She just took 6 ounces for her night bottle. Guess I don't know how much to prepare- lol. Depends on her mood and we sure don't want to waste this stuff at its cost!

[Mom261724]

When Lilly was that age (she is alomost 8 months now) she did the same thing. She would take 6 oz, then 4, then2 and so on. She also had a touch of reflux. She was on Enfimil AR for a while, then the dr gave her rx Zantac. She took that and started eating more steadily. She was only on the meds for about a month. Also remember that sometimes babies will "cluster feed". Almost like they are eating a new bottle one right after another. Lilly still does this every now and then. Dr. says this is normal for infants. It's all about their rapid growth spurts. And if she is gaining weight and your dr isnt concerned, i wouldnt worry about how much she eats every time. Just as long as she is satisfied, thats all that matters

[ruthann8]

As long as she is healthy and gaining weight I wouldn't worry about it. I went back to work last week and Ellamae only takes two 4oz bottles of breast milk during my 8 hour shift. She is over 13lbs and keeps gaining it fast!