How much formula how often?

How much to feed your baby and how to know they are getting enough

How much formula how often

Not all babies are the same. Appetites vary from baby to baby, week to week and month to month. Let your baby be your guide as to how hungry they are and don’t make them finish feeds if they do not want them. They will let you know when they have had enough

How much?

You should find instructions on the tin or packaging of your infant formula on how much to make up for your baby based on their age

Here is what we suggest for a baby fed on SMA First Infant Milk:

Suggested feeding table. Birth-12 months
Approximate age of baby	Approx weight of baby		Preparation for single feeds			Feeds in 24 hours
	Approx weight of baby			Cooled, freshly boiled water
	kg	lb	Level scoops	ml	fl. oz. (approx)
Birth - 2 weeks	3.5	7 3/4	3	90	3	6
2 - 4 weeks	4.2	9 1/4	4	120	4	6
2 months	4.7	10 1/4	5	150	5	5
4 months	6.5	14 1/4	7	210	7	5
6 months	7.5	16 1/2	8	240	8	4
7 - 12 months	-	-	7	210	7	3

This does not apply to premature babies or babies with a low birth weight

It’s important to remember this table is a guide only. Your baby may need more or less than the volumes stated. Remember to feed your baby whenever they are hungry

If you require more advice, consult your healthcare professional. Remember to feed your baby on demand

Babies have growth spurts at approximately:

Ten days
Six weeks
Three months

Your baby may feed more often at these times, but this can vary

Click here to see a video of how to prepare a bottle of infant formula

How often?

Babies will feed when they want to and for as long as they want to, whether they are being breastfed or bottle-fed
Feed your baby whenever they are hungry. Babies are very good at judging how much milk they need
Your baby may demand frequent and irregular feeds (which is normal), day and night. Don’t worry about sticking to a rigid schedule, particularly in the early days
In time you’ll learn to read your baby’s cries and to work out whether they’re hungry or just need attention

When is my baby full?

Again, let your baby be the guide

When they have had enough they will let go of the teat or fall asleep
If they’re still awake and seem interested in the bottle even when it’s empty, they are probably still hungry
If you’re unsure about the amount of milk you are giving your baby, contact your midwife, health visitor or other healthcare professional

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Breastfeeding is best for babies. Good maternal nutrition is important for the preparation and maintenance of breastfeeding. Introducing partial bottle-feeding may have a negative effect on breastfeeding and reversing a decision not to breastfeed is difficult. You should always seek the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant milks and on all matters of infant feeding. Social and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding. Infant milk should always be prepared and used as directed. Inappropriate foods or feeding methods, or improper use of infant formula, may present a health hazard.

For more advice on preparing your baby’s feed, speak to your healthcare professional or call the free SMA Careline on 0800 0 81 81 80, if you are calling from the UK or 1800 931 832, if you are calling from Ireland