The right amount of feed

Mothers, particularly new ones, sometimes need help to understand how much and how often to feed their baby.

Not all formulas are the same – it is important to carefully read the instructions on the packaging. Neither are all babies the same. Some have bigger appetites than others and that can vary from day to day and also as they grow. The best guide is baby and how hungry they are.

1. As a general rule, babies know best. They should never be forced to finish a feed. If they are hungry, they will feed and if they are not they won’t.
2. When baby has had enough, they will usually let go of the teat and will often fall asleep.
3. Babies who are still awake and interested in the bottle even after it is empty are likely still to be hungry.
4. Parents who are unsure or confused about the amount of milk to give to their baby should be encouraged to talk to a healthcare professional.
5. Every brand of infant formula provides it’s own guidelines for how much formula to give, depending on age. The recommended amounts of Ronalac 1 are shown below but these are for guidance only and do not apply to premature or low birth weight babies.