All the way through your baby's first 3 months, breast milk or formula is more than enough to supply all the nourishment needed for healthy development.
But as your little one grows - in leaps and bounds, in body and mind - the feeding process and the baby feeding amounts are likely to grow more and more. More often than not, babies tend to move towards drinking more milk during each feed, so you might not have to feed frequently and your child may start to sleep longer during the night.
Your new born child should be nursed at least 8 to 12 times a day. Formula fed babies can be fed lesser number of times. Breast milk is digested very easily and thus your baby will get hungry more easily.
Frequently feeding your baby can also stimulate milk production during the first few weeks. When a baby is 1 to 2 months of age then you might have to nurse your baby almost nine times a day. It is suggested that you feed your baby whenever he/she seems hungry. Do not wait until your baby cries and becomes difficult to control.
Also realize that if your baby is crying it may not necessarily be due to hunger, you baby might want to be changed, cuddled or might be feeling too hot or too cold. If the baby is less than four months then it is advisable to stick to breast milk or formula. They might not need water at this stage. After four months you can start feeding your child soft fruit and vegetable juices. Baby feeding amounts will vary with time. Once babies start growing they will take lesser feedings throughout the day with larger quantities.
If you worry whether you baby is hungry then you can simply check for the simple gestures that your baby makes. She might put her fists in her mouth or turn her head, she might open her mouth etc., and these are signals for you to understand that it is time to feed her. In the first few months of development your child will feed according to your pediatrician's chart. There will be days when the Baby feeding amounts will vary.
You might not initially understand if your baby is eating enough. You will slowly realize that your baby will seem content after eating, and you will soon find yourself changing your baby's diapers 5 to 6 times during the day. You will notice your baby having regular bowel movements, sleeping well, getting alert when awake and slowly gaining weight. All these signs are enough for you to know that your child is doing well. Your baby might not be getting enough if she seems very fussy and cries a lot or isn't gaining the right amount of weight.
Make sure you nurse your baby when there are no distractions. Research has shown that babies will eat up to 25% more when they are not distracted.
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