Baby’s First Months of Eating

One of the biggest and first concerns in motherhood is making sure your baby is getting all the nourishment they need. And as a mama of two, I’ve been through it all—from exclusively breastfeeding and pumping with my first, Liam, to combining breast milk and formula with Emily, my second.

There is quite a lot to read, so feel free to pin it for later!

My Journey

I had a strong desire to exclusively breastfeed both of my babies, and fortunately, we had a promising start with excellent latching and feeding. However, both Liam and Emily were diagnosed with jaundice a day or so after birth. 

With Liam, I was dead set on sticking to breastfeeding only. I was petrified of messing up his feeding routine with nipple confusion, so I kept him glued to me almost 24/7. I nursed him practically around the clock, hoping to avoid light treatment for his jaundice, and thankfully, we succeeded, although it was incredibly challenging. 

With Emily, when jaundice was detected, I wasn’t as stubborn. I initially provided pumped breast milk, but when it wasn’t sufficient, and to the doctor’s strong recommendation, I introduced formula.

Surprisingly, this approach proved much easier, as Emily didn’t experience nipple confusion. So, we settled into a sweet combo of breast milk and formula. It meant I could juggle taking care of Liam while still making sure Emily got fed.

Understanding the challenges of baby feeding first handed, I hope to equip you with all the essentials to navigate through this critical six-month period with ease. Are you ready for a crash course?

Breastfeeding, Formula, or a Mix?

First things first, deciding how you want to feed your baby is a personal choice. Each option has its own set of benefits and challenges.

Breastfeeding offers numerous health advantages for both mother and baby, including immune system support and bonding.

Formula feeding provides convenience and flexibility, allowing others to participate in feeding duties.

Some parents choose to combine both methods, known as mixed feeding, to recap the benefits of both approaches.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that your baby is well-fed and content, regardless of the method chosen.

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How Much is Enough?

In the early days, your newborn’s tummy is tiny, so they’ll only need a few ounces per feeding. In the first hours after birth, newborns benefit from receiving colostrum, a nutrient-rich fluid produced by the mother’s breasts.

Despite their tiny stomach size, colostrum provides essential nutrients and antibodies crucial for their development.

In the first month, babies will want to eat every 2-3 hours, or whenever they show hunger cues like rooting or sucking on their fists.

As they grow, so does their appetite. By around 5-6 months, they might be chugging down 7-8 ounces per feeding, about 6-8 times a day.

To figure out if your baby’s getting enough to eat, keep an eye on how many wet diapers they go through each day. Ideally, you want to see at least six wet diapers daily. This tells you they’re likely getting the right amount of milk, whether from breastfeeding or formula.

If you notice a big drop in the number of wet diapers or have any worries about feeding, it’s a good idea to chat with your healthcare provider for advice.

Hunger and Fullness Cues

Knowing when to feed your baby involves paying attention to their hunger cues and recognizing when they’re full.

Hunger cues can vary from baby to baby but may include things like smacking lips, sucking on hands, rooting (turning their head toward your hand or breast), or becoming fussy or restless. When you notice these signs, it’s usually a good indicator that your baby is ready to eat.

On the other hand, to recognize when your baby is full, watch for cues like turning away from the breast or bottle, releasing the nipple, or becoming more relaxed and content.

It’s essential to respect your baby’s cues and not force them to continue eating if they seem satisfied. This helps them develop a healthy relationship with food and learn to recognize their own hunger and fullness cues as they grow.

Finding a Balance

With Liam, I was like a pro at pumping. I pumped like crazy to keep the breast milk flowing while handling all the mom stuff. But when Emily arrived, I had to figure out a way to balance breastfeeding and pumping so I could be there more for Liam.

Enter the portable breast pump – it was a game-changer!

Being able to pump on the go helped me keep up with Emily’s feeding needs while still giving Liam the attention he deserves.

Plus, giving Emily formula when needed also helped take off some of the pressure to constantly supply milk.

It’s all about finding that sweet spot between keeping everyone fed and happy while making time for those precious bonding moments.

When it comes to pumping, finding a routine that works for you is key.

Experiment with different times of day and durations to see what gives the best results for your milk supply. Remember to stay hydrated and well-nourished to support milk production.

One of the biggest challenges was figuring out when to introduce the bottle while still maintaining a strong breastfeeding bond. I found that waiting until breastfeeding was well established (around 4-6 weeks) before introducing a bottle helped prevent nipple confusion and ensured that Liam was getting enough milk from the breast.

Introducing the bottle can be a game-changer for busy or tired mothers. Start by offering it during one feeding session a day to allow your baby to get accustomed to it gradually.

Letting others feed your baby not only gives you a break but also strengthens their bond with your little one. Whether it’s your partner, family member, or friend, sharing the feeding responsibilities can provide you with much-needed rest and support.

Combatting Preferences

Sometimes, babies can be picky little creatures, preferring either the bottle or the boob. With Emily, she definitely had a preference for the bottle at first. To encourage breastfeeding, I made sure to offer the breast first when she was hungry, and then follow up with a bottle if needed. Gradually, she got the hang of breastfeeding and received them both happily.

Babies can be picky about their bottles too, so it’s good to give them a few choices if you can. One approach is to take advantage of free or discounted sample boxes, which allow you to provide a variety of bottle brands. I did the same thing, making sure my babies were comfortable with all sorts of bottles without any fuss.

And the worst thing is dealing with preferences between boobs. When your baby starts favoring one over the other, it can be frustrating. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. If your little one seems to have a favorite boob, try mixing things up. Start with the less preferred one first during feedings or try different positions to make it more enticing. With a little trial and error, you’ll hopefully find a way to even things out.

Nighttime Feeds

Establishing a nighttime feeding routine for both breastfed and formula-fed babies involves responding promptly to hunger cues, creating a calming sleep environment, and ensuring safe feeding practices.

For breastfed babies, nursing on demand and incorporating dream feeding can help promote longer stretches of sleep. Meanwhile, for formula-fed babies, having prepared bottles ready, warming them safely, and practicing paced bottle feeding can facilitate smoother nighttime feedings.

It’s important to prioritize safety, minimize disruptions, and adapt the routine to suit your baby’s individual needs. With Liam, I was religious about waking him every 3 hours for a feed, fearing that he wouldn’t get enough to eat. But with Emily, I took a more relaxed approach. I let her set the pace, feeding on demand during the day and allowing her longer stretches of sleep at night.

Cluster Feeding

Is it just me, or do babies have a knack for wanting to be attached to the boob 24/7? Cluster feeding was a common occurrence in my home, especially during growth spurts. Instead of feeling frustrated, I embraced it as bonding time with my little ones. Netflix and snacks became my best friends during those marathon nursing sessions!

But I know how frustrating it can be. My advices for you are to get comfy before starting, find a cozy spot, and have snacks and drinks handy. Try out different breastfeeding positions to see what’s most comfy for you both. Don’t be shy to ask for help from your partner or family, and take mini breaks whenever you can.

And don’t forget about taking care of yourself too – squeeze in some relaxation time whenever possible. If it all feels too overwhelming, reach out to friends, family, or a lactation consultant for some extra support and advice.

Essential Products

When it comes to essential products for feeding your baby, having the right gear can make a big difference.

A nursing pillow isn’t just for breastfeeding moms; it’s handy for both breastfed and formula-fed babies. Its benefits extend beyond nursing, providing comfortable support during feeding sessions for both you and your baby.

For breastfeeding moms, a comfy nursing bra is a must-have. Look for ones with soft, stretchy fabric and easy-to-use clasps for quick access during feeding sessions.

I breastfed both my babies, so having a reliable breast pump was super important. I stuck with the same one for both of them – the Medela Pump in Style Breast Pump. It worked like a charm, I just swapped out the parts when needed. 

Nursing pads are also essential to help absorb leaks and keep you feeling dry and comfortable throughout the day.

Another game-changer for breastfeeding moms is the Haakaa cup! It collects milk from the side you’re not feeding from and collects several ounces to store.

For bottle feeding, you’ll need a few key items to get started. Obviously, you’ll need bottles and nipples. Look for bottles that are easy to hold and come in different sizes to accommodate your baby’s growing appetite.

With Emily, I used glass baby bottles, and I swear by them! Read more on why they are better than plastic ones here.

If you’re using formula, be sure to have a supply on hand. And to keep your bottles squeaky clean, invest in a good bottle brush.

And don’t forget to sterilize all parts once a day. A sterilizer ensures that bottles, nipples, and pumping equipment are thoroughly cleaned and free from harmful bacteria, providing peace of mind and promoting your baby’s health.

With these essential products, you’ll be well-equipped to feed your baby comfortably and efficiently, whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

Combating Common Challenges

Breastfeeding can come with its fair share of challenges:

Sore nipples: This is a common issue, especially in the early days of breastfeeding. Ensure your baby is latching correctly to avoid soreness. Use lanolin cream or breast pads to soothe sore nipples between feedings.

Low milk supply: Some mothers may worry about not producing enough milk. Ensure you’re nursing frequently to stimulate milk production. Consider consulting with a lactation consultant for personalized advice and techniques to increase milk supply, such as power pumping or using a breast pump after feedings.

Engorgement: Occurs when breasts become overly full and uncomfortable. Nurse frequently and use warm compresses or express milk to relieve engorgement. A cold compress can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

And if you’re formula feeding, you may have all kind of challenges:

Colic or gas: Formula-fed babies may experience colic or gas, leading to fussiness and discomfort. Try using a formula specifically designed to reduce gas or colic symptoms. Burp your baby frequently during feedings and ensure proper bottle feeding technique to minimize air intake.

Formula intolerance: Some babies may have difficulty digesting certain types of formula, leading to fussiness, gas, or other digestive issues. Consult with your pediatrician to identify and switch to a formula better suited to your baby’s needs.

Constipation: Babies may experience constipation, characterized by hard stools or difficulty passing stools. Consider switching to a formula with added prebiotics or probiotics to support digestive health.

Remember, You’re Doing Great!

No matter how you choose to feed your baby, just know that you’re doing an amazing job.

Seeing those chubby cheeks and happy smiles makes it all worth it. So, Trust your instincts, listen to your little one, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

I hope this post have addressed some of your concerns regarding feeding your little one. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below.