Question
How can I determine if an 18-day-old baby is sufficiently fed? Lately, the baby’s naptime has become unstable, and during feeding, the baby often eats for only a few minutes, then pauses for about 10 seconds before eating again. After being placed back in bed, the baby also cannot fall asleep. I’m not sure if it’s because the baby isn’t sufficiently fed. How can I determine if a baby is sufficiently fed? Please provide relevant assistance.
Answer
For babies of this age, it is generally recommended to follow a demand-feeding approach. Here are some indicators to determine if a baby is sufficiently fed:
- Observe the baby’s mood: If the baby is not sufficiently fed, they may exhibit crying, restlessness, or finger-sucking behaviors. During feeding, if the baby is focused and eager, this may be a sign of hunger.
- Monitor bowel movements: Breastfed babies typically have bowel movements 3 to 4 times a day, with stools that are yellowish and pasty; formula-fed babies have about 2 bowel movements a day, with urine volume of more than 6 times a day, colorless or light yellow. An increase in urine frequency could indicate insufficient feeding.
- Monitor weight gain: Regularly measure the baby’s weight and observe the weight gain pattern. Healthy babies should gain between 500 to 1000 grams per month. If weight gain is insufficient, it could be due to insufficient feeding or illness, and it’s important to investigate the cause carefully. If necessary, visit the hospital for a check-up.