Overfeeding

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Overfeeding

Crying may be caused by belly cramps from overeating or swallowing too much air during feeding. Your baby will often spit up some of the feeding and may have loose stools.

Babies give cues during feeding that indicate how hungry they are. Pay attention to these cues to help determine when your baby has had enough to eat.

A baby who is hungry will latch on to the breast or bottle and suck continuously.
A baby who is getting full during a feeding will take longer pauses between sucking.
A baby who is full will turn away from the breast or bottle and not want to suck.

The following table gives the number of ounces that a baby needs to take with each feeding according to his or her weight. Remember that this is only an average, and every baby is different.

**Average feeding amounts by baby's weight**
Weight in pounds		Ounces per feeding
6 to 8 pounds (2.5 to 3.5 kg)		2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 mL)
8 to 10 pounds (3.5 to 4.5 kg)		3 to 4 ounces (90 to 120 mL)
10 to 12 pounds (4.5 to 5 kg)		4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 mL)
12 to 16 pounds (5 to 7 kg)		6 to 8 ounces (180 to 240 mL)

Credits

Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Last Updated	July 12, 2007

Last updated:	July 12, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Terrina Vail

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