Changes in milk intake of babies between one and five months old
In the first few months after a baby is born, breast milk or formula is the baby\’s only source of nutrition. However, your baby\’s appetite and nutritional needs change over time. Five-month-old babies have begun to gradually enter the complementary feeding stage, which means they need more solid food to meet their nutritional needs. Therefore, their demand for milk will decrease.
How much milk does a two- to five-month-old baby need to drink every day?
Although five-month-old babies have begun to eat complementary foods, they still need to drink enough milk throughout the day to obtain necessary nutrients. Typically, a five-month-old baby needs about 24 ounces (720 ml) of formula or breast milk per day. These milks can be divided into several feedings to the baby, usually 5-6 times.
3. How to know if your five-month-old baby is eating enough
When you are breastfeeding, it can be difficult to know if your baby is getting enough. However, when formula-feeding your baby, you can use their weight to determine whether they are getting enough nutrients. According to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a five-month-old baby should consume 150-200 ml/kg of formula milk per day. Therefore, if your five-month-old baby weighs 7kg, they will need to drink 1050-1400ml of formula per day.
4. How to gradually reduce milk volume
When you start introducing complementary foods, you can gradually reduce the frequency and amount of milk your baby drinks. Normally, a five-month-old baby needs to eat complementary food 2-3 times a day, and the type and amount of solid food can be gradually increased. As your child becomes interested in solid foods and is able to swallow small solid foods, you can gradually reduce the frequency and amount of milk they drink.
5. How to ensure that a five-month-old baby gets adequate nutrition
In addition to breast milk or formula, five-month-old babies need other nutrients to support their healthy growth. Introducing complementary foods is an important step in ensuring your child gets adequate nutrition. Five-month-old babies can start eating some paste foods, such as rice noodles, oatmeal, mashed bananas, etc. These foods provide additional nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins.
6. Summary
A five-month-old baby needs to drink about 24 ounces (720 ml) of formula or breast milk every day, and the frequency and amount of milk can be gradually reduced. When introducing complementary foods, it is important to ensure that children receive adequate nutrition and gradually increase the type and quantity of solid foods to support their healthy growth.
