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Formula Milk for Babies: How Much Does Your Baby Need?
Choosing whether to breastfeed or formula-feed is a major decision for any new parent. Unlike breastfeeding, when you opt for a formula it can be confusing to try to work out just how much to give the baby every day. The answer lies in the baby’s age, weight and whether you’re feeding only formula or giving it as a supplement alongside breast milk or solids. Here are a few things to know before making up your mind on how much formula to give a baby.
Feeding Cues of Babies
Babies need to feed often, possibly every 2-3 hours. Every baby is different and so it’s important to learn to spot when the baby is hungry before it gets too upset and cries. The cues start with opening and closing the mouth, licking lips, sucking on hands and fingers or clothing. For up to 4 months of age it is common for them to root. That’s when they turn their head and opens their mouth towards your chest. Babies also make sucking motions and bring their hands to their mouth; this is a good time to feed them. Older babies also move their head frantically from side to side while crying when hungry.
However, it can be hard to spot feeding cues sometimes. They may naturally root when you offer them the bottle even though they are not hungry but instead just want to be held by you.
How Much Formula Milk Does Your Child Need?
It can be tricky to work out how much formula milk your baby needs as each baby has different appetite and its nutritional needs change every month. Generally babies eat when they are hungry and stop when they feel full. Formula-fed babies tend to eat more and be heavier than breastfed ones. The general rule of thumb on formula milk measurements for babies is that it is measured as per their body weight. Babies require between 150 ml and 200 ml of formula per kg of body weight each day. That is, if a baby weighs 3 kg, it will need between 450 ml and 600ml of formula per day. However they may not want to drink that much in their first week or not take the same amount at each feeding, so keep in mind not to force them to feed.
If you are wondering how much formula milk a newborn should drink, try giving them about 60-70ml of formula at each feed as they won’t be able to take more than this in one go.
Amount of Formula As Per Baby’s Requirement
A baby’s formula milk consumption not only depends on the weight but also the age. As they grow older their nutritional and calorie needs go higher and they eat more. During the first few weeks they might drink an average of around 70 ml of formula in one feed. Between the first 2 weeks and 2 months they would consume around 75-105 ml in each feed that would add up to a total ranging between 450 ml and 735 ml in 1 day. When they are about 2-6 months old, they would consume between 105 ml and 210 ml of infant milk formula in a feed.
The formula milk for a 6-month baby totals around 900 ml a day and they would want between 210 ml and 240 ml at each feed. Also, by this time, most babies would be introduced to solid foods and their intake of formula would gradually drop down to around 600 ml a day.
How Often Should You Feed Your Baby?
It is recommended that babies need be fed on demand, which is whenever they show signs of hunger. Formula-fed newborns feed every 2-3 hours. As they get older the capacities of their stomach increase, they eat more in one feed, and need to be fed every 3-4 hours. As mentioned earlier, you need to look for feeding cues by the baby and feed accordingly. You need not wait until the baby gets cranky and starts crying till you feed them. Crying is often a late sign of hunger. It is also equally important to look for signs that the baby has had enough such as slowing down and pausing.
Also if the baby is young or having problems with gaining weight, they should be fed often, even if it means waking them up from sleep. In such case it advisable to consult a doctor on how much and how often they should be fed.
How Do You Know if Your Baby is Having Enough Formula?
The baby’s physical appearance and behaviour can give you an insight into whether or not they’re getting enough formula.
The following signs indicate that they are getting inadequate formula (underfed):
The rate of weight gain in the baby is slower than normal. This is a sure sign that they are being underfed and a paediatrician must be consulted immediately.
They seem unsatisfied even after a complete feeding.
The urine output is diminished.
Orange crystals appear in the wet diaper, which is a sign of dehydration and insufficient fluid intake.
The baby’s skin has a wrinkled and loose appearance.
The baby cries more than usual.
The following signs indicate that the baby is receiving too much formula (overfed):
The baby spits or vomits immediately after feeding.
The baby experiences gas and colicky abdominal pain after feeding and cries drawing its leg up to its tummy.
The baby is gaining weight rapidly and weighs more than it should for its age.
The signs of a baby receiving just the right amount of formula:
They show a steady weight gain after 2 weeks and maintain it until the first year.
They seem happy, satisfied and relaxed after feeding.
They pass pale urine and need about 5-6 wet diapers a day.
However, there are conditions that deviate from the above-mentioned norms. Babies can go through growth spurts from 2-6 weeks, at 4 months and 6 months. A growth spurt is a period of rapid growth and can happen at any time. During one such spurt, they tend to eat more and are hungrier than usual.
Also, formula-fed babies tend to drink more. Breastfeeding gives the baby a moderate control over the milk intake unlike in a bottle where the milk flows readily. Since there’s more milk in the bottle and the babies have a natural suckling reflex, they tend to consume more and are at a risk of overfeeding. Formula milk and breast milk are metabolised differently and the formula falls short in nutritional content compared to breast milk, hence they may require more.
What's the Ideal Time to Replace Formula?
The ideal time to start replacing formula is about 6 months when you begin to introduce them to solid foods. But since there aren’t a whole lot of solid foods that they would like eating, they won’t get all the nutrition needed, so it’s important to keep them on the formula until they are about a year old. You’ll begin to notice a drop in their formula intake from 900 ml a day to about 600 ml as you begin to feed them more solids. After a year, babies only need about 350 ml milk a day which can either be formula, breastmilk or high fat cow milk. If they have been raised mostly on formula, and are fully established on solids, start decreasing the formula incrementally.
Formula feeding for babies is a healthy alternative to breastfeeding. It provides almost all beneficial nutrients for the baby to grow. Hence, it’s important to know how much formula milk is adequate for your baby, so that the baby doesn't miss out on important nutrition. Read more
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Migraines During Pregnancy: How to Deal With it?
Pregnancy is a like a roller coaster ride with numerous ups and downs. Witnessing the miracle of creating with your partner and feeling of a deep connection with your unborn child can have you filled with excitement. This abundance is checked by the challenges you need to face as a mother. While there are many symptoms that all women experience, such as mood swings and fatigue there are others which only afflict a few. One of them is a migraine.
What Is a Migraine?
Migraines are classified as a headache that causes difficulties in a person’s functioning. It takes place when the brain is unable to process inputs that it receives from the various sensory organs. This inability to process information can be high enough to make a person feel like vomiting, induce nausea and even cause blurred vision.
Is Migraine Common During Pregnancy?
The likelihood of you getting a migraine during pregnancy is a game of chance. Unlike some of the symptoms associated with pregnancy such as mood swings, not every pregnant woman gets a migraine. However, it is estimated that about 16% of women who get a migraine, get their first one during pregnancy making it a universal phenomenon. It is tough to predict what is in store for them in the future. Seventy-five percent of the women who experience migraines during the first trimester can feel a noticeable improvement as the pregnancy progresses. However, there are other women whose migraines do not improve and recur throughout the pregnancy.
Who Is More Prone To a Migraine?
It is estimated that as many as 25% of all women have experienced it at some point in their life.
Children who have a parent who suffers from a migraine are twice as likely to suffer from headaches during adulthood. Some scientists suspect that it is a neurological disorder and hence gets passed down through the generations.
Oestrogen fluctuation is thought to have a role to play in migraines. This is why women who are pregnant, having their periods, or are experiencing menopause tend to suffer from migraines.
Causes of Migraines
The sad truth is that most doctors are unsure as to what is exact cause of a migraine. However, there is no shortage of possible explanations. The most popular theory says that certain inputs such as caffeine can activate brain cells to the point of overstimulation. This causes a chemical to be released that cause inflammation in the blood vessels nearby leading to pain.
While there is no concrete evidence to suggest the above theory is correct, a study conducted has found a link between a chemical in the brain called serotonin and migraines. However, the relationship itself between the two is little understood.
Signs and Symptoms
Blurred vision
Flashes of light
Nausea
Fatigue
Dizziness
Light sensitivity
Numbness in arms and legs
A tingling sensation in the limbs
Speaking incoherent sentences
Track Triggers With a Migraine Diary
Every individual is different, and it's important to keep track of what can trigger a migraine attack for you. Some of the common triggers include:
Stress
Fluctuation in the weather
Skipping meals
Travel
Coffee
Chocolate
Cheese
Smoked Fish
These findings can then be used for your treatment which will be discussed in the treatment section.
Tests
Your doctor can deduce a migraine through a combination of a physical exam, medical history and listing of the symptoms experienced. In case the migraine is unbearable, an MRI or CT scan can be considered.
Pregnancy Migraine Myths
Unfortunately, many untruths are spread about migraines. While some of the causes are misunderstood, people make their conclusions without any scientific basis. Below are some baseless myths such as:
Migraines can tell the gender of the baby
Medication is not allowed for migraines when you’re pregnant
Migraines during the first trimester can affect the health of the baby
Can Migraine Affect Pregnancy or The Baby?
A research study presented at the American Academy of Neurology has painted a bleak picture for expecting women with severe migraines. It said that those pregnant women who have severe migraines towards the end of their pregnancy might have complications like pre-mature births or pre-eclampsia.
Treatment
Medication: Most women may be hesitant to try out this route as they fear that it could affect the foetus. This can make sense as some of the conventional medication for treating migraines may have this effect. However, medicines have different classifications, and there are those that have been certified as foetal risk-free. Some of these drugs include Tylenol, Reglan and Advil. However, these drugs are okay to take in limited quantities only during the first and second trimester. To be on the safe side, consult your doctor before consuming these medicines.
Migraine Diary: Medication isn’t the only way to treat a migraine. You can create a log book where you can chronicle the triggers that are associated with a migraine. For example, after you eat cheese, you notice the onset of a migraine. Keeping track of this event helps you understand that cheese is one of the suspects that you could avoid in the future. You can make a note of the duration of the migraine attack, so you know how long you must contain a migraine. This way, if you feel you can endure a migraine without the use of medication, then you can try a non-medicated approach such as taking a nap.
Listen To Your Body: Train yourself to listen to your body. While not all migraines have a slow build-up, the signs and symptoms often appear before the attack. Getting yourself attuned to these small warnings can help you manage a migraine. If you’re stressing out too much and know that its one of your triggers, you could take evasive action immediately. This could be as simple as forcing yourself to take a break by listening to music or watching a funny movie. The aim is to pre-empt a migraine before it becomes unbearable.
Home Remedies
The best way to get migraine relief while pregnant is from the comfort of your own home.
Spinach And Ice Cream
Yoghurt And Almond
Peppermint Oil
Fish
Ginger Tea
Lemon Juice
Water
Lavender oil
Cold Compress
Hot Compress
Prevention
Pregnancy Yoga: Also known as prenatal yoga, it not only helps in toning the body but helps to increase your powers of meditation. The breathing technique employed during yoga known as ‘ujjayi’, helps to focus all your attention on your breathing. This becomes helpful when dealing with stress attacks that lead to migraines. As you feel the stress build, you can start with ujjayi and nip a migraine in the bud.
Avoid Cheese: Cheese, especially aged cheese, is known to contain a harmful ingredient called tyramine. While there is an established link between the chemical tyramine and migraines, its exact relationship is not understood. Some experts think that tyramine forces the brain to create a chemical called norepinephrine which causes headaches.
Blood Sugar Balance: The body needs enough glucose to function properly, and a shortage of it affects the brain leading to a migraine. Women who skip meals or try to fast while pregnant would then inevitably get a migraine due to the low blood sugar. Even irregular meals can have the same effect. Having rich foods can have the same effect as the body produces excessive insulin to bring the blood sugar down leading to a ‘sugar-crash’.
Sleep: Staying up late nights and not getting those precious eight hours of sleep can bring about a migraine. Researchers at Missouri University conducted a study where it was found that sleep deprivation can lead to the secretion of proteins that can trigger migraines.
When to Consult a Doctor?
A migraine during early pregnancy is normal and does not require a visit to the hospital. However, if a fever accompanies a migraine, it could be an indication of an underlying condition. There are chances that it could be a stroke, meningitis or encephalitis. Any sudden increase in weight or bloating in the hands and face may be a sign of preeclampsia.
Migraines can be a major inconvenience in an already challenging situation, but it is something that can be controlled. The chronicling of triggers unique to you in your diary and the prevention methods mentioned above can help you avoid and control the severe headaches to a large extent. Even if you are unable to do much about the pain, you can take solace in the fact that in all probability, it will only have to endure it for the initial part of your pregnancy.
Also Read: Fever During Pregnancy - An Overview Read more
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No! Monotone Does Not Mean Boring At All
While it doesn’t require cracking your head over the mix and match business, dressing in monotone does require an effort to get it right. With the right amount of accessories and your own stylistic subtleties in place, you can set the tone for monotones. Here’s how:
How to Wear Monotone in Style
1. Start with the basics
If you’ve never dressed in monotone clothing before for fear of sporting a staple boring appearance then start with basic neutral colours. Black and earthy colours compliment all skin tones. Just remember to wear something that compliments your figure as well or the entire getup will be ruined.
2. Avoid a monotone catastrophe
For some wearing monotone outfits mean exact colour co-ordination from head-to-toe. Wearing a one coloured outfit with matching shoes and bags and even earrings is a huge fashion faux pas. It’s sure to give you the attention, but for all the wrong reasons. The golden rule is to accessorise in a contrasting colour for added interest.
3. Never go sans an accessory
Monotone outfit worn on their own invite monotony. Therefore, accessorising becomes important when you're sporting monotone colours as they break the 'sameness'. Just make sure to add some bling to glam up your outfit but don’t overdo it at the same time. The way to go is to adorn yourself without adding on the layers. Monotone outfits are simple in essence, so the key is to keep the silhouette as simple as it can be.
4. Add a splash of colour
When wearing neutral shades like black, beige, white it’s nice to give the outfit a splash of colour to complete your look. You could sport a red pair of shoes with a white pant suit or leopard print high heels with your little black dress. Likewise, a suede belt and boots go well with earthy tones. The idea is to make a staple piece look classy in an extraordinary sedate way.
5. Bright and beautiful
If you’re going to experiment with bright eye-popping colours you have to make sure to get it right. One wrong move and you commit a monotone fiasco. With one piece in an electrifying colour, wear all other accompaniments in neutral shades. It’ll ensure you neither wind up looking the opposite of beautiful nor end up hurting someone's eyes with a jarring look.
6. Keep your makeup simple
Amidst everything else keep it relatively simple with your makeup when doing monotones. A monotone look exudes class and elegance, so wear colours that style your outfit. Go for the natural look with your daytime outfit. Step it up a notch with one dramatic colour for your evenings out, but be sure to keep all other colours in your makeup palette neutral.
Monotone outfits are easy to carry. If worn correctly they can put all other fashion trends in shade. We hope these monotone fashion tips inspire you to create your own simplistic style and have fun with it. Read more
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A very cute easy to handle, sipper cup with handles from babyhug
Your Name:
Amrita Singh
Age & Gender of child:
1 year old, Male baby
Product Name:
Babyhug Hard Spout Non Spill Sipper Cup With Handle Dark Blue
Introduction -
I have introduced bottle little late to my baby not immediately after the birth and it was an easy transition. He loves sippers more those with the handles as he can feed himself on his own which toddlers of his age generally enjoy the most. To feed themselves. He loves to use it and drinks water on his one holding the handles so well.
I really do not have to worry about anything. All i do is fill the bottle with clean water and job is done. It comes with a very cute shape and size, as its tiny my baby loves it more. Bottle is strong and comes with soft nipples.
I have been truly in love with these sippers which come with handles. Because My baby loves to hold it by himself and like to drink water or any fluid.
We dont have to worry about any spillage, and he easily uses it
It is geey easy to work with, my baby roams the whole house drinking and sipping on his favourite drinks. He doesn’t need any support as the handles does the job and he can easily hold them and feed himself.
With this sipper his water intake has increased and keeps him well hydrated which otherwise is a task when he doesnt wanna eat anything and just play.
Just a suggestion,The color combo could have been better and nothing else as it is good in every other aspect. It is anticolic and soft for babies who are teething.
The bottle is strong and very cute. I love to see my baby hold it and he just doesnt let go of this bottle. May be he finds it cute too.
Highly recommend babyhug products as I have been using there products and they have my heart and recommendations.
Parameter
Rating
Features
4/5
Product Design
4.5/5
Performance (basis features)
5/5
Value for Money
4/5
Read more
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
13 hours ago
Q. mam i am 21 week continuing in my pregnancy but my baby not moving as much
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
12 hours ago
A. pl do ultrasound. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a Newborn child
12 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what is muconium staining?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
12 hours ago
A. due to feetal distance that will be mcconium passing in the uterine cavity itself. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
11 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts What should I buy for my baby however I'm just expecting in 2 month
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
11 hours ago
A. you can get information regarding essentials of the new ones watch any YouTube channel. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
11 hours ago
Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
10 hours ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby girl and boyhai one month 8 days old kya mai ghutti de sakte hun ya gripe water de sakte hun aur kab se start kar sakte hun
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
7 hours ago
A. dear Mum, you should not give any sort of gripe water or ghutti to your baby. these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause infection to your baby. so, these should be completely avoided.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant.I recently had growth scan.mu baby is in cephalic presentation. Does this change as I approach my due date. Also my EDD is July 25 and EDC is July 2. what is my expected due date. Also what is EDC?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. edc is expected date of delivery only.
that is 40 weeks
You will get more information for your query with your family doctor. You may meet your dr in person for proper guidance .
It is important to remain in contact with your doctor.
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