#asktheexpert if baby is on breast feed + express milk + formulae. how to know that I am not overfeeding my baby

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When your baby is on a combination of breast milk, expressed milk, and formula, it’s important to ensure they are getting the right amount of nutrition without being overfed. Overfeeding can lead to discomfort, gas, and spitting up. Here are some signs and guidelines to help you determine if your baby is being overfed:

1. Watch for Hunger and Fullness Cues: Hunger Cues: Babies will show signs that they are hungry, like sucking on their hands, rooting (turning their head toward your chest), or smacking their lips. Fullness Cues: When babies are full, they might turn their head away from the breast or bottle, start falling asleep, or push the bottle or nipple away. 2. Feeding Duration: Breastfeeding: For breastfeeding, it's typically demand-based, meaning you should allow your baby to nurse until they seem satisfied (which could be anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes per side). Formula/Expressed Milk: For formula or expressed milk, a typical feeding amount at this age can be around 2-4 oz per feed, but this depends on your baby’s age and weight. For example, at 2-3 months, many babies will consume about 4 oz per feed. 3. Monitor Baby's Weight Gain: Healthy weight gain is an important indicator of adequate feeding. If your baby is gaining weight steadily and meeting growth milestones, it suggests they are getting enough to eat. Consult your pediatrician to track your baby’s weight gain. If the baby is gaining weight too quickly or too slowly, adjustments may be needed in the amount of formula or breast milk provided. 4. Signs of Overfeeding: Spitting Up: While spitting up is common in babies, excessive spitting up after every feeding might indicate overfeeding. Fussiness or Gassiness: Babies may become more fussy or gassy if they've had more than they need. Vomiting: This can be a sign of overfeeding or that your baby’s stomach is not able to handle too much milk. Constipation: Overfeeding formula can sometimes cause constipation in babies. 5. Feeding Schedule: Keep a consistent feeding schedule, but be flexible based on your baby's cues. Babies typically need to feed every 2-4 hours in the early months. If you’re feeding on demand, try not to offer milk just out of habit. 6. Bottle Feeding (Formula/Expressed Milk): If bottle-feeding, paced bottle feeding is a good method to mimic the breastfeeding process. This allows the baby to drink at their own pace and prevents them from gulping too quickly, reducing the risk of overfeeding. Avoid forcing the bottle into the baby’s mouth if they show signs of being full. 7. Seek Professional Guidance: If you're unsure about how much your baby should be consuming, or if you suspect overfeeding, consult your pediatrician. They can help you create a feeding plan based on your baby's specific needs.

By paying attention to your baby’s cues and observing their behavior, you can make adjustments to their feeding routine and ensure they are getting the right amount of nutrition without overfeeding.