3 weeks old

Casey - posted on 09/05/2010

at a young age it doesnt matter i was told that if they are givin to much it will simply just come back up.. but most babies will stop feeding once they are full.

Renae - posted on 09/03/2010

Babies instinctively know how much food they need. The best thing to do is let the baby's instincts tell you when and how much they need.

It is possible to overfed a baby, but it is very uncommon as most babies will only take what they need. Occasionally we come across babies who do not seem to recognise when they are too full and drink until they throw up. And occasionally there are breastfed babies who will suck for comfort when they are not actually hungry. But as I said, these cases are not very common. Plus babies grow so fast that any extra calories they eat just get burned up so quickly that it really isn't a problem.

Be aware that babies have growth spurts at around 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. During a growth spurt there is usually 2-4 days where they drink a lot more and need more frequent feeds. It is normal for a breastfed baby to feed as often as every hour during a growth spurt (it is natures way of increasing the mother's milk supply). With bottle fed babies they tend just to take bigger feeds but sometimes also feed more frequently.

Sarh - posted on 09/02/2010

I honestly don't believe you could ever OVER feed an infant! They are growing little people, and go through LOTS of growth spurts! Feed baby when he wants to eat, I don't believe in the whole feeding baby on a schedule. Babies will let your know and eat when they are hungry.
I nurse my son and I feed him whenever he is hungry. He is 12 weeks old and 15lbs & 22in (at 8weeks old).
I also, fed my daughter when ever she was hungry... She is a healthy 4 yr old, who is 60lbs and almost 4 feet tall!!

Melanie - posted on 09/02/2010

It's ok not to BF, even though I am a strong believer that breast is best. However, if you just cannot bring yourself to do it anymore, that is fine. It is perfectly ok to feed your baby when they are hungry. Look for the cues... They will smack their lips and chew their hands to show you they are hungry. He may still also do the rooting around. You are doing him no harm by feeding him when he is hungry. I am proud of you all for trying to nurse. Some moms don't even try, and it saddens me.

Debbie - posted on 09/02/2010

i no the feeling my son did that to me went to the doctor got it treated n kept feeding him i would cry for hours cause i could touch them when he was done!!!!!!! u can feed ur baby as much as they want to eat now! When they start teething they usually dont eat as much

Ashley - posted on 09/02/2010

Janet, I wouldn't worry because I tried breast feeding both of my children and it didn't work out so I had to go to the bottle, feed them if they are hungry is what I said I wouldn't let them go hungry for anything. They will let you know when they don't want anymore, either they will refuse the bottle, or spit out the milk you just something to let you know they don't want anymore. So dont worry about feeding your baby after all that's what your there for!!

Jennifer - posted on 09/02/2010

You can't overfeed a baby. They will stop feeding when they are full.

Sarah - posted on 09/02/2010

My son is also 3 weeks old and he will eat 4 ounces every 2 1/2 3 hours. Sometimes an hour later he will want more and will take another ounce or so. His doctor said thats normal and to feed him. Im just worried about if he is going to be on a more set schedule when he goes into daycare or if he is going to scream for them. It also is a pain because I pump and I cant keep up with his feedings because he isnt on a set schedule all the time.

Karen - posted on 09/02/2010

i don't think you can over feed a new born - just watch for signs they are full though. if they turn away from the bottle or stop sucking don't try to "force" them to finish the bottle.

Laura - posted on 09/02/2010

My Son was ALWAYS hungry. I breastfed him for the first month and he would want it all the time!! you can't over feed a newborn. they want their food and need it to grow. i switched my son straight to formula after he was a month old and he ate every 4 hours like clock work. and he is a healthy 10 month old now weighing 24lbs.

I agree with Jenee with what she said. after 1 year you have to watch really carefully with what they eat. They can become overweight sooner.

Susan - posted on 09/02/2010

you cant over feed a baby at all.. if they are full they will refuse a bottle or breast... and also when they get a bit older and move onto solids they just keep spitting it all out... they know how much to eat :) some babies are just really hungry and some have 2 bottles instead of one.. it all depends on your baby... dont be afraid of any thing, he is human and knows exactly what he wants :) its perfectly fine to bottle feed, breastfeeding is just not ment for some people... as long as your son is healthy and putting weight on.. im sure you are a great mother and use will do just fine :D

Jenee - posted on 09/02/2010

In the beginning as a newborn and a infant there is no such thing as overfeeding IMO. I fed my son every time he was hungry even if it was only a hour or two between feedings. I never just let him fussed because I thought he was eating too much. As they get older it's a different story. After a year I think you need to really watch what they eat. Fruit and veggies instead of fast food. I know many moms who feed their children fast food all the time.