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The arrival of a baby in a family is a great joy. An exceptional gift that often brings with it its share of questions... For example, how many feeding bottles should be planned for each day? If you're worried about this enigma, start by reassuring yourself... In this article, we'll give you all the information you need to get to grips with your baby's milk meals! 🍼
The number of bottles per day (and the quantity of milk) depends on the child's age.
From 0 to 1 month :
As happy as you are with your baby in your arms, you almost forget that bottle-feeding time is just around the corner! To make sure you don't get caught out, take the bottle out ahead of time and make sure it's already clean. Infant bottles rarely contain more than 90 mL of milk in the first month after leaving the maternity ward...
On the other hand, as your baby's stomach is no bigger than a cherry, he needs to be fed small quantities on a more regular basis. You'll need to prepare around 8 bottles a day, spacing them at least 2 hours apart to avoid the risk of developing infant colic.
From 1 to 3 months :
At this age, babies feed exclusively on breast milk or artificial milk. If you give your little one bottles of industrial milk, be sure to respect the following dosages: 5to 6 bottles a day of 150 mL. For this volume of milk, a small bottle will still do. You can also choose to switch to the larger size, so that the solution doesn't lump when you shake the container to mix it. Feed your baby gently to limit the risk of regurgitation or reflux.
3 to 6 months :
After a child reaches three months of age, bottles of milk still make up the bulk of his or her meals. And even if your baby has already started to diversify, it's still important to give him at least 5 bottles a day. As far as capacity is concerned, gradually increase the dose of milk until you reach 210 ml at six months.
Of course, listen carefully to your child, and don't force him to drink if he seems full. You should also check that baby's hunger has gone away by the end of his meals. If his growth curve is moving in the right direction, there's no need to worry!
6 months to 1 year :
Between the ages of six months and one year, babies sometimes eat on their own with their fingers or by holding a spoon. However, milk is still a very important source of nutrients and calcium for his development. At one year of age, it is estimated that a baby should drink around 1/2L of milk a day, or 500 mL or 50 cL. The number of bottles generally corresponds to the number of meals a day.
During this period, food diversification gradually takes hold, and baby tastes new foods. At the same time, all these new tastes can make him lose interest in milk! If this is the case, you can supplement his meals with a dairy product such as fromage frais or yoghurt.
Between 1 and 2 years :
Bottles of milk that you choose to give your baby after the age of one are no longer considered necessary, but are part of your child's pleasure diet. Of course, it's up to you to set the rules when it comes to pleasure meals.
But be careful not to overdo it at night.
Cavities are a real threat to your child. If you don't want your child to drink a bottle in the evening for X reason (pediatrician's advice, diaper overflow at night, tummy ache, risk of cavities), you don't have to at this age. On the other hand, you'll need to find the right compromise with your child to avoid frustrating him too much, while at the same time gently starting the weaning process. Patience and perseverance are more important than strength or rage.
How many bottles a day should I plan to feed my baby?
The instructions above are easy to follow if your baby is exclusively formula-fed. But if you're breast-feeding, things are a little different 😉 Don't worry, though.
If you're breast-feeding, you don't have to equip yourself right away.
Your baby, even a few hours after birth, can recognize the signs of hunger, and let you know it! So you can put him to the breast as soon as he cries out, on the principle of supply and demand.
If your breastfeeding is going well, and you're not planning to switch tomixed feeding, you won't need any bottles! You may, however, decide to anticipate the end of breastfeeding by buying from a bottle manufacturer who respects your baby's health.
In some cases, a baby may not latch on at birth, even after several attempts.
Persevere, and seek advice from your midwife, doula or lactation consultant, who can give you all the information you need to ensure your breastfeeding goes as smoothly as possible.
If, despite all this advice, breastfeeding is becoming too difficult for you, give yourself the option of giving a bottle if you need to. Fatigue due to childbirth doesn't help matters, and bottle-feeding can save the day in the first few days. And it won't compromise the rest of your breastfeeding if you persevere 😉
Plan to buy 2 or 3 bottles for mixed breastfeeding
But if you feel like taking care of yourself or simply resting a little, you can delegate the task of feeding to your partner. He or she will prepare a bottle from time to time, which will relieve and rest your breasts at the same time... Concerning the number of bottles to plan for per day, note that :
- Buying several makes it easier to rotate between meals.
- Having only one bottle can mean having to clean it all the time.
Did you know? By increasing your bottle stock, you'll also be able to plan more flexibly and space out the number of dishes! 😉
Mixed breastfeeding: How about storing your milk for later use in a bottle?
● Going out shopping,
● Getting some fresh air in the forest,
● Saying hello to acquaintances,
● Going to the gym,
● ...
Mixed breastfeeding offers young mothers a certain amount of freedom.
In this case, you'll need to remember to express your milk at your usual feeding times to avoid engorgement. The rush of milk is a very characteristic sensation that manifests itself as a tingling, cramping or electrical sensation in the breasts.
You'll instantly recognize the ideal moment to express your milk! Pumped milk can be collected and stored in the fridge or freezer for later feeding. It will be fit for consumption:
➔ for 48 hours if stored in your fridge.
➔ for 4 hours at room temperature (maximum 25 degrees)
➔ and 4 months in the freezer in a dated and sealed storage jar.
What is the ideal number of feedings when not breastfeeding?
If breastfeeding is not part of your maternity program, we advise you to buy 5bottles for your baby. That way, you'll have peace of mind, your hands won't be in the sink as often, and you'll be able to dispatch bottles wherever you like (glove compartment, changing bag, nanny's house, grandparents' house, kitchen cupboards, etc.).) 😉
Ideally, here are the recommended bottle sizes:
● 2 x150 mL bottles
● 2 x240 mL bottles
● 1 x330 mL bottle
The small 150 mL containers only last a few months, but turnover is high, so it's best to bet on 2 of them for peace of mind. The 240 mL and 330 mL bottles will serve you well for a long time, and buying several of them will also give your baby a chance to change accessories: don't hesitate to vary the colors to brighten up his meals!
In a nutshell
The number of bottles you need to plan for per day before baby arrives should be sufficient so that you don't waste time constantly searching and cleaning for the first few months.
● Small bottle sizes only last for the first few months. But you can keep them afterwards to give your baby water to drink.
● Large sizes are useful for feeding your baby over 3 months. They can accompany him until he is weaned.
→ To find out more about the feeding bottles offered by our site, by HERE ! 😇
