How many bottles is your baby drinking?

I wondered, for purely formula fed babies, how many full (160ml or 180ml) bottles they’re taking a day? Is it the suggested 5?

Mine (9 weeks old) is combi fed. I always thought he was more breastfed than formula fed as he has 3 bottles of 180ml a day before our lunch, dinner and bed. But now I’m reading that you’re meant to give them 5 bottles a day at this age. It just surprised me to learn that he’s having 60% of the daily suggested intake for formula. I’m not sure why but it made me a bit sad. I was so proud that breastfeeding had been working for us and was chuffed that I thought I was mostly breastfeeding my baby with “the odd formula top up”… and I only started giving him formula to help settle him before I wanted to eat or sleep! It’s hard to describe but it’s kind of thrown me that he would only need two more bottles a day anyway to be fully formula fed. Feels like my breastfeeding isn’t as significant to his milk intake as I originally thought it was and it was something I was so proud of.

I guess hearing that some babies take more than 5 bottles a day would help me reframe this formula/breastmilk balance in my mind.

(I’d like to caveat this with the fact that I see no issue with formula and fully formula fed babies, it just felt like a bit a personal achievement for me to be able to breastfeed.)

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I still feel guilty that I have to give top ups. But have to try to remember at least she is also having the goodness from breast milk. Breastfeeding is hard so don’t be too down on yourself. A fed baby is what’s best. But I totally understand your feelings and disappointment.

Yesterday she had one 120ml bottle. But probably could have had 150ml. Some days she may have less and only take 70ml. Some days she might have 2 bottles, but probably less per bottle like 60-90mls each time.

Breastfeeding is supply and demand, so the more formula you give the less the breasts think they need to supply. So maybe have a day where you don’t go out and just give him the breast every time he asks for it, and only top up when necessary. Eg last night she was cluster feeding for a few hours and was so hungry that she was too frustrated for the boob anymore as the flow wasn’t quick enough so I gave her a bottle.

I also totally get the convenience as formula fills them for longer so they are more likely to sleep and you get a break. Which is also important.

My little girl is also 9 weeks and is fully formula fed - she has 6-7 180ml bottles a day

My baby is having anywhere between 6-8 bottles every day and taking around 18 to 22 ounces a day 💕

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