Although overfeeding a baby is rare, it can happen. The most common cause of an overfed baby is a parent or caregiver misinterpreting a baby's
When fed too much, a baby may also swallow air. This can produce gas, increase discomfort in the belly, and lead to crying. An overfed baby also may spit up more than usual and have loose stools. Although crying from discomfort is not colic, it can make crying more frequent and more intense in an already colicky baby.
The AAP general guidance states that most newborns eat every 2 to 3 hours, or eight to 12 times every 24 hours. Babies might only take in half ounce per feeding for the first day or two of life, but after that will usually drink 1 to 2 ounces at each feeding. This amount increases to 2 to 3 ounces by two weeks of age.
Overfeeding a baby often causes the baby discomfort because he or she can't digest all of the breast milk or formula properly. When fed too much, a baby may also swallow air, which can produce gas, increase discomfort in the belly, and lead to crying.
To start, your baby could be overtired, turning to feedings as a way to comfort himself to sleep. Maybe he's not actually eating, which explains why he's still hungry even though it seems like he had just eaten. He could also have gas, contributing to even more discomfort as he tries to sleep.
Some babies may want to nurse every 30 minutes to an hour in the evenings. This is normal, and it does not mean your baby isn't getting enough milk. It may just be your baby's way of filling up before a longer sleep at night.
Newborns and young babies should be fed whenever they seem hungry. This is called on-demand feeding. After the first few days of life, most healthy formula-fed newborns feed about every 2–3 hours. As they get bigger and their tummies can hold more milk, they usually eat about every 3–4 hours.
Cues That Tell the Baby Is Hungry
turn their head toward your breast. Calm and wide-eyed after a nap. Rooting with a strong, nutritive suck. Continuous crying after comforting them with cradling, rocking, or a diaper change (this is a late hunger cue)
Breastfed babies should eat as often and as long as they want, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Most newborns nurse every two to three hours, counting from the beginning of each nursing session. That adds up to around eight to 12 feedings a day.
Hiccups are normal and usually don't hurt your baby. In younger babies, hiccups are usually a sign that they need to be seated upright during or after feeding, that feeding needs to be slower for them, or that they need more time before or after feeding to relax.
Signs Your Baby is Hungry
Fists moving to mouth. Head turning to look for the breast. Becoming more alert and active. Sucking on hands or lip smacking.
Be careful not to feed your baby every time she cries. Some babies cry because of a bloated stomach from overfeeding. Let your baby decide when she's had enough milk. (For example, she turns her head away.)
Sometimes we think our babies are full but really what they need is a good burp! Once they've got rid of this wind they are able to finish their feed. Good, full feeds will sustain your little one for longer, meaning they are more likely to sleep well and you are more likely to get a break!
Babies know (and will let their parents know) when they're hungry and when they've had enough. Watch for signs that your baby is full (slowing down, spitting out the bottle or unlatching from breast, closing the mouth, turning away from the breast or bottle) and stop the feeding when these signs appear.
If your baby is unsettled at the breast and doesn't seem satisfied by feeds, it may be that they are sucking on the nipple alone. This may mean they are not getting enough milk. Ask for help to get your baby into a better feeding position.
Cluster feeding usually happens during the first 3 to 4 months. It's when your baby wants to feed even more frequently (sometimes constantly) over a period of time. It's very normal and nothing to be concerned about. Your baby may want to cluster feed during the day or night (or a bit of both).
If you've been lenient with a routine, up the ante if your baby has been feeding every hour and not sleeping. Bathe and dress him in fresh clothes, and cap it with a long feeding session, for instance. Keep this up for a few days, and he can begin to expect bedtime feedings after you go through your routine.
It absolutely will not last forever. Usually, cluster feeding resolves within 2-3 days after starting. Also, a few helpful things to remember when cluster feeding is feeling endless: Cluster feeding occurs around developmental milestones — your baby's body is doing important things!
Q: Can you overfeed a newborn baby? A: Yes, but it is not likely to happen. Newborn babies have an innate ability to regulate their hunger and therefore stop eating when they are full.
What are signs that a baby is overfed? Gassiness, burping, gagging or choking, fussiness, irritability or vomiting (a forceful flow that shoots out inches rather than dribbling out of the mouth like spit up) right after finishing a bottle could be indications that your baby is being overfed.