Breast vs Bottle
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods up to 2 years of age or beyond.
Common challenges with breastfeeding include poor milk supply, difficulty latching, and nipple pain. These issues can result in inadequate nutrition for the baby if not addressed.
Both breastfed and bottle-fed babies can be overfed, but overfeeding is more common with bottle feeding.
Breast milk contains maternal antibodies that protect against infections.
Breastfeeding is associated with:
- Fewer gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in infancy
- Reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Possible lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in later life
Maternal benefits include a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and possibly type 2 diabetes.
Many of these benefits may be influenced by confounding factors such as socioeconomic status, education, and health behaviours. Causality is not always clear.
Feeding Volumes in Babies
For formula-fed infants, the general guide is around 150 mL/kg/day. Preterm or underweight babies may require higher volumes (up to 180–200 mL/kg/day). Feeds are typically given every 2–3 hours initially, gradually spacing to every 4 hours or longer as the infant grows. Most babies eventually feed on demand.
Volumes are gradually increased in the first week of life as tolerated. For example:
- Day 1: 60 mL/kg/day
- Day 2: 90 mL/kg/day
- Day 3: 120 mL/kg/day
- Day 4 and onwards: 150 mL/kg/day
Initial Weight Loss in Babies
It is normal for babies to lose weight after birth:
- Breastfed: up to 10% of birth weight
- Formula-fed: up to 5% of birth weight
Weight loss typically occurs by day 5 of life. They should regain their birth weight by around day 10–14. If they do not regain their birthweight within 2 weeks, or if weight loss exceeds these limits, hospital assessment is required to identify possible causes (commonly underfeeding or dehydration).
The most reliable sign of dehydration in newborns is weight loss, even if they do not appear clinically dehydrated.
Weaning
Weaning refers to the gradual transition from milk to food, usually starting at around 6 months, when the baby can sit upright and shows interest in food. It starts with smooth pureed foods that are easy to palate, swallow and digest (e.g., pureed fruits and vegetables).
Weaning will progress towards a healthy diet resembling an older child. Milk feeds are continued alongside food until at least 12 months of age.
Last updated October 2025
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