Do breastfed babies ever need 8 oz bottles?

Do Breastfed Babies Ever Need 8 oz Bottles?
The question of whether breastfed babies ever need 8 oz bottles is nuanced and largely depends on individual circumstances, including the baby’s age, feeding habits, and the mother’s lifestyle. While many breastfeeding parents may initially opt for smaller bottles, there are several scenarios where having 8 oz bottles can be beneficial.
Understanding Baby’s Feeding Needs
Breastfed infants typically consume varying amounts of milk at different stages of their development. For instance, many babies under six months may only take 3 to 5 ounces per feeding, which often makes smaller bottles sufficient. However, as babies grow and their appetites increase, they may require larger quantities of milk. Some parents report that their babies, around the age of 7 to 9 months, start taking 5 oz bottles regularly, and this can lead to a need for 8 oz bottles as they transition to more solid foods and their milk intake increases.
Convenience and Practicality
From a practical standpoint, having 8 oz bottles can be advantageous for parents who are pumping breast milk. Larger bottles can reduce the frequency of washing and sterilizing, especially for those who are returning to work or need to store milk for later use. Many parents find that using larger bottles is more convenient, as they can pump a full feeding in one go without needing to transfer milk between containers.
Mixed Feeding Considerations
For parents who are combining breastfeeding with bottle feeding, the choice of bottle size can also be influenced by how often the baby is fed from a bottle. If a baby is only occasionally bottle-fed, smaller bottles may suffice. However, if a baby is regularly fed expressed milk from a bottle, especially when the mother is away, having 8 oz bottles can ensure that the baby receives enough milk without needing frequent refills.
Individual Preferences
Ultimately, the decision to use 8 oz bottles is highly personal. Some parents may find that their babies never drink more than 4 to 5 ounces at a time, making smaller bottles perfectly adequate. Others may prefer to have the option of larger bottles available as their baby’s feeding patterns evolve. It’s also worth noting that some parents choose to start with larger bottles from the beginning, finding no significant drawbacks to doing so.
Conclusion
In summary, while many breastfed babies may not initially require 8 oz bottles, there are several scenarios where they can be useful. As babies grow and their feeding needs change, having a variety of bottle sizes, including 8 oz options, can provide flexibility and convenience for breastfeeding parents. Ultimately, the choice should align with the family’s feeding routine and the baby’s individual needs.

Do I need bottles if I plan on breastfeeding?

It can take several weeks for you and your baby to feel happy and confident with breastfeeding. Once you’ve both got the hang of it, it’s usually possible to offer your baby bottles of expressed milk or formula alongside breastfeeding. This is sometimes called mixed or combination feeding.

How much milk does a baby get from 30 minutes of breastfeeding?

A single breastfeeding session might produce between 54-234 mL/1.82-7.91 oz of milk. A mom might nurse between 4-13 times every day depending on the baby’s appetite, how much milk is removed each session, and other external factors. The average breastfeeding session lasts between 12-67 minutes.

When to switch baby to 8 oz bottles?

about 4 months
Shift to 8- or 9-ounce bottles at about 4 months, or whenever your baby’s growing appetite makes bigger bottles more practical. (You can also start out with larger bottles, and just fill them halfway when your baby is very little. But it can be nice to have the smaller sizes.)’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘bO5mZ5WuNozn7_UP3tzh0AM__39′,’

Do breastfed babies need 8 oz bottles?

babies eating breastmilk usually only eat 3-4 oz per serving so there’s no need to buy expensive, giant 8 oz bottles! avoid any bottle that requires you to hold it in an uncomfortable position for you or baby.

Is it true that breastfed babies only need 4 ounces?

Yes! Babies only need 4 oz. The reason being is that your milk is plenty. When it comes to breast milk, it adapts to what your baby needs as your baby ages. It gives all the nutrients necessary. When it comes to formula, it doesn’t have those abilities which is why you see as babies age who drink formula need more oz.

Do I need bottles if I plan to breastfeed?

If you plan to use bottles occasionally, or once a day, then it might make sense to buy just one bottle and teat. If you’re planning to breastfeed it isn’t necessary to buy bottles ‘just in case’.

How do I know if my breastfed baby is underfed?

What are some signs that my baby might not be getting enough milk?

• Baby seems very sleepy or lethargic.
• Baby takes too little or too much time at the breast.
• Latching is painful or appears shallow.
• Baby hasn’t regained their birth weight by 10-14 days old or weight gain is slower than expected.

Do breastfed babies not need more than 5 oz?

Typically, a full milk supply is reached between 4-6 weeks postpartum and is considered to be between 24-32 oz in a 24 hour period. The amount that your baby takes will increase as they grow, but breastfed babies will generally max out around 4-4.5oz per feeding around 6 weeks old.

Do breastfed babies need 9 oz bottles?

The average need for breastmilk never changes regardless of babe’s age: 1-1.5oz/hr. Unless you are stretching feeds 5hrs+, you’d not likely need a 9oz bottle. Breastmilk changes composition to fit babe’s needs. Formula has a set cal/oz so you need to increase bottle size with age.

How many ounces should a breastfed baby eat in a bottle?

Breast milk feedings and amounts by age

Age	Time between feedings	Ounces per feeding
0-1 Month	2-3 hours	1-3 ounces
1-3 Months	3-4 hours	3-4 ounces
3-6 months	4-6 hours	4-8 ounces
6-9 months	4-6 hours	6-8 ounces