What should I do if my baby is feeding very little?

Mar 01, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My baby drinks very little milk—less than 60 mL per feeding. What should I do about the baby’s low milk intake?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ding Hongfang
The baby is consuming very little milk. First, check whether the baby’s bowel movements and feeding patterns are normal. If the baby is eating less but remains otherwise healthy and thriving, there is generally no cause for concern. Milk intake should be appropriately regulated—neither insufficient nor excessive. Begin by optimizing feeding techniques, following the principle of “smaller amounts more frequently,” and feed the baby only when it shows signs of hunger. It is important to understand the appropriate milk volume for different developmental stages: newborns typically consume 30–60 mL per feeding, 6–8 times daily. As the baby grows older, the volume per feeding can gradually increase to about 120 mL, while the number of feedings per day may decrease accordingly.