Your baby might still seem hungry after feeding because of their tiny stomach size, which can't hold much milk at once.
Understanding Baby's Tummy Size
Babies have very small stomachs, especially in the first few weeks of life. According to research, a 4 to 5-week-old baby's stomach can only hold around 3 to 4 ounces of milk. This is why they frequently need to feed, even shortly after a previous feeding.
Why Frequent Feedings are Normal:
- Small Capacity: A baby's stomach is tiny, meaning they digest milk quickly.
- Rapid Growth: Babies grow at an incredible rate, demanding constant nourishment.
- Frequent Hunger Cues: Due to rapid digestion and small stomach capacity, they exhibit hunger cues more often.
How Baby's Stomach Grows
As your baby grows, so does their stomach. This means they'll gradually be able to consume more milk at each feeding and go longer between feedings.
Stages of Growth:
- Newborn: In the first few days, the stomach is tiny, holding only a few milliliters.
- First Few Weeks: As mentioned in the reference, at 4 to 5 weeks old, their stomachs can hold about 3 to 4 ounces of milk.
- Growth Over Time: The capacity slowly increases over the next few months, allowing for larger feeds and fewer feedings per day.
What to Expect
Here’s a general idea of how feeding frequency might change:
- Newborns: Expect to feed frequently, sometimes every 2-3 hours.
- Older Babies: As they grow, feedings will become less frequent as their stomachs can hold more milk.
Tips for Parents
- Feed on Demand: Follow your baby's hunger cues.
- Don't Force Feedings: Allow your baby to determine when they are full.
- Monitor Weight Gain: Keep track of your baby's weight to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition.
- Consult a Doctor: If you have any concerns about your baby's feeding or weight gain, reach out to your pediatrician.
By understanding your baby's stomach size and growth, you'll be better equipped to handle their feeding needs and ensure they are happy and healthy.
