Congratulations, mama! You’re now into week 7 of your baby’s life. By now, your little one is starting to develop and grow at a rapid pace. One of the most important aspects of your baby’s growth and development is feeding. Feeding at this stage is crucial because it helps your baby grow, develop, and gain the necessary nutrients for their overall health and wellbeing.
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What to Expect
At 7 weeks, your baby will likely be showing signs of growth and development in their feeding habits. Here are a few things you can expect:
- Increased appetite: Your baby is growing and therefore needs more milk or formula. Your baby may start to feed more frequently or for longer periods of time.
- More alertness: Your baby is becoming more aware of their surroundings and may become more alert during feedings.
- Improved feeding skills: Your baby may become better at latching onto the nipple and feeding more efficiently.
Feeding Tips
To ensure that your baby is getting the necessary nutrients for their growth and development, here are a few feeding tips:
- Feed on demand: Your baby will let you know when they’re hungry. Feed them when they need it.
- Keep a feeding schedule: While feeding on demand is important, it’s also good to establish a feeding schedule to ensure that your baby is getting enough to eat.
- Burp your baby: Don’t forget to burp your baby after feedings. This helps to release any trapped air in their stomach and can prevent discomfort.
- Check for proper latch: Make sure that your baby is latching onto the nipple properly to ensure efficient feeding.
- Offer both breasts: If you’re breastfeeding, offer both breasts to ensure that your baby is getting enough milk.
Common Questions
As a new mom, you may have some questions about your baby’s feeding habits. Here are a few common questions:
How often should I feed my baby?
Feed your baby on demand. This means that you should feed them when they show signs of hunger, such as rooting or sucking on their hands. In general, newborns feed every 2-3 hours.
How much should my baby be eating?
The amount your baby eats will vary depending on their age, weight, and feeding habits. As a general rule, newborns need between 2-3 ounces of milk or formula per feeding.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?
Your baby should be gaining weight and producing wet and dirty diapers. In general, a baby who is getting enough to eat will produce 6-8 wet diapers and 3-4 dirty diapers per day.
How long should I breastfeed for?
The length of time you should breastfeed for will vary depending on your baby’s feeding habits. In general, newborns may feed for 10-15 minutes per breast.
When should I introduce solid foods?
You should wait until your baby is at least 4-6 months old before introducing solid foods. Before then, your baby’s digestive system is not developed enough to handle solid foods.
Remember, every baby is different and may have different feeding habits. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician.