Overfeeding a Baby | Kaiser Permanente (2024)

FAQs

Overfeeding a Baby | Kaiser Permanente? ›

Overfeeding a baby often causes the baby discomfort because he or she can't digest all of the breast milk or formula properly. When fed too much, a baby may also swallow air. This can produce gas, increase discomfort in the belly, and lead to crying.

throwing up: This is one of the usual signs when a baby is overfed. They might vomit more frequently, which could eventually cause health issues. Feeling bloated and gassy: Bloating, cramps, and even diarrhea can result from overeating. This occurs particularly if the infant overindulges while drinking from the bottle.

Bottlefed Babies.

Give smaller amounts per feeding (1 ounce or 30 mL less than you have been). Keep the total feeding time to less than 20 minutes. Reason: Overfeeding or completely filling the stomach always makes spitting up worse.

Infants who were overfed on all 7 of their first 7 feeds were 7 times more likely to be overweight or obese at their 4th year WCC (p = 0.017).

Symptoms usually improve significantly between 3 and 4 months, and most babies are over colic by the time they're 5 months old.

Abdominal pain is common in children, especially during a baby's first year. While your baby can't yet tell you when their tummy hurts, you may notice some signs of discomfort. They may be extra fussy and squirmy, for example, and have a change in their bowel movement, sleeping or eating patterns.

Overfeeding baby is very rare, but it can happen. It's more common in bottle-fed babies, simply because it's easier for parents to see how much food their child is consuming. It also takes less effort to drink from a bottle, so babies (who love to suck) may inadvertently get too much milk while feeding.

It is almost impossible to overfeed an infant while breastfeeding. Babies have a self-regulation system that tells them to eat when they're hungry, and to stop when they're full. Babies will tell you that they're full or hungry by turning towards the nipple (begging for more), or by turning away to signal they're full.

How to tell if baby is still hungry after feeding? ›

The AAP general guidance states that most newborns eat every 2 to 3 hours, or eight to 12 times every 24 hours. Babies might only take in half ounce per feeding for the first day or two of life, but after that will usually drink 1 to 2 ounces at each feeding. This amount increases to 2 to 3 ounces by two weeks of age.

For instance, it is recommended to hold your baby upright for at least 15 to 30 minutes after each feeding if they are less than three months old. If your baby has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other digestive issues, they may require even longer periods of upright holding after feeding.

When fed too much, a baby may also swallow air. This can produce gas, increase discomfort in the belly, and lead to crying. An overfed baby also may spit up more than usual and have loose stools.

Some babies cry because of a bloated stomach from overfeeding. Unlike gas, too much milk can cause discomfort that lasts a short time. Caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause increased crying and trouble falling asleep.

We get it: you're tired; the baby is tired; you just want to get everyone back to sleep as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, overfeeding your baby can lead to sleep problems that cause even more crying (from both of you!).