Feeding: Less and more

Shortly after the second month of age...

• many babies require fewer feedings (five to seven per day).
• the volume of feedings will increase to four to five ounces per feeding.

Solids or juice?

Don't add solids, such as rice cereal, until at least four months of age. Adding solids earlier does not make your baby heathier and may promote food allergies.

Solids also may be difficult to swallow and simply add excess fat.

Likewise, avoid juices. They provide calories, but no protein, and may reduce your baby's intake of more nutritious formula or breast milk.

Related Links

Return to "Volume 4: The second month"

Pregnancy Condition Center: Your newborn

Children's of Minnesota: Well child care

First published: 05/07/2001
Last updated: 10/18/2005

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rogan, MD, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota