Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Formula milk
I have delivered at 32 wks b wt 2.16 , he stayed in NICU 15 days from birth to 20 days his wt became 2.5 kg now he is 1 month 3 d old taking similac neosure 30ml for every 2 to 2.5 hrs( BM IS VERY LOW ) shall I increase the formula milk to 45ml or shall I continue this 30ml for every 2 hrs?? When to increase the formula milk??? Thanks in advance
Answers (12)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
I totally understand your concern. Before suggesting treatment, I would like to ask a few questions to ensure the correct management can be provided.
Contact me on Practo or WhatsApp chat.
Contact number: 97012307 two nine
Dr. G. Avinash MBBS, MD (Pediatrics) Fellowship in Neonatology
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced orthopedist online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+191
At 2.5 kg, preterm babies need around 150â180ml/kg/day â that's roughly 375â450ml total daily. If baby finishes 30ml and still seems hungry, increase to 35â40ml first, then 45ml â go up 5ml at a time every 2-3 days. Keep trying breast before formula each feed â even small amounts help. Confirm feed volumes with your neonatologist at next visit.
Next Steps
Consult me on Practo if you're unsure about weight gain progress.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi
Breast milk will increase only if you try to breast feed every time before giving formula. Try not using feeding bottle for giving formula, bcoz it will further hamper breast feeding (nipple confusion). You should increase the formula milk amount on basis of your baby’s need. Make 60 ml and feed him. Let him decide the volume of feed to be taken
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hello
If the baby is finishing feeds well, is not vomiting /spit ups,has good urine output, and is gaining weight appropriately, you can gradually increase the feed volume to 35-40 ml based on hunger cues, tolerance, urine output.Regular weight monitoring and follow-up with your pediatrician are important..
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Increase formula feeds to 40 to 50 ml every 2.5 to 3 hours. The general rule of thumb is to increase the feed by 5 to 10ml per feed weekly, provided the baby tolerates the volume and is showing hunger cues. Please visit your neonatologist regularly. He may soon be shifted to full term formula
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Tangade Vishal Bhanudas
Pediatrician
4 yrs exp
Pune
Increase it gradually.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Vaishnavi Saminathan
Pediatrician
7 yrs exp
Tiruppur
At 2.5 kg, the target total intake is approximately 150–180 mL/kg/day.
If your baby is finishing 30 mL comfortably and still showing hunger cues, you can gradually increase feeds by 5–10 mL at a time( e.g., to 35–40 mL), rather than jumping directly to 45 mL.
.
Next Steps
Monitor weight gain, urine output, vomiting, and feed tolerance.
Health Tips
Since your baby is a preterm infant recently discharged from the NICU, regular follow-up with your Neonatologist/ pediatrician is important for individualized feeding advice
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Deepti Sisodia
Pediatrician
8 yrs exp
Noida
You can increase feeds as per baby’s hunger cue..also you should try breastfeeding..as many babies are not able to tolerate formula feed..give feeds by katori spoon..no bottle feeding.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Shebin C E
Pediatrician
10 yrs exp
Kanyakumari
infant born at 32 weeks, now weighing 2.5 kg at 1 month old, and asks whether to increase Similac NeoSure formula from 30ml to 45ml.The current volume of 30ml every 2 to 2.5 hours provides approximately 288–360ml daily, which aligns with standard post-NICU fluid guidelines of 150–180 ml/kg/day for a 2.5 kg baby.A transition to 45ml should only be made if the baby is consistently showing cues of hunger after draining the 30ml, or if a pediatrician explicitly advises it based on growth trajectory.Premature infants have sensitive digestive systems, and abrupt volume increases can cause feeding intolerance, vomiting, or excessive reflux.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Venkatesh Badugu
Pediatrician
9 yrs exp
Hyderabad
There is no specific rule like that
You need to try and slowly increase the feed as per how your baby is accepting
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Ankur Gupta
Pediatrician
12 yrs exp
Lucknow
Can increase to formula milk accordingly as per tolerance and acceptance
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Jay Gajjar
Pediatrician
6 yrs exp
Surat
Based on your baby’s current weight (2.5 kg), 30 mL every 2–2.5 hours may now be slightly less than the usual requirement.
If your baby is feeding well and not vomiting or having abdominal distension, you can gradually increase to 35–40 mL per feed, and then to 45 mL per feed as tolerated over the next few days.
Monitor urine output, feeding tolerance, and weight gain. Regular weight checks with your pediatrician are important to ensure adequate growth.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.