Your 6-week-old baby is hitting some important milestones. They’re interacting with you more and learning to reach for objects. All this extra work means a good feeding schedule is essential.
Dive into our 6-week-old baby feeding guide to help you through this active stage. You’ll find schedules, tips, and common concerns to aid your feeding regime.
Understanding 6-weeks-old Baby Feeding
Learn about nutrition for 6-weeks-old babies and how to address some common feeding challenges.
The Importance of 6-Weeks-Old Baby Feeding
Your 6-weeks-old baby is going through rapid growth spurts as they learn new skills during this exciting phase. The fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals they receive from breastmilk or formula are helping them to develop both physically and mentally.
Both breast milk and formula milk are nutritious for your baby. Breastfeeding is convenient and accessible. Bottle-feeding allows you to share the task with your partner, enabling each of you to bond with baby. Both ways of feeding your baby help their development.
Common Feeding Challenges for a 6-Weeks-Old Baby
Coming up against challenges when you feed your 6-weeks-old baby is completely normal. These challenges can include:
- Refusal to feed: Your baby may turn their head away from the breast or bottle at feeding time. They may be tired or overstimulated. If so, take them to a quiet space to feed.
- Constant feeding: Also known as cluster feeding, this is when your baby seems to be on the breast or bottle all the time. It often coincides with a growth spurt. Self-care is important if your baby is cluster feeding. Hand over some feeds to your partner so you get a break.
- Sleepiness: If your baby is sleepy at feeding time, try to stimulate them so they take their feed. Change their diaper, talk to them, or show them a toy.
6-Week-Old Baby Feeding Schedule
Find out how much to feed a 6-week-old baby and how to adjust their schedule as they develop.
Typical Feeding Schedule for a 6-Weeks-Old Baby
For breastfed babies, the recommended feeding schedule for 6-weeks-old babies is 2 to 3 ounces (around 57 to 85 ml) every 2 to 3 hours.
For bottle-fed babies, give 4 to 5 ounces (around 115 to 140 ml) of formula every 4 hours.
It’s OK to feed your baby when they appear hungry, even if it’s not bang on schedule. Your baby may be showing you they’re hungry if they:
- Look around for the breast or bottle;
- Smack their lips;
- Suck on their hands;
- Start fussing.
Adjusting Feeding Schedules Based on Baby's Needs
Babies don’t always stick to schedules. You may need to adjust their routine for a variety of reasons.
If they are constantly feeding or showing signs of hunger, you can feed them on demand. This can be hard work, so be sure to take a break when you can.
Your baby might lose interest in feeding. Try to work out why. If they’re overtired, try to keep them engaged by singing to them or taking them to a different room. Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.
If you are feeding your 6-week-old baby through the night, grab some rest while you can. With any luck, they are going for longer periods without waking now and you can see light at the end of the tunnel.
Tips for Breastfeeding and Bottle-Feeding
Our tips are here to help you, whether you chose to breast or bottle feed.
Our Breastfeeding Tips
- Get comfortable before you start breastfeeding. Use a nursing pillow for support.
- Hold your baby in an upright or semi-upright position, with their head, neck, and back supported.
- Make sure their head is directed towards your breast.
- Hold them close to the nipple to encourage them to latch on.
- A good latch is when the baby’s mouth is wide open and takes in some of the areola (the area around the nipple) as well as the nipple itself.
To ensure your baby is getting enough milk:
- Check that they are latching on properly.
- Feed on demand if they appear hungry.
- Feed from both breasts in turn at each feed.
Our Bottle-Feeding Tips
- Choose a formula suitable for 6-week-old babies.
- Opt for a hydrolyzed formula with smaller proteins for easier digestion.
- Use a rounded bottle that resembles the breast.
- Use a bottle that takes nipples with different flow rates according to your baby’s development.
- Choose an anti-colic valve bottle to reduce air swallowing.
- Make sure your back is supported when bottle-feeding your baby.
- Hold your baby in an upright or semi-upright position and support their head, neck, and back.
- Keep the bottle horizontal while you feed your baby.
Tracking Your 6-Week-Old Baby Feeding
Track your baby’s feeding to understand their changing needs.
How to Log Your Baby’s Feeding Schedule
Use a notebook or app to record:
- The date and time of each feed;
- Amount of formula taken or time spent on the breast;
- Other observations like hunger cues.
Best Tools to Help with Feeding
Here are our top picks for tools to help with feeding:
- Self-sterilizing bottles for easy cleaning;
- Anti-colic bottles to reduce air ingestion;
- Formula for 6-week-old babies;
- Breast pump and accessories to help you express and store milk;
- Nursing pillow for your and your baby’s comfort.
Helping Your Baby to Thrive
Understanding a 6-week-old baby feeding schedule helps your baby to thrive and continue to hit milestones.
Follow the tips and guidelines in this article to give you confidence at feeding time.
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FAQs
Is it normal for my 6-weeks-old baby to feed constantly?
Yes, it’s commonplace, especially since many babies have growth spurts around the 6-weeks mark.
What should I do if my 6-weeks-old baby is sick after feeding?
If this happens often, try to give your baby smaller amounts of milk. You should also ensure that you burp your baby after feeding.
What should I do if my 6-week-old baby cries after feeding?
Often babies cry after feeding because they need burping. Rub and pat their back gently until they burp.
