The Complete Guide to Baby Stomach Size
The size of babies' stomachs is a very important topic for parents who want to understand the nutritional needs of their little ones, including mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding.
Understanding how a baby's stomach evolves during the first year can help adjust milk quantities in case the mother has to be away and the baby will be fed by another person. Also, to help mothers not worry about the quantities extracted, but as a reminder, neither the best breast pump in the world will be able to stimulate the breast and milk production in the same way as the baby. In the same way, neither the best artificial milk laboratory can reproduce milk as qualitative as breast milk (far from it, to know the risks of artificial milk, visit: xx )
Three Days: One Nut (22-27 ml)
Three days after birth, the baby's stomach has already begun to expand. It can now hold between 22 and 27 milliliters, roughly the size of a walnut. At this stage, feedings become more frequent, as the baby can ingest a little more milk each time.
One Week: One Bottle Cap (45-60 ml)
After a week, the baby's stomach is the size of a water bottle cap, with a capacity of 45 to 60 milliliters. Feedings continue to be frequent, but parents may notice that their baby is able to drink a little more at each session.
One Month: One Egg (80-150 ml)
At one month old, a baby's stomach has grown considerably. It can now hold between 80 and 150 milliliters, about the size of an egg. Parents may notice that the intervals between feedings are beginning to lengthen slightly.
Six Months: One Cup of Espresso (180-210 ml)
At six months, a baby's stomach is the size of a small espresso cup, with a capacity of 180 to 210 milliliters. At this stage, babies often begin to introduce solid foods in addition to breast milk or formula, which changes their eating habits.
Twelve Months: A Glass of Water (250 ml)
Finally, at 12 months of age, a baby's stomach has a capacity of about 250 milliliters, about the size of a water glass. At this stage, babies are consuming a variety of solid foods in addition to milk, and their nutritional needs are more similar to those of toddlers.
Why Understanding Stomach Size is Important
Understanding the size of your baby's stomach can help you better meet their nutritional needs. New parents sometimes worry about not giving their baby enough milk, or conversely, about overfeeding. Knowing that a newborn's stomach is very small can reassure them that small amounts of milk are normal and sufficient in the early days.
Additionally, it helps to understand why babies need frequent feedings at first, and then can gradually space out their meals as their stomachs grow. This can also be helpful when introducing solid foods, knowing how much the baby can consume at a time.
To be taken into account by parents:
- Respect Hunger and Fullness Signs : Babies instinctively know when they are hungry and when they are full. Learn to recognize these signs to feed your baby on demand.
- Don't Stress About Amounts : As long as your baby is gaining weight and seems happy and healthy, chances are he's getting the amount of milk he needs.
- Follow Your Pediatrician's Recommendations : Every baby is unique. Your pediatrician can give you personalized advice based on your child's specific needs.
By understanding the size of your baby's stomach, you'll be better prepared to meet their nutritional needs appropriately and confidently. For more tips and information on breastfeeding and newborn care, be sure to visit our website regularly and subscribe to our newsletter.
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