From the Guidelines
Ten ounces of breast milk alone is likely not enough for a 6-month-old baby weighing 19 pounds. According to the pediatric health guidelines from the Current Obesity Reports study 1, at 6 months, infants typically feed every 4-5 hours at each of 3-5 feedings per 24 hours, with the amount eaten per feeding increasing to around 7-8 ounces per feed. This suggests that a 6-month-old baby would need around 24-32 ounces of breast milk per day, with a 19-pound baby likely needing closer to the higher end of this range.
Key Considerations
- By 6 months, babies should also be starting solid foods as complementary nutrition alongside breast milk or formula, with the introduction of one new food at a time, and foods introduced first should be iron-rich or fortified 1.
- The diet should include breast milk or infant formula, whole grain cereals, vegetables, meats, eggs, fruits, and nut butters distributed among 3 meals by 8-9 months 1.
- If the baby seems satisfied, is having 4-6 wet diapers daily, and is growing appropriately on their growth curve, they may be getting adequate nutrition.
Next Steps
- Consult with a pediatrician to evaluate the baby's specific needs based on their growth pattern and development.
- Monitor the baby's intake and adjust the amount of breast milk or formula and solid foods as needed to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition.
From the Research
Breast Milk Intake for 6-Month-Old Infants
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth, with continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods introduced at about 6 months 2.
- A study examining the intake and growth of breast-fed and formula-fed infants found that breast-fed infants given solids before 6 months of age consumed less breast milk at 6 and 9 months of age than those given solids at or after 6 months 3.
Determining Adequate Breast Milk Intake
- There is no specific evidence provided to determine if 10oz of breast milk is enough food for a 6-month-old infant weighing 19lbs.
- However, it is known that breast milk is the optimal food for childhood growth, and its intake can vary among infants 4.
- The introduction of complementary foods before 4 to 6 months poses a greater risk to infant health than does formula, and exclusive breastfeeding has health benefits 5.
Introduction of Complementary Foods
- Global health agencies agree that infants should not be fed complementary foods before 4 to 6 months of age 5.
- A study found that 40.4% of mothers introduced solid foods before age 4 months, with varying prevalence by milk feeding type 6.
- The most commonly cited reasons for early introduction of solid food included the baby being old enough, seeming hungry, or wanting to feed the baby something in addition to breast milk or formula 6.