Mothers who nurse usually feed their baby on demand, and babies nurse until they are satisfied (often every two hours or so). For formula feeding, ask for pediatrician for recommendations on what formula brand is best for your baby. Some babies respond better to formulas without milk proteins, so your doctor may suggest a soy-based formula such as Alimentum or Neutramigen if your baby displays signs of milk intolerance.
For feeding amounts, most doctors recommend beginning your baby on 2-4 ounces of formula, 6-8 times a day for his or her first month. At two months of age, increase the amount of formula to 5-6 ounces at a time, again 6-8 bottles per day. By sixth months of age, your baby should be consuming approximately 36 ounces of formula per day (6-8 oz. bottles, 6 bottles per day). At this point, the formula amount will remain relatively consistent since solid foods will be added to your baby's diet to supplement his or her nutritional needs. At this point, your baby should be sleeping through the night; he or she will no longer require the added calories. As you increase your baby's formula amounts and add solid foods, begin to taper off the night feedings one by one until your baby's body adjusts to sleeping through the night.
