The effects of excessive hunger
To obtain sufficient nutrients and energy from milk alone (either breast or formula), babies need to feed at frequent intervals through the day. For many babies, feeding every four hours or more leaves them feeling satisfied until the next meal. They sleep well and wake rested for their next feed. Other infants, however, start to feel hungry much sooner and either find it hard to settle or wake frequently, sleeping only for brief periods. Understandably, tired, hungry babies tend to cry much of the time.
What can you do to manage a very hungry baby?
Breastfeeding is the most compatible nutrition for babies and you should continue feeding as normal. It is difficult to overfeed a breast fed baby.
If you are already bottle feeding, there’s a risk of overfeeding your baby if you feed formula whenever your baby cries for more. You should follow the recommended feeding schedule and ask your healthcare professional for advice if you feel your baby needs more frequent feeding. Your healthcare professional or pharmacist can advise you about changing to a specialist infant formula designed for hungry babies. This way, your baby can feel satisfied for longer, without the risk of overfeeding. Don’t be tempted to introduce solids too early (before 6 months) or add cereal to a feed as your baby’s digestive system has not yet matured.
How Novalac Sweet Dreams helps
Novalac Sweet Dreams is an infant milk formula that has been specially formulated for infants whose appetite is not satisfied by regular formula. It contains slowly digestible carbohydrates that can help your baby feel fuller without increasing their energy intake. It has the same energy content as standard formula.
Novalac Sweet Dreams is nutritionally complete and can be used as the infant’s regular formula. |
