Formula Feeding 101 – How Much, How Often, and Which One When Baby Hates the First Three

(The no-guilt, no-confusion guide for formula parents)

You’re formula feeding (by choice or circumstance) and everyone acts like it’s rocket science.

It’s not.

Here’s exactly how much, how often, and what to do when baby suddenly refuses the can you just bought.

How Much & How Often (The Real Numbers)

• 0–1 month → 2–3 oz every 2–3 hours (8–12 feeds)
• 1–3 months → 4–6 oz every 3–4 hours
• 4–6 months → 6–8 oz every 4–5 hours
• 6–12 months → 7–8 oz 3–4 times a day + solids

Quick science: Healthy babies self-regulate intake within 10–20 % when offered on cue. Overfeeding is rare with paced feeding.

(Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Formula Guidelines)

“We stressed about exact ounces. Baby gained perfectly just eating when hungry.”

— Dad in r/FormulaFeeders

When Baby Suddenly Hates the Formula

Try these in order — 90 % of “refusal” fixes are one of these:

1. Temperature — too cold or too hot
2. Nipple flow — too fast (causes gulping) or too slow (frustration)
3. Switch brands — some babies hate the taste of hydrolyzed or soy Most common switches: Similac Pro Advance → Kendamil → Bobbie → ByHeart

The 6 Formulas Parents Actually Use (And Don’t Return)

1. Kendamil Organic ($40–45/can) Standout: Whole milk base, no palm oil, tastes like breastmilk. “Baby who hated everything else chugged this.”
2. Bobbie Organic ($26–39/can) Standout: US-made, clean ingredients, subscription ease. “No spit-up storms like with Similac.”
3. ByHeart Whole Nutrition ($40/can) Standout: Closest to breastmilk fat profile, grass-fed. “Worth the price for the poops alone.”
4. Similac Pro Advance ($30–36/can) Standout: Most pediatricians stock it, insurance often covers. “Hospital gave us this — stuck with it.”
5. Hipp Dutch or Holle (European, $30–40/can) Standout: No corn syrup, gentle on tummy. “Fixed the gas crying in 48 hours.”
6. Enfamil Gentlease ($32–38/can) Standout: Partially broken-down proteins for sensitive guts. “Only one my reflux baby kept down.”

Gear That Made a Difference for Parents

• Dr. Brown’s Formula Pitcher “Mix 24 hours at once. No 3 a.m. shaking bottles.”
• Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced “Like a Keurig for formula. Saved my marriage.”
• Comotomo bottles “Easy transition if you ever combo feed.”

Your Formula Checklist

• Feed on cue (not clock)
• Paced bottle technique every time
• Burp halfway and end
• Try temp, nipple, then brand switch
• 24–32 oz total by 1 month, 32 max by 6 months

You’ve got this.

Formula, breastmilk, combo — fed is best.

One full bottle, one happy baby, one peaceful night at a time. ❤️