children who snack (in other words, bottles that aren't finished)

What do folks do when kids don't finish their bottles of formula or breast milk? Jake is a snacker and often takes an ounce and then wants another ounce like an hour later. I hate to waste any milk, but specifically breast milk.

I know what the official guidelines are - but what do other folks do?

Thanks in advance,
Miriam

 

What do folks do when kids don't finish their bottles of formula or breast milk? Jake is a snacker and often takes an ounce and then wants another ounce like an hour later. I hate to waste any milk, but specifically breast milk.

I know what the official guidelines are - but what do other folks do?

Thanks in advance,
Miriam

 

I know your not supposed to but since about 2 weeks old I have always put it right into the fridge and saved it for the next feeding. I got so tired of pumping what little milk I have and then having it go down the drain. My babies are just fine so it seems to me that it really isn't as bad as people make it out to be.

 

My girls were doing that about a month ago. I thought it was just a phase but it was going on 6 weeks with no signs of improvement. To make is easier on me I started with one DD only. I did everything I possibly could to get her to finish her bottle, then when she was ready for her top off an hour later I wouldn't give it to her and did all I could to keep her calm. By the time the next feed time rolled around she was good and hungry and drank all of her bottle. She was fine after two to three days, then I worked with the other DD. They have only done this once since and feeding time has been a lot better for all of us.

 

Mine have tried this a time or two, but it never lasted more than a feeding or two. I have them on a pretty strict schedule, so even if they didn't finish a bottle, they never got snacks, they had to wait until the next bottle. The solves the problem basically immediatly. I also used to put the breastmilk back in the fridge...ha!! It was like liquid gold there for awhile. If I put it back in the fridge I would give it to them only at the next feeding, never longer than that.

E.T.A. I just realized they are so young. At that age I wasn't so strict, but still didn't really let them snack. There were times at that age I would feed them a half hour early etc., but never more.

 

mine are doing the exact same thing!! I have wasted so much milk lately!! I am trying to have them hold off on the snacking but at this age it is hard!! plus I still mostly breastfeed and I think they
use me as a pacifier - I feel like all I do is feed!!!

 

Mine do this all the time and always have. I EP for them so I cannot stand to waste any precious milk. I put it in the fridge and offer it to them at the next feeding to finish. Never had a problem. I don't know if you can do this with formula.

 

Both my son and daughter are famous for this. I was throwing it out but than it was happening so often (every feed) that I now put it into the fridge and use at the next feeding. I have been doing this for a few weeks now and have had no problems. At times they finish a bottle but usually my daughter is a very finicky eater and will only eat to put herself to sleep whereas my son loves loves loves his food and does not do it as often anymore.

 

I don't do snacks as they don't learn to eat when they should. They just learn to eat little bits all day long...which will drive you nuts. My daughter did this until I put her on a schedule or at least made her wait for at least three hourse between feedings. Then she learned to drink like she should when the bottle/breast was presented. Plus, I have heard heating milk back up after it has been heated once kills antibodies. However, here are guidelines on milk...

Per American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends not leaving breast milk out over one hour. However, La Leche League shows that room-temperature breast milk is safe to drink up to 10 hours.

In the frig...

AAP 2-3 days milk stays good
La Leche - 8 days

Freezer

AAP - 1 month
La Leche 4 months

Deep freeze...up to 6 months.