Most doctors recommend breastfeeding for the first six months of your baby's life. However, choosing to formula feed or combine breastfeeding with formula feeding will provide your newborn the nutrients needed for growth and development. Babies are considered newborn for the first three months of their lives and rely solely on a liquid diet.
Feedings
According to KeepKidsHealthy.com, breast-fed babies may nurse for up to 15 minutes on each breast every hour and a half to three hours, while formula-fed babies may take 2 to 3 ounces every three to four hours. Once your baby reaches his fourth month, he may be drinking as many as five bottles with up to 7 ounces in them. As your baby grows, these amounts will increase, as will the time between feedings. Most babies are on a predictable schedule by the time they are four weeks old.
Vitamin K Injections
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, breast milk contains little vitamin K; therefore, babies that are strictly breastfed are at an increased risk of vitamin K deficiencies. Vitamin K deficiencies in newborns may result in vitamin K deficiency bleeding and may be life-threatening. The institute also states vitamin K is not transported across the placental barrier easily. Vitamin K injections are routinely given to newborns shortly after birth to prevent uncontrolled bleeding.
Vitamin D
MayoClinic.com states formula and breast milk may not provide your newborn with essential amounts of vitamin D; therefore, supplements may be recommended by your child's pediatrician. Vitamin D deficiencies may lead to weak bones and teeth and a condition known as rickets. Rickets may lead to a weakening and softening of the bones.
Iron-fortified
Breastfed babies get sufficient amounts of iron from their mother's breast milk, in addition to the iron stores the newborn has from the last few months of pregnancy. However, some doctors recommend iron-fortified formula for infants that are formula-fed. Iron-fortified formulas are available that will help prevent your baby from developing anemia and iron deficiencies. Iron is necessary to fight anemia and combat infections.
Warnings
Introducing solid foods such as baby cereal or baby food before the ages of 4 to 6 months may lead to weight problems. In addition, during the three months your baby is considered a newborn, they are only able to swallow liquids. Trying to swallow thicker substances before they are ready may cause choking.
