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In the first year, weight gain comes mainly from breast milk and formula, so the consensus is to feed frequently (often every 2 hours per the doctor's quantity), top up breastfeeds with pumped milk, and watch urine output and the growth percentile rather than fixating on a number. For preterm or jaundiced babies, weight often climbs once jaundice resolves, and the recurring message is that fed is best.
⚠️ Caution:Low birth weight, prematurity, jaundice, and faltering weight gain need close pediatric supervision; follow your doctor's specific feeding quantities and timing, and ask about fortifiers or supplements rather than self-prescribing. Track growth against the WHO chart.
Parents of small, preterm, or jaundiced babies carry heavy anxiety and guilt about slow weight gain and whether formula or pumped milk is 'good enough.' The community reassures that pumped milk and formula provide full nutrition, that weight often stalls until jaundice clears and then catches up, that a baby's stomach is tiny so frequent small feeds are normal, and most movingly that fed is best, their own babies thrived, and stress (not formula) is what undermines supply.
Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.
Feed every 2 hours coupled with pumped feeds after: breastfeed first, then give pumped milk; watch urine output and track against a growth chart to keep the baby on their percentile.
One mom was told a 2.3 kg baby should get 20 to 30 ml on top of breastfeed every 2 hours until reaching at least 2.5 to 2.6 kg, using a paladai to avoid nipple confusion, then burping and holding upright 10 to 20 minutes after.
Some doctors suggested HMF (human milk fortifier); a general guideline is about 150 to 160 ml of milk per kg per day.
For a jaundiced or preterm baby, weight may not increase much until the jaundice fully resolves, after which it climbs on its own; pumped milk gives full nutrition and stress lowers supply, so try not to worry.
Weight gain in the first year mostly depends on breast milk and formula, not on oils or ghee; for natural fats later you can add eggs, avocado, and powdered dry fruits to food rather than relying on oil.
Multiple moms who combination- or formula-fed out of necessity reassure that fed is best, their babies were healthy, and to take recovery (e.g. from a C-section) one day at a time; a lactation consultant can suggest supplements like shatavari if supply is a concern.
The information shared on this page comes from real experiences of mothers in our community. While we strive to provide helpful insights, this content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician, healthcare provider, or other qualified medical professional for any questions regarding your child's health or development.
Last reviewed: June 17, 2026
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