Parents often want detailed rules for how much to feed their baby. How many ounces does he need each day or during each feeding? How often should he eat? What should he be eating?

Unfortunately, there aren't any formal “rules” that specify what each and every child should be eating. Just as kids come in different shapes and sizes, they also have different appetites and nutritional needs. One baby might only drink twenty-four ounces of formula, while another needs thirty-two or even forty ounces a day. Or one six-month-old might be eating two meals a day, with cereal, vegetables, and fruits, while another is just barely starting cereal. And all of these kids, with their very different diets, could be growing and developing just fine. So instead of looking for strict rules, parents should follow more general guidelines, and simply make sure that their baby is satisfied and growing well.