My girls are 7 Months (5.5 adj) and are getting solids 3x a day. Currently they get an average of 3 tbsp of Oatmeal each. They split 2 x Stage 2 jars Earth's Best Veggies and 2 x Stage 2 jars Earth's Best Fruit between the three a day.

According to the Feeding Schedule our Pedi gave us, they should be taking 20-26oz of formula a day and 8 tbsp Veggie and Fruit a day with 4-6 tbsp of Oatmeal. Less on the Oatmeal side due to the new guidelines.

We get solids 3x a day and they take 4 bottles a day, every 4 hours, at 8.5oz. They take the max they can, 33.3oz a day.

I need to fit in another jar of Veggie and Fruit at some point to hit those marks. Since we are over on the formula side my husband thinks we should cut the amount of their bottles since they are taking the max. I am hesitant to do this because they get their primary nutrients from formula. They eat fine and although are hungry for the solids I do not think they want much more then I am giving them. Occasionally they will want an extra jar. Sometimes I push a little to finish their bottles but for the most part finish them all and max out everyday...

Any thoughts... suggestions.. what works for you?
TIA

Erin
http://identicaltripletgirls.blogspot.com/

Avery, Morgan and Tatum
33 Weeks: 3lbs 8oz, 3lbs 11oz, 3lb 13oz

Hi Erin,
If these are the guidelines, then my guys are WAY off. Mine are almost 8 months (6 months adjusted). They just started eating 3x/day over the weekend. I make their food so I have no idea what it equals in jars, but it's about 2 oz each baby for their squash. I just split up an avocado 3 ways. I make 1 cup of cereal (rice or oatmeal, we alternate days for their bowels' sakes) and they split that. They only eat about 24 oz of formula every day. That being said, my pedi never gave me any rules and as long as they're gaining weight, he's happy. I wouldn't stress out about it. As long as they're following their curve, don't panic. It's all about learning to eat and introducing new things. I'm curious to see what others say because trying to fit it all in (literally) can be tough...
Renee

DS born 5/15/06 @40+ weeks 7 lbs 12.5 oz
BBB born 9/13/10 @ 31 weeks
3 lbs 4 oz (33 days in NICU)
3 lbs 3 oz (49 days in NICU)
3 lbs 4.3 oz (45 days in NICU)
http://doublethelanglais.blogspot.com

Renee- we make our own food too!!! I just put the food I make in my old Earth's Best jars... hence how I got the amounts... When you say you make a cup of oatmeal is that with liquid added or just a cup of dry cereal? We do 3 dry tablespoons a girl.. to get to a cup they would need over two more tablespoons each..
I know they eat a lot but just wanted to get others opinions on cutting back some formula and trying more solids... still not sure I like that idea.
I think weight wise we are ok.. 15.5, 15.5 and 16lbs.

Thanks for the response...!

Erin
http://identicaltripletgirls.blogspot.com/

Avery, Morgan and Tatum
33 Weeks: 3lbs 8oz, 3lbs 11oz, 3lb 13oz

Hi Erin!
My pedi also gave me a chart to go by for solid amounts, but she stressed it is a guideline, not a rule. That being said, I think as the PP said, as long as they are healthy and happy, don't sweat it. They do seem to be taking a lot of formula, but they are still young. Mine are ten months and we got the all clear to drop down to three bottles a day (woo hoo!), so they take about 20-24oz total. They also get about 16-20 oz of veggie/fruit/meat split between the three of them, as well as 1.5 cups (measured dry) cereal, plus 4-6 oz yogurt and other snacks (puffs, fruit chunks, crackers, etc). It's so hard to judge how much to give them because the guidelines are for one baby, and everyone stresses how formula/BM is the most important source of nutrition. I also worry about "filling" them up on solids and then they don't get enough milk, but they seem to be doing well with these amounts. My advice is try upping the solids a bit and see if this causes a natural reduction in milk consumption. Since you are over the recommended amount, you have some room to play with. Trust your instincts though...if you're not comfortable with reducing their milk, don't! Remember, momma knows best!
Trish

BBG triplets
Born 6/20/10
32 weeks 5 days

Thanks Trish! Appreciate the input. It's nice to have a little wiggle room. I am still de-NICUtizing (haha) myself and have just started relaxing when they want to stop with an ounce or two left. Took me a loooong time to get here..

Erin
http://identicaltripletgirls.blogspot.com/

Avery, Morgan and Tatum
33 Weeks: 3lbs 8oz, 3lbs 11oz, 3lb 13oz

Hi Erin,
We do a cup of dry + a cup of formula...I guess that's 2 cups! Wow...that seems like a lot, but they down it with no problem. Where do you get your recipes for fruit/veggies? I've mostly been winging it, but may start to snaz it up a bit as soon as they're done with the boring stuff!
Renee

DS born 5/15/06 @40+ weeks 7 lbs 12.5 oz
BBB born 9/13/10 @ 31 weeks
3 lbs 4 oz (33 days in NICU)
3 lbs 3 oz (49 days in NICU)
3 lbs 4.3 oz (45 days in NICU)
http://doublethelanglais.blogspot.com

Renee.. I use recipes from "The Best Homemade Babyfood on the Planet" and "Cooking for Baby".. I got them off of amazon and are great! If you are looking for anything specific just let me know and I can send you some of the recipes. I wing it a lot too! I have the Beaba maker and that has some good recipes too. I still make larger batches in our food processor!

Erin
http://identicaltripletgirls.blogspot.com/

Avery, Morgan and Tatum
33 Weeks: 3lbs 8oz, 3lbs 11oz, 3lb 13oz