In previous discussions about normal stomach sizes, Kirsten states "So far, 
no one has challenged the science behind the ball sizes/stomach capacities, 
but I am waiting for that day. Does anyone have the research reference(s) 
that went into their design?"
I didn't catch if any one responded. So in case they didn't...

For years, I have used stones from my children's rock collection to use in 
classes. I chose their size based on the original research that was done in 
the 20's (and infant's stomachs have not changed through these years):

Scammon RE and Doyle LO. Observations on the capacity of the stomach in the 
first ten days of postnatal life. Am J Dis. Child, 1920, 20:516-538.

In Linda Smith's book "Coach's Notebook: games and strategies for lactation 
education" (a wonderful refernce for teaching ideas), on page 139-140 she 
lists a second reference:

Sliverman, MA, ed Dunman's Premature Infants, 3rd edition. New York: 
Hoeber, Inc., Medical Division of Harper and Brothers, 1961, p. 143-144.

Basically the stomach capacities are:
Day 1: 5-7 ml, size of small glass marble, hazelnut, or thimble 
(In the womb babies swallow amniotic fluid one swallow at a time, every 
once in a while. That's all the volume they are used to having in their 
stomachs at any one time, just a swallow or two. Maybe this is why lots of 
formula fed babies spit up alot the first day or they just refuse to take 
more than a few swigs each time they eat)

Day 3: 22-27 ml, about 1 oz, use the baby's own fist, it's a great ready-
made visual for the parents!  You could also use a shooter marble.

Day 10 45-60 ml, about 1.5oz to 2oz, size of a walnut, golf ball, or ping 
pong ball

Adult 900 ml, about 2 cups, the size of softball, grapefruit, tennis ball, 
adult fist

The greast thing is, most of us have access to similar objects to use for 
teaching.

I used to have most nurses choosing the tennis ball for a newborn's stomach 
size (like the older size of "single-serving" formula bottles in the 
hospital). It always amazed them that the tennis ball is about a 5 ounce 
size.


Rachel A. Miller, BSN, RN, IBCLC
South Carolina

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