Provide small feedings every three hours-the correct answer is a: provide small feedings every three hours. infants with congenital heart defects are at increased risk to develop heart failure. infants with heart failure have an increased metabolic rate and require additional calories to grow. however, at the same time, rest and conservation of energy for feedings is important. feedings should be smaller and every 3 hours rather than the usual 4 hour schedule.the goal for feeding an infant with congenital heart disease is consistent weight gain. most babies gain 1/2 to 1 ounce of weight per day. however, babies with heart disease tend to gain weight at a much slower rate. the pediatrician and cardiologist will assess a childs weight at each visit and make recommendations regarding the feedings at that time.they also tend to require more calories to grow than the average infant. each ounce of formula or breast milk usually contains 20 calories.