
As a new parent, you may wonder how much milk your baby should drink. While every baby is unique and has its own eating needs, there are guidelines and calculators to help you determine the right amount of formula for your newborn. In the first few weeks, newborns should be fed on demand, whenever they seem hungry, which could be as often as ten to fifteen times a day. After the first few days, most healthy formula-fed newborns feed about every 2–3 hours. As they grow, the time between feedings stretches to every 3-4 hours by two months of age, and every 4-5 hours by six months. The amount of formula per feed will also increase as your baby grows. On average, a newborn drinks about 1.5–3 ounces (45–90 milliliters) every 2–3 hours, gradually increasing to 4–5 ounces (120–150 milliliters) by two months, and 6–8 ounces (180–230 milliliters) by six months. It's important to watch for hunger and fullness cues and consult your paediatrician for specific guidance.
What You'll Learn
Formula feeding calculator
The amount of formula milk a newborn drinks depends on their age and weight. In general, newborns should be fed whenever they seem hungry. This is called on-demand feeding. After the first few days of life, most healthy formula-fed newborns feed about every 2–3 hours. As they get bigger, they can go longer between feeds, and this may become every 3–4 hours.
In the first few weeks, give your newborn 2- to 3-ounce (60- to 90-millilitre) bottles. Give more or less depending on your baby’s hunger cues. On average, a newborn drinks about 1.5–3 ounces (45–90 millilitres) every 2–3 hours. This amount increases as your baby grows and can take more at each feed.
The amount of formula milk your newborn needs can be calculated by taking into account the age and weight of the baby. The 24-hour quantity of formula depends largely on the baby's weight, but there are also guidelines on the amount to be given with each feed, and these vary with the baby's age and their digestive capacity.
Signs that a baby is hungry include moving their head from side to side, opening their mouth, sticking out their tongue, and placing their hands, fingers, and fists in their mouths. A baby who is full may suck with less enthusiasm, stop, or turn away from the bottle.
A well-fed baby will meet their growth goals and develop properly. They will drink infant formula gladly but won't always act hungry. A newborn should have 2–3 wet diapers daily up to 5 days old. After that, they should have 5–6 wet diapers. Wet diapers are a good indicator of the baby's nutrition state.
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How much formula per day?
The amount of formula a newborn needs per day depends on their weight, age, appetite, and other factors. In the first few weeks, newborns should be fed on demand, whenever they seem hungry. This is known as on-demand feeding.
On average, a newborn drinks about 1.5–3 ounces (45–90 milliliters) every 2–3 hours. This amount increases as the baby grows and can take more at each feeding.
First Few Weeks
In the first few weeks, newborns should be fed 2- to 3-ounce (60- to 90-milliliter) bottles, increasing to 3- to 4-ounce bottles by the end of the first month. This should be given whenever the baby seems hungry, which is usually every 2–3 hours.
2 Months
At about 2 months, your baby may drink about 4–5 ounces (120–150 milliliters) every 3–4 hours.
4 Months
At 4 months, your baby may drink about 4–6 ounces (120–180 milliliters) at each feeding, depending on how often they eat.
6 Months
By 6 months, your baby's appetite will have increased further, and they may drink 6–8 ounces (180–230 milliliters) about 4–5 times a day.
It is important to remember that every baby is unique, and their feeding needs may vary. It is always best to consult your paediatrician or doctor for specific guidance on feeding your baby, and to ensure they are gaining weight healthily.
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How often to feed
How often you feed your newborn depends on their hunger and fullness cues. In the first few days of life, newborns should be fed on demand, even if this means ten or fifteen times a day. After this initial period, most healthy newborns will feed about every 2–3 hours. As they get bigger, they will be able to consume more milk and will usually eat every 3–4 hours. As babies get older, they will settle into a more predictable feeding routine and will be able to go for longer stretches without a feed.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), newborns should receive all their calories from breast milk or baby formula. Most newborns eat every 2–3 hours, drinking 1–2 ounces of breast milk or formula per feeding. When your baby reaches 2 weeks old, this amount increases to 2–3 ounces per feeding. By the end of the first month, a formula-fed newborn will typically be consuming 3–4 ounces of formula at each feeding.
It's important to remember that every baby is unique and their feeding needs may vary based on their weight, age, and other factors. If you have any concerns about your baby's feeding, it's always best to consult your paediatrician or a healthcare professional.
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Hunger cues
It's important to feed your baby before they get upset and cry, as crying is a late sign of hunger. Here are some early hunger cues to look out for:
- Sucking on hands, fingers, or fists
- Lip-smacking or licking lips
- Opening and closing the mouth
- Rooting around on the chest of whoever is carrying them
- Attempting to position for nursing, by lying back or pulling on your clothes
- Fidgeting or squirming
- Head turning to look for the breast
- Puckering lips as if to suck
- Nuzzling against the mother's breasts
- Becoming more alert and active
Babies will give hunger cues frequently, and you should expect to feed them 8-12 times per day in their first few weeks. This equates to feeding on demand or at least every 2-3 hours. As they grow, they will settle into a more predictable routine and will be able to go longer between feeds.
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Weight and age considerations
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns receive all their calories from breast milk or formula, with an average intake of 1 to 2 ounces of breast milk per feeding. This amount increases to 2 to 3 ounces per feeding by the time the baby is two weeks old.
The baby's weight plays a significant role in determining the amount of formula required. As a general guideline, aim for 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight daily. However, it's important to remember that every baby is unique, and their feeding needs may vary based on weight, age, and other factors.
As babies grow, their appetite increases, and they become more vocal about expressing their hunger. By the time they are two months old, they will typically consume 4 to 5 ounces every three to four hours. This further increases, and by the time they are six months old, they may drink 6 to 8 ounces about four to five times a day.
It's important to always consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions about your baby's feeding and nutrition. Additionally, pay attention to your baby's hunger and fullness cues, and feed them on demand, especially during the early months.
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