Baby Milk Intake by Age: How Much Should Your Baby Drink?

Understanding Baby's Stomach Size

To understand how much babies need, it helps to visualize their tiny stomachs:

Key insight: Those tiny first-day stomachs explain why colostrum—produced in teaspoons, not ounces—is exactly what newborns need. Don't worry about small volumes in the early days!

Milk Intake: Day by Day (First Week)

The first week involves rapid changes:

Day 1

• Per feeding: 2-10 ml (0.5-2 tsp)
• Frequency: 8-12 times
• Total daily: 30-100 ml (1-3 oz)
• What's happening: Baby receiving colostrum; learning to latch

Day 2

• Per feeding: 5-15 ml (1-3 tsp)
• Frequency: 8-12 times
• Total daily: 60-180 ml (2-6 oz)
• What's happening: Still colostrum; baby may be sleepy

Day 3-4

• Per feeding: 15-30 ml (0.5-1 oz)
• Frequency: 8-12 times
• Total daily: 180-400 ml (6-13 oz)
• What's happening: Milk "coming in" (transitional milk)

Day 5-7

• Per feeding: 30-60 ml (1-2 oz)
• Frequency: 8-12 times
• Total daily: 350-600 ml (12-20 oz)
• What's happening: Mature milk arriving; baby should be back to birth weight soon

Milk Intake by Age: Complete Chart

*After 6 months, solids provide additional nutrition; milk intake may decrease

Important Notes

• These are averages—individual babies vary widely
• Breastfed babies typically take 19-30 oz regardless of age (after month 1)
• Formula-fed babies may need slightly more due to less efficient absorption
• Watch your baby, not just the numbers

Breastfed vs. Formula-Fed: Key Differences

Breastfed Babies

• Self-regulate intake: Harder to overfeed at breast
• Consistent daily intake: 19-30 oz/day from 1-6 months (doesn't increase with age)
• Smaller, more frequent feeds: Breast milk digests quickly
• Variable feeding times: Some feeds are 5 minutes, others 45 minutes
• Can't measure: Focus on output (diapers) and growth instead

Formula-Fed Babies

• Intake increases with age: Stomach grows, feeds get larger
• Easier to overfeed: Bottle flow is consistent regardless of hunger
• More predictable schedule: Formula digests slower
• Measurable: Can track exact ounces consumed
• Paced feeding recommended: Mimics breastfeeding pace

Why Breastfed Babies Don't Need More Over Time

Unlike formula, breast milk composition changes:

• Calorie density adjusts to baby's needs
• Fat content varies within and between feeds
• Baby becomes more efficient at extracting milk
• Growth rate naturally slows after early months

Signs Baby Is Getting Enough

Diaper Output (Most Reliable Indicator)

Weight Gain

• First 3-4 days: Losing up to 7-10% of birth weight is normal
• By day 10-14: Should be back to birth weight
• 0-3 months: Gain 5-7 oz (150-200g) per week
• 3-6 months: Gain 3.5-5 oz (100-150g) per week
• 6-12 months: Gain 2-3 oz (60-90g) per week

Behavior Signs

• Alert and active when awake
• Meeting developmental milestones
• Content after feeds (most of the time)
• Good skin tone and color
• Steady growth on their curve

Signs Baby May Need More

Concerning Signs

• Fewer than 6 wet diapers after day 4
• Weight loss exceeding 10% or not regaining by 2 weeks
• Dark urine (should be pale/colorless)
• Dry mouth or lips
• Lethargy—hard to wake for feeds
• Persistent jaundice beyond 2 weeks
• Sunken fontanelle (soft spot)
• No audible swallowing during breastfeeds

When to Call the Doctor

• Baby hasn't regained birth weight by 2 weeks
• Persistent weight loss after day 4
• Fewer than 3 dirty diapers daily in first month
• Signs of dehydration
• Baby seems constantly hungry and unsatisfied

Understanding Hunger Cues

Early Hunger Cues (Ideal Time to Feed)

• Stirring and stretching
• Opening mouth, smacking lips
• Turning head side to side (rooting)
• Bringing hands to mouth
• Rapid eye movement under closed lids

Mid Hunger Cues

• Increased body movement
• Stretching more actively
• Hand-to-mouth motion intensifies
• Becoming fussy

Late Hunger Cues (Try to Avoid)

• Crying
• Agitated body movements
• Skin color changing (turning red)
• Note: Crying babies are harder to latch; try calming first

Fullness Cues

• Slowing or stopping sucking
• Turning away from breast/bottle
• Releasing nipple
• Relaxed hands (were fisted when hungry)
• Falling asleep
• Appearing content and relaxed

Growth Spurts and Increased Feeding

During growth spurts, babies often feed more frequently:

Common Growth Spurt Times

• 7-10 days
• 2-3 weeks
• 4-6 weeks
• 3 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months

What to Expect

• Duration: 2-3 days (up to a week)
• Frequency: Wanting to eat constantly (cluster feeding)
• Behavior: Fussy, unsettled
• Sleep: May change temporarily

What to Do

• Breastfeeding: Feed on demand; this increases supply
• Formula: Offer slightly more per feed; watch fullness cues
• Don't assume low supply: Increased demand is temporary
• Rest when possible: It's exhausting but passes

Calculating Formula Needs

General Formula Calculation

A commonly used formula:

• 2.5 oz × baby's weight in pounds = daily ounces
• Example: 10 lb baby × 2.5 = 25 oz per day
• Divide by number of feeds for per-feeding amount

Limitations

• Maximum is typically 32 oz (950 ml) per day
• This is a guideline, not a rule
• Always follow baby's hunger and fullness cues
• Some babies need more or less

Avoiding Overfeeding

• Use paced bottle feeding technique
• Hold bottle horizontally, not tilted
• Let baby pull milk (don't pour it in)
• Take breaks during feeding
• Watch for fullness cues
• Offer pacifier for non-nutritive sucking

Night Feeding: How Much and How Long?

Night Feeding Is Normal and Important

• Newborns: Need to eat every 2-3 hours around the clock
• Prolactin peaks at night: Night feeds important for milk supply
• Small stomachs: Can't take in enough to sleep long stretches

When Night Feeds Typically Decrease

Note: These are averages. Many healthy babies wake to feed beyond these ages.

Don't Rush to Night Wean

• Night feeds protect milk supply
• Some babies genuinely need night nutrition longer
• Reducing feeds too fast can affect supply and baby's weight
• Discuss with pediatrician if concerned

When Solids Start: Milk Still Matters

6-9 Months

• Milk remains primary nutrition source
• Solids are for practice and exploration
• Aim for 24-30 oz milk + small solid portions
• Offer milk before solids initially

9-12 Months

• Solids intake increasing
• Milk decreasing to 16-24 oz
• Can start offering solids before some milk feeds
• Still need breast milk/formula as primary milk source

After 12 Months

• Can transition from formula to whole cow's milk
• Breastfeeding can continue as long as desired
• Milk becomes beverage, not primary nutrition
• Max 16-24 oz dairy per day to not displace solids

Common Concerns

"My Baby Seems Always Hungry"

Consider:

• Growth spurt? (Temporary; feed on demand)
• Comfort nursing? (Normal for breastfed babies)
• Flow preference? (May want faster bottle flow)
• Actually hungry? (Check weight gain)
• Other needs? (Tired, overstimulated, needs comfort)

"My Baby Doesn't Eat Enough"

Consider:

• Is weight gain adequate? (The real measure)
• Comparing to formula amounts? (Breastfed babies need less)
• Efficient feeder? (Some babies get more in less time)
• Distracted? (Older babies easily distracted)

"Baby Takes Different Amounts at Different Feeds"

This is completely normal:

• Appetite varies throughout day
• May eat more before long sleep stretches
• Cluster feeding creates uneven patterns
• Focus on 24-hour totals, not individual feeds

"Should I Wake Baby to Feed?"

• First 2 weeks: Yes—don't let baby sleep >3-4 hours
• After birth weight regained: Usually can let baby sleep
• Premature babies: Follow doctor's guidance
• Weight concerns: May need scheduled feeds

The Bottom Line

Baby milk intake varies widely between individuals. While the charts provide helpful guidelines, the most reliable indicators are adequate weight gain, plenty of wet and dirty diapers, and a content, alert baby. Trust your baby's hunger and fullness cues, and don't get too caught up in exact ounces. If you're concerned about intake or growth, consult your pediatrician or a lactation consultant who can assess your specific situation.

References: Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine protocols, AAP infant nutrition guidelines, WHO growth standards, CDC infant feeding recommendations.