Newborn milk needs start near 5–10 mL per feed on day 1, rise to 30–60 mL by day 4, then about 60–120 mL per feed through weeks 2–4.
Those tiny feeds look small on day 1, and that’s normal. A newborn’s stomach is marble-small at first and grows fast over the first week. By the end of week one, most babies take bigger, steadier feeds. The ranges below cover breast, expressed milk, and formula. Use baby’s cues, swallow sounds, and diaper counts to steer each day.
How Many mL Milk For A Newborn Per Feed (By Day)
Here’s a simple day-by-day picture of per-feed volume and a typical number of feeds in 24 hours. If your baby wants more or less on a given feed, that’s fine. The trend across days matters more than any single bottle or breastfeed.
| Age | Typical mL Per Feed | Feeds Per 24h |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 5–10 mL | 8–12 |
| Day 2 | 10–15 mL | 8–12 |
| Day 3 | 15–30 mL | 8–12 |
| Day 4 | 30–60 mL | 8–12 |
| Days 5–7 | 45–60 mL | 8–12 |
| Weeks 2–4 | 60–120 mL | 6–8 |
Breastfed babies often feed more often on some days and bunch feeds in the evening. Formula-fed babies may space feeds to every 3–4 hours sooner. Either way, steady wet diapers, soft stools after day 4, and a calm baby after feeds point to enough intake. If bottles are in the mix, paced bottle feeding helps babies lead the volume and stop when full.
Why These Numbers Shift So Fast
Colostrum is thick and rich. It comes in small volumes that match a day-one tummy. As milk builds across days 2–4, volume per feed climbs. By the end of week one, most babies handle 45–60 mL at a time. Near the end of the first month, many babies settle around 90–120 mL per feed, with windows around that range for growth spurts.
Breast, Bottle, Or Both: What Changes
Breastfeeding Days 1–7
Expect 8–12 feeds per day, sometimes more in the evening. Swallow sounds, relaxed hands, and content sleep after a feed are good signs. If baby dozes off early, switch sides, burp, or try skin-to-skin and a gentle wake-up. Early frequent feeds help milk build. Hand expression after feeds can add a little extra if needed.
Expressed Milk In A Bottle
Match bottle size to the ranges in the table and watch baby’s pace. Hold the bottle more level, pause often, and switch sides in your arms. This lets baby lead the stop-start rhythm. Most newborns do well with slow-flow nipples. If baby fights the bottle flow or gulps, try a slower nipple or more upright position.
Formula Feeding Basics
Newborns often start with 30–60 mL per feed in the first week, then move toward 90–120 mL by the end of the first month. The AAP’s formula schedule lays out these early ranges and a simple rhythm across the day. Aim for gentle increases and let baby guide the last few mL on each bottle.
How Often To Feed In The First Month
Days 1–3
Every 2–3 hours is common. Some babies will wake sooner. If baby is extra sleepy, set an alarm for 3 hours and offer another feed. Short, frequent sessions are normal on day 1. On day 2–3, many babies cluster feed, then take a longer stretch.
Days 4–7
Volume per feed rises. Spacing often stretches to every 2.5–3 hours. Night feeds continue. Many babies do one longer stretch and then a few closer feeds in the early morning window.
Weeks 2–4
Most babies move toward 6–8 feeds per day, with 60–120 mL per feed. Nights may still include two feeds. Growth spurts can bring a busy evening, then a calmer night.
Daily Totals: Simple Weight-Based Math
A handy formula guide uses daily totals tied to body weight. After the first week, a common guide for formula is about 150–200 mL per kg of body weight over 24 hours. The NHS explains this range and reminds families to let baby steer within it as needs vary across days. See the NHS answer on how much formula babies need for details.
Formula Guide: Daily Total By Weight
| Baby Weight | Daily Total (mL) | Per Feed (8 Feeds) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 kg | 375–500 mL | 45–65 mL |
| 3.0 kg | 450–600 mL | 55–75 mL |
| 3.5 kg | 525–700 mL | 65–90 mL |
| 4.0 kg | 600–800 mL | 75–100 mL |
Use these totals as a ceiling, not a target you must hit every day. If baby’s growth and diapers look steady, you’re doing well. If bottles are always drained fast and baby still roots after burping, add 10–15 mL to the next bottle and see how baby responds.
Diaper Clues That Feeding Is On Track
Wet Diapers
Day 1: at least 1. Day 2: at least 2. Day 3: at least 3. Day 4 and onward: at least 6 heavy wets with pale yellow urine. If counts dip below this pattern after day 4, wake for feeds more often and watch the next 24 hours closely.
Stools
Meconium is black and sticky on days 1–2. It shifts to green-brown on day 3, then to mustard yellow and seedy by day 5. A soft stool pattern after day 4 pairs well with good wet counts.
When Baby Needs More Or Less
Signs To Offer More
Early wake-ups soon after most feeds, strong rooting after a full bottle, frequent gulping then fussing at the end, or slow weight gain over several checks. Try a small bump of 10–15 mL per feed and reassess. For breastfeeds, add an extra session or offer the first side again after burping.
Signs To Hold Steady Or Offer Less
Regular spit-ups paired with arching, frequent push-back on the nipple, or a pattern of stopping early with relaxed hands. With bottles, slow the flow, add mid-feed pauses, and let baby stop before the bottle is empty. With breastfeeds, shorter sessions are fine if baby unlatches calm and content.
Night Feeds, Cluster Feeds, And Growth Spurts
Evening cluster feeds are common in weeks 1–6. Babies tank up, sleep a longer first stretch, then return to a regular pattern. Growth spurts often land around days 7–10 and again near 3 weeks. During these windows, babies ask for more feeds or a touch more volume without any illness signs. Follow baby’s lead and things usually settle within a couple of days.
Safe Bottle Prep, Storage, And Warming
Formula
Use clean water as directed on the tin, measure powder level, and mix as labeled. Freshly mixed formula is best. If you chill bottles, keep them cold and use within the time on the label. Discard leftovers from a feed.
Expressed Milk
Label date and time. Chill or freeze promptly. Thaw gently in the fridge or under lukewarm running water. Swirl to combine. Don’t refreeze thawed milk. Discard any milk left in the bottle after a feed.
Common Mix-Ups To Avoid
Jumping Too Fast In Volume
Large jumps can lead to spit-ups and gas. Small steps of 10–15 mL let you see baby’s response without pushing past comfort.
Forcing The Last mL
Clean bottles look tidy, but babies don’t read lines. If baby turns away, relaxes the hands, and stops sucking, that’s a natural stop sign.
Ignoring Baby’s Pace
Fast nipples push intake. A slower nipple and paced holds let babies breathe, pause, and sense fullness. That’s true for formula and expressed milk.
When To Get Extra Help
Call your care team soon if baby has fewer than 6 heavy wets after day 4, fewer than 3 stools a day after day 4, strong jaundice, weak suck, or weight loss past day 5. Early hands-on help with latch, positioning, or bottle flow can turn things around quickly. If baby was born preterm, small for dates, or has medical needs, ask for a tailored plan and weight checks.
Quick Feed Planner
Newborn Starter
Day 1: 5–10 mL per feed, 8–12 feeds. Day 2: 10–15 mL. Day 3: 15–30 mL. Day 4: 30–60 mL. Days 5–7: 45–60 mL. Weeks 2–4: 60–120 mL, about 6–8 feeds.
Simple Bottle Tips
Slow-flow nipple, level bottle, mid-feed burp, side-lying hold, and frequent pauses. Watch baby’s face, not the bottle marks.
Simple Breast Tips
Skin-to-skin, deep latch, chin pressed into the breast, nose free, and gentle breast compressions during the active suck phase. Swap sides when swallows slow.
Bottom Line For Day-To-Day
Think in ranges, not single targets. Per-feed volumes climb quickly in week one and settle around 60–120 mL by the end of month one. AAP’s early bottle ranges and the NHS daily total guide give a safe lane. Your baby’s cues, wet diapers, and steady gains are the real green lights.