Most newborns start at 5–7 mL on day 1, rise to 30–60 mL by days 2–3, and reach about 30–60 mL per feed during the first week, with 8–12 feeds daily.
You want a clear, safe range for every bottle or nursing session. Early days look tiny, then intake climbs fast. The right amount depends on age, weight, and how often your baby eats. A helpful daily yardstick from the American Academy of Pediatrics is about 2½ ounces per pound per day (≈160 mL/kg/day), and most formula-fed newborns eat 8–12 times in 24 hours. See the AAP’s formula guidance and the CDC’s feeding frequency pages for the exact details you can trust.
How Many Mls Does A Newborn Need Per Feeding: Quick Benchmarks
Day 1 is small. Most babies take about 5–7 mL per feed. By days 2–3, many take 15–30 mL, and plenty reach 30–60 mL. By the end of week 1, 30–60 mL per feed is common. That fits the daily guideline above when you divide the total by 8–12 feeds. Your baby may sit above or below a given line on any day. That can still be normal when diapers and weight look good.
Want a weight-based view? Use the daily total of about 150–180 mL/kg/day and split it by feeds. The table below shows per-feed amounts for common newborn weights if you are feeding 8 or 12 times in a day.
| Weight | mL/Feed @ 8 Feeds/Day | mL/Feed @ 12 Feeds/Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 kg | 47–56 | 31–38 |
| 3.0 kg | 56–68 | 38–45 |
| 3.5 kg | 66–79 | 44–53 |
| 4.0 kg | 75–90 | 50–60 |
These numbers are guides, not targets to hit at every feed. Babies self-regulate. Some feeds are “snacks,” others are “meals.” If a baby turns away, relaxes, and stops sucking, that is a clear sign the feed is done.
Why The Ranges Make Sense
Newborn stomach capacity grows by the day. The first 24 hours usually look like teaspoons, not ounces. By days 2–3, volume jumps. By a week, many babies take 1–2 ounces per feed. That rise mirrors what you see with milk coming in and more efficient latch. When bottle-feeding, paced technique helps your baby keep that natural rhythm.
Daily Totals And Feeds Per Day
The AAP shares a practical daily total: about 2½ ounces per pound per day, which is roughly 160 mL/kg/day. Many full-term newborns land between 150 and 180 mL/kg/day. Split that into 8–12 feeds and you will land near the per-feed ranges above. The CDC describes 8–12 feeds in 24 hours as typical in the early weeks. Some babies cluster feed at certain hours and then sleep a bit longer at other times. Both patterns can work.
AAP formula amounts explain the daily total in plain language. The CDC’s page on how much and how often confirms the 8–12 feeds range and points to responsive feeding. Together they give you a clear range and safe upper limits.
Sample 24-Hour Feeding Map
Say your baby weighs 3.5 kg. Using about 160 mL/kg/day, the daily total lands near 560 mL. You could split that as 8 feeds of about 70 mL each. You could also run 12 feeds near 45–50 mL each. Both choices fit the same daily total. Pick a rhythm that keeps your baby calm. If evenings feel fussy, slide a bit more volume to the later hours and trim a little from a quiet morning feed.
Growth days come. Intake may jump for a short stretch, then settle. When in doubt, follow cues, keep an eye on diapers, and use the weight trend as your compass. If something feels off, ask your baby’s doctor. Bring your notes on feed counts, volumes, and diaper output. That record speeds up problem solving and often shows patterns you might miss in the moment.
First Week: Day-By-Day Lens
Day 1
About 5–7 mL per feed fits most healthy term babies. Expect 8–12 tiny feeds. Colostrum is thick and packed with bioactive goodies. Short, frequent sessions are the norm and they prime supply.
Days 2–3
Intake climbs. Many babies take 15–30 mL per feed and may reach 30–60 mL. Waking cues get clearer. Hands to mouth, rooting, and light fussing come before crying. Offer the breast or bottle at those early signs.
Days 4–7
Many babies settle around 30–60 mL per feed with 8–12 feeds. Stools shift to mustard-yellow and wet diapers pick up. Night wakeups remain common. Growth spurts can bunch feeds close together.
Breast, Pumped Milk, And Formula
Across the first month, total daily intake in breastfed babies often averages 25–35 ounces. Per-feed amounts depend on spacing. Direct nursing varies because babies pace themselves. With bottles of expressed milk or formula, watch the baby, not the bottle lines. Paced bottle feeding eases chugging and lets babies self-regulate.
Hunger And Fullness Cues
Respond to cues rather than the clock. That keeps feeds calm and aligned with your baby’s appetite on that day.
- Early hunger: stirring, mouth opening, rooting, hands to mouth.
- Active hunger: sucking sounds, excited arms and legs, focused gaze.
- Late hunger: crying. Calm first, then latch or offer the bottle.
- Fullness: slower sucks, relaxed hands, turning away, sleepy eyes.
Signs The Amount Is On Track
Steady weight gain across the first weeks is the strongest signal. Diapers help too. After day 4 you should see several wets and regular yellow stools for breastfed babies; formula-fed stools may look a bit firmer and less frequent. Skin tone looks good, the mouth stays moist, and your baby wakes to eat.
When Volumes Need A Closer Look
Reach out if weight stalls, diapers stay low, or feeds are a battle. Also call if spit-ups are forceful and frequent, feeds take more than an hour often, or breathing seems hard during feeds. Preterm babies, low-birth-weight babies, and babies with jaundice need individual plans.
Build A Simple Feeding Plan
- Start with 8–12 feeds across 24 hours. Set gentle alarms if needed during the first days.
- Use the daily total of about 160 mL/kg/day to frame bottle volumes. Adjust using your baby’s cues.
- On day 1, think teaspoons. By days 2–3, add volume in small steps. By day 4 and beyond, many babies sit near 30–60 mL per feed.
- Try paced bottle feeding: horizontal bottle, frequent pauses, and a slow or newborn nipple.
- Keep burp breaks. Gas relief can shorten fussy stretches and help the next feed start well.
- Track diapers and weight checks. Use those data to tune volumes instead of chasing fixed numbers.
Bottle Prep, Storage, And Safety Tips
Wash hands. Use clean bottles and nipples. Follow mix ratios on the label. Do not over-dilute or concentrate. Discard any leftover milk from a finished bottle. Store expressed milk in dated portions sized for one feed to cut waste. Warm gently and test on your wrist.
Second Table: Cues And Next Steps
| Cue | What You See | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Light stirring | Eyes flutter, hands near face | Offer breast or bottle before crying starts |
| Strong sucking | Rhythmic sucks at start | Pause every few minutes to pace and burp |
| Slowing down | Sucks pause, body relaxes | Give a short break; stop if baby turns away |
| Persistent fussing | Arching, pulling off repeatedly | Try a burp, diaper change, or a slower nipple |
| Sleepy feeds | Dozing at breast or bottle | Tickle feet, switch sides, or try skin-to-skin |
Troubleshooting Volume Questions
My Baby Finishes Every Bottle And Still Roots
Offer a bit more in 10–15 mL steps and watch for relaxed cues. Check nipple flow. A nipple that runs fast can lead to big intakes and more spit-up. A too-slow nipple can frustrate babies and stretch feeds.
My Baby Leaves Milk Every Time
That can be fine when diapers and weight look good. Try smaller bottles prepared more often. Many babies take several shorter feeds in the evening and larger ones overnight or in the morning.
Spit-Ups Seem Frequent
Keep baby upright after feeds, use paced bottle technique, and avoid bouncing. If spit-ups are forceful, painful, or tinged with green or blood, reach out the same day.
What Changes After The First Month
Per-feed amounts may rise, yet the daily total stays in a similar band for a while. Many babies take 3–5 ounces per feed with longer gaps. Night feeds begin to thin out for some babies. Others keep a night snack. Growth spurts can bring back cluster feeding for a few evenings.
Quick Recap For Tired Parents
- Day 1: 5–7 mL per feed, 8–12 feeds.
- Days 2–3: aim near 15–30 mL, then 30–60 mL as milk ramps up.
- Days 4–7: many babies sit near 30–60 mL per feed.
- Use about 160 mL/kg/day as a daily frame and divide by 8–12.
- Watch the baby, not the bottle lines. Cues beat math every time.
Feed with calm, keep it responsive, and let your baby lead the finish line. That approach pairs well with the AAP daily total and the CDC frequency ranges and tends to keep both growth and comfort on track.