Most newborns take about 1–3 oz (30–90 mL) per feed in the first weeks, with 8–12 feeds across 24 hours.
Newborn tummies are tiny, and intake builds fast in the first month. The goal isn’t matching a chart; it’s steady feeds, diapers, and growth. Breastfeeding runs on supply and demand, so frequent latching boosts supply. Bottle amounts climb in steps as stomach capacity grows.
Typical Newborn Milk Intake By Age
| Age | Typical Intake Per Feed | Feeds In 24 Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 5–10 mL (0.2–0.3 oz) | 8–12 |
| Days 2–3 | 15–30 mL (0.5–1 oz) | 8–12 |
| Days 4–7 | 30–60 mL (1–2 oz) | 8–12 |
| Weeks 2–4 | 60–120 mL (2–4 oz) | Breast: 8–12; Formula: about every 3–4 hours |
Breastfed Babies: How Often And How Much
Latch early and often. Most newborns nurse 8–12 times in 24 hours in the early weeks. Gaps vary through day. Some sessions are short snack feeds, others are longer. Responsive feeding—offering the breast when early hunger cues appear—usually covers the needed volume without measuring. See the CDC’s guide, how much and how often to breastfeed, for a clear overview.
Early Days: Colostrum And Small Volumes
Colostrum comes in teaspoons. That’s normal and enough when feeds are frequent. Expect many latches on day one and day two. Each day brings a bit more milk as mature milk comes in. Skin-to-skin and rooming-in help babies cue more clearly and latch sooner.
Weeks 1–4: Mature Milk And Growth
Around the end of week one, volumes rise. Many babies stretch to 2–3 oz per feed, still nursing 8–12 times daily. If baby has a longer stretch of sleep, you may wake for feeds during the first couple of weeks, then let baby sleep longer once weight gain is on track and the pediatrician is happy with progress.
Hunger And Satiety Cues
Watch the baby, not the clock. Early hunger cues include stirring, rooting, and hand-to-mouth movements. Late cues include crying and a rigid body. Signs of satiety include relaxed hands, turning away, and a soft body. Try to catch feeds at the early cue stage.
How Much Milk Should A Newborn Drink: Practical Ranges
Here’s a simple way to think about ranges. In the first week, many babies take 1–2 oz per feed. By the end of the first month, 3–4 oz per feed is common. Total daily intake for bottle-fed babies often lands near 16–24 oz in the first weeks and rises toward the high 20s to low 30s by two months. Remember that breastfed babies self-regulate at the breast; count feeds and diapers rather than ounces.
Formula-Fed Newborns
Start small and build. In week one, offer 1–2 oz per feed. During the first month, many babies move toward 3–4 oz per feed. Spacing is usually every 3–4 hours. A useful rule of thumb for formula is about 2.5 oz (75 mL) per pound of body weight per day, with a common upper limit of about 32 oz (960 mL) in 24 hours. If baby drains bottles fast and still roots, try paced bottle feeding and a slower nipple before raising volume. See the AAP’s formula feeding schedule for details.
Safe Daily Totals And Pace
Paced bottle feeding lets baby lead. Hold the bottle more horizontal, pause often, and swap sides mid-feed to mimic nursing flow. This reduces gulping and air swallowing, and helps avoid overfilling tiny bellies. Burp during natural pauses. If spit-ups climb or baby looks tense, slow the flow or shorten the feed and try again sooner.
Bottle Volumes, Weight, And Diaper Checks
Healthy intake shows up in diapers. After day four, expect around six or more wet diapers daily and regular stools. Color shifts from early meconium to mustard-yellow for many breastfed babies; formula-fed stools often look tan or brown. Weight is the other cross-check. Some loss after birth is common, then weight rebounds by two weeks in most cases.
Daily Intake Guide By Weight (Formula)
| Weight (lb) | Approx Total Per Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6–7 lb | 15–20 oz (450–600 mL) | Split into 8–10 small feeds |
| 8–9 lb | 20–25 oz (600–740 mL) | Watch hunger and satiety cues |
| 10–12 lb | 25–30 oz (740–900 mL) | Upper daily cap near 32 oz |
Reading Output: Wet And Dirty Diapers
Wet diapers should be pale yellow and feel heavy. Stools vary by age and feeding method. Straining can be normal; hard, pellet-like stools point to constipation in formula-fed infants. Green or watery stools with poor weight gain call for contact with your care team.
Common Feeding Patterns You May See
Cluster feeding: Periods with many feeds close together, often in the evening. Growth spurts: A bump in appetite around weeks 2–3 and again near week 6. Sleepy starter: A baby who snoozes through cues in the first days may need waking for feeds until weight rebounds.
When To Wake And When To Stretch
During the first couple of weeks, wake at least every 3 hours by day and 4 hours by night if baby hasn’t cued. Once weight is climbing and diapers are steady, longer night stretches are fine. Daytime feeds still matter; try not to stack the longest sleep during daylight if nights feel choppy.
Breast Milk Bottles: How Much To Offer
Pumped milk feeds tend to be smaller than formula feeds, because breast milk changes during a feed and over time. Common bottle sizes for young breastfed babies land near 2–3 oz. Offer small amounts more often rather than large bottles spaced far apart. If baby still shows hunger after a paced bottle, top off with another ounce.
Nipple Flow, Bottles, And Positions
Pick a slow-flow nipple for newborns. Keep baby upright and close, with head and neck in line. Tip the bottle just enough to fill the nipple, then pause for breathing and burps. Switch sides halfway to encourage head turning and bonding. If gulping or choking shows up, slow the angle or switch nipples.
Breastfeeding On Demand And Vitamin D
Frequent nursing builds supply and meets intake needs across a day. Most breastfed babies will settle into a rhythm of 8–12 feeds daily in the first weeks, with some short windows of cluster feeds. Human milk alone is low in vitamin D; pediatric groups advise a daily vitamin D supplement for breastfed or mixed-fed babies unless formula volume already covers that need.
Signs Baby Might Need A Feeding Check
Fewer than six wets after day four, scant stools, sunken soft spot, weak cry, or very sleepy behavior between feeds need a same-day call to your pediatric clinic. Rapid bottle intakes with frequent spit-ups or arching can mean the flow is too fast or volumes are oversized. Any trouble breathing, blue lips, or poor arousal is an emergency.
What Changes At One Month
By 4 weeks, many babies take 3–4 oz per bottle or effective feed, still with 8–12 feeds or 6–8 bottles most days. Night stretches may lengthen. Daytime naps remain short. Growth spurts can bring two or three days of near-constant feeding; supply and comfort usually catch up quickly.
Milestones That Affect Intake
Better latch and stronger suck make feeds faster by week four. Reflux peaks in the early months; upright time after feeds, smaller volumes, and burping can help. Gas often settles with a steadier latch, paced bottles, and gentle tummy pressure during burps.
Sample Day: Weeks 2–4
Morning: Wake, feed 3 oz, burp, short awake time, nap. Late morning: Feed 2–3 oz, burp, nap. Afternoon: Feed 3 oz, burp, play, nap. Evening: Cluster window with two or three feeds of 2–3 oz spaced 60–90 minutes apart. Night: One or two feeds of 2–4 oz with quick diaper checks.
Storage Notes For Pumped Milk
Fresh milk lasts 4 days in the back of the fridge and 6–12 months in the freezer, with best flavor earlier. Warm gently in a bowl of warm water; don’t microwave. Swirl to mix the cream layer. Store in 2–4 oz portions to cut waste, since newborn servings are small.
Formula Safety And Prep Basics
Wash hands before every feed. In the early months, use sterilized bottles and parts. Make feeds with safe water and follow the tin directions. Use made-up formula within 2 hours at room temp, or store in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Throw out what baby leaves in the bottle after a feed. Never prop a bottle; hold baby close and check the temperature on your wrist before offering the first sip.
When To Call The Clinic
Call the same day for poor feeding, fewer diapers, projectile vomit, or fever. If your newborn is under two months and has a rectal temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, seek care urgently. Trust your gut; if something seems off, ring your pediatric office.
Quick Recap For Tired Parents
In the first week, think 1–2 oz per feed; by one month, 3–4 oz is common. Breastfed babies nurse 8–12 times daily. Formula babies often feed every 3–4 hours, with daily totals near 16–24 oz at first, rising toward the high 20s to low 30s. Diapers and growth are your guide. When in doubt, speak with your baby’s clinician.