In the first month, most newborns take 30–90 mL per feed at first, rising to about 60–120 mL by 2–4 weeks, spaced every 2–4 hours.
New parents ask this on day one: how many milliliters does a tiny belly need? The short answer is that volume grows quickly, but not all at once. Early days bring small, frequent feeds. By the end of the first month, bottles look fuller and sessions stretch a bit. The ranges below give you a practical, safe starting point, plus the cues that matter more than any number on a bottle.
Quick Answer: Newborn Milk In mL By Age
These ballpark ranges combine what pediatric groups share about early intake with real-life patterns. Use them as a guide, then follow hunger and satiety cues.
| Age | Typical Per Feed (mL) | Feeds/24h & Daily Total |
|---|---|---|
| First week | 30–60 | 8–12 feeds; ~240–480 mL/day, sometimes more |
| Weeks 2–3 | 45–90 | 7–10 feeds; ~315–810 mL/day |
| Weeks 3–4 | 60–120 | 6–8 feeds; ~360–960 mL/day |
Formula-fed babies tend to take the upper end of these ranges on a steadier timetable. Breastfed babies often take smaller amounts more often, then even out by the end of the month. A common ceiling for formula intake across a day in the first months is about 32 oz (≈950 mL).
For specifics on formula portions, see the AAP page on formula amounts. For breastfeeding frequency and cues, the CDC’s page on how much and how often to breastfeed is clear and parent-friendly.
How Many mL Of Milk Does A Newborn Need Daily?
There isn’t one “right” daily number. Bodies vary, and tiny tummies change fast during the first month. That said, most term newborns land somewhere between ~360 and ~960 mL across 24 hours during the first four weeks. Formula makers and pediatricians commonly advise not to exceed about 32 ounces a day unless your clinician suggests otherwise. If you’re nursing, your daily total is shaped by 8–12 feeds and the baby’s latch strength, transfer, and growth pace, not a set milliliter target.
Breastfed Newborn: Frequency, Cues, And What Matters Most
Plan for 8–12 feeds in 24 hours, including overnight. Offer both sides, let the baby finish the first breast before switching, and watch the swallow rhythm. Early feeds may last 10–20 minutes a side; some babies sprint, others linger. Count diapers and weight gain to check progress rather than tracking exact mL from day one.
Hunger And Fullness Cues
Signs of hunger include stirring, rooting, bringing hands to mouth, and light fussing. Crying is a late cue. Signs of fullness include relaxed hands, turning away, dozing off at the breast, and a calm body. Feed on cue, not by the clock alone.
Diaper And Weight Checkpoints
By days 5–7, many babies have 6 or more wet diapers daily and at least 3–4 yellow, loose stools. Early days look different: meconium stools on days 1–2, then greenish to yellow by days 3–4. Steady weight gain after the initial dip is the overall pattern. If output drops, call your baby’s clinic and feed sooner.
Formula-Fed Newborn: mL Per Feed And Pace
Start in the 30–60 mL range during the first week, moving toward 60–120 mL by weeks three to four. Space feeds about every 3–4 hours, but be ready to flex during growth spurts. Many babies show a clear morning appetite peak and a cozy evening cluster.
Paced Bottle Technique
Hold the bottle horizontally so milk flows steadily, not fast. Pause a few times to let the baby breathe and check for satiety signs. Switch sides halfway through to mimic the change from one breast to the other. Stop when the baby slows, seals lips, or turns away—even if milk remains in the bottle.
Safe Mixing And Warming
Measure powder and water as directed on the label, use clean water, and toss any leftovers from a used bottle within two hours at room temp. Warm bottles safely by swirling in warm water; avoid microwaves to prevent hot spots.
Why Ranges Beat Rigid Targets
Milk needs swing with weight, day-to-day activity, and growth spurts. A sleepy day can shave a feed off the usual count; a growth spurt can add one. If the baby’s diapers, behavior, and weight are on track, small swings in mL aren’t a worry. Numbers guide you; the baby confirms them.
Day-By-Day: First Week Milk Pattern
Day 1 is mostly practice and colostrum for nursing pairs, with tiny amounts and frequent attempts. Bottle volumes sit near the low end. Day 2 often brings more wakeful periods and cluster feeding. Day 3 is the “milk coming in” window for many nursing parents; feeds may feel longer and thirstier. Day 4 brings more yellow stools. By days 5–7, feeds feel steadier and diapers tell a clearer story.
Second Table: Diaper Output Guide
Use diaper counts as a simple, reliable cross-check during the first week. These are typical minimums for a healthy term baby.
| Baby Age | Wet Diapers (min) | Stools (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | 1–2/day | 1–2 black, tarry (meconium) |
| Days 3–4 | 3–4/day | ≥2, turning greenish to yellow |
| Days 5–7 | 6+ /day | 3–4 yellow, loose |
If these minimums aren’t met or output falls after improving, offer a feed sooner and call your baby’s clinic the same day.
Sample 24-Hour Schedules (Use As A Template, Then Adjust)
Breastfeeding Day
6:00 a.m. feed both sides; 8:30 a.m. quick snack; 11:00 a.m. full feed; 1:30 p.m. nap and feed; 4:00 p.m. feed; 6:30 p.m. cluster feed; 9:00 p.m. settle feed; 12:30 a.m. feed; 3:30 a.m. feed. That’s nine sessions, right in the 8–12 range. Some feeds are brief, some longer. If the baby cues sooner, feed sooner.
Formula Day (~600–720 mL total)
6:30 a.m. 90 mL; 9:30 a.m. 90 mL; 12:30 p.m. 90 mL; 3:30 p.m. 90 mL; 6:30 p.m. 120 mL; 9:30 p.m. 120 mL. That’s six feeds totaling 600 mL. If appetite is stronger, add a 60–90 mL top-up earlier in the day, staying under ~950 mL per 24 hours unless your clinician advises otherwise.
Growth Spurts And Cluster Feeding
Common spurts show up around 7–10 days and again near three weeks. You may see shorter gaps between feeds and requests for extra ounces. This is expected. Keep offering on cue, then watch diapers and sleep settle over a day or two.
When To Talk To A Clinician
- Fewer than 6 wets a day by the end of week one, or dark, strong-smelling urine after day 4.
- Fewer than 3 yellow stools a day after day 5, or stools stay black after day 3.
- Weak suck, so sleepy feeds every time, or panting while feeding.
- Vomiting forcefully, green vomit, or a hard, swollen belly.
- Fast weight drop or no gain after day 5–7.
Feed now, then call your baby’s clinic. If something feels off, you don’t need to wait for the next well-visit.
Tips That Make mL Numbers Work In Real Life
Use One Bottle Size Early
Smaller bottles help you read satiety. It’s easier to add a second small pour than to coach a baby to stop early from a big bottle.
Burst Of Hunger? Start With A Pause
Hungry babies gulp air. Two or three calm breaths before latching or the first sip can set the pace and reduce gassy fussing later.
Track Without Stress
During the first week, jot down start times and diaper counts. After that, most families can switch to watching cues and weekly weights instead of chasing exact milliliters.
Pumping Notes
Pumping output isn’t the same as what a baby can remove at the breast. Early sessions may yield only drops, then increase across several days. Fit, flange size, pump type, and timing all matter. Short, frequent sessions can help in the first week. Label expressed milk with date and time.
Special Cases
Preterm babies, babies with jaundice, tongue-tie, reflux, or medical conditions may need specific plans on volume and timing. Your care team can set targets, check transfer, and adjust as weight and stamina improve. If you’re pumping, a lactation visit can fine-tune flange size, schedule, and milk storage so the numbers you record reflect true intake.
Bottom Line For Parents
Start with small, steady feeds. Watch your baby more than the bottle. Use ranges, not rigid targets. By the end of the first month, most newborns are taking about 60–120 mL per feed, with a daily total that fits their size and pace. When in doubt, feed and call your clinic—early reassurance beats worry.