In the first weeks, most newborns take 1–3 oz per feed and build toward 16–24 oz a day, then about 24–32 oz a day by one month.
Newborn Ounces Per Feed: What To Expect
Brand-new bellies are tiny, so early feeds are small and frequent. Across the first week, many babies take about 1–2 oz at a time, moving to 2–3 oz by the end of week two and 3–4 oz by the end of the first month. Formula-fed babies often space feeds a bit more; breastfed babies tend to sip smaller amounts more often. Follow cues, not the clock.
| Age | Ounces Per Feed | Feeds In 24 Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | 0.5–1 oz | 8–12+ |
| Days 4–7 | 1–2 oz | 8–12 |
| Week 2 | 2–3 oz | 8–10 |
| Weeks 3–4 | 3–4 oz | 6–8 |
| By 1–2 Months | 4–5 oz | 6–8 |
These numbers are ranges, not targets. Signs beat schedules. The AAP formula guide outlines 1–2 oz per feed in week one, rising to 3–4 oz by one month with a usual daily cap near 32 oz. The CDC bottle-feeding page echoes that early pattern and reminds you to use hunger cues over rigid timing.
How Many Ounces Should A Newborn Drink Per Day?
Daily intake climbs quickly in the first month. Many newborns reach 16–24 oz per day by two weeks, then about 24–32 oz by four weeks. If baby seems hungry after emptying a bottle, add an ounce. If baby turns away mid-feed, pause and burp or stop. Growth, diaper counts, and a content mood tell the real story.
Weight-Based Bottle Math
A simple rule from pediatrics: offer about 2.5 oz of formula per pound of body weight across a day, up to roughly 32 oz. A 7 lb baby lands near 17–19 oz; a 9 lb baby near 22–24 oz. It’s guidance, not a hard limit. Some days dip low; growth spurts nudge intake higher. Use the rule to set starting volumes, then let your baby fine-tune the plan.
Breastfeeding: Ounces Look Different
At the breast, amounts vary from feed to feed. Sessions run every 1–3 hours at first, then settle near every 2–4 hours. Cluster feeding happens. Let baby finish the first side, burp, then offer the second. Expect 8–12 feeds a day early on. The CDC breastfeeding guide lays out the rhythm and reminds you that small, frequent feeds are normal.
Output And Growth Checks
Steady diaper output helps you gauge intake. After day four, look for about six or more wets and regular stools. Weight should trend up after the first few days. Ask your pediatrician if output drops, weight stalls, or feeds feel off.
Hunger Cues And Fullness Cues
Reading cues makes ounce math easier. Start feeds when you see early signs; stop when baby shows they’re done. Waiting for crying can make latching harder and increase air swallowing.
Early Hunger Cues
- Rooting or turning toward touch
- Hands to mouth, licking lips
- Light fussing, active eyes
Fullness Cues
- Slower sucking, longer pauses
- Relaxed hands and body
- Turning head away or sealing lips
Formula Vs. Breast Milk: Why Ounces Shift
Breast milk digests fast and changes fat levels across a feed, so sessions can be shorter or longer and more frequent. Formula stays in the stomach longer, so bottle intervals may stretch. Both paths work. Feed responsively and watch your child, not an app timer.
Night Feeds, Spits, And Burps
Newborns wake often. Many need at least one night feed through the first months. If spits worry you, keep baby upright after feeds, offer smaller amounts more often, and burp mid-feed. Gentle paced-bottle technique can help limit air and over-eager flow. If spit-ups are forceful, painful, or paired with poor weight gain, call the clinic.
When Ounces May Need Tweaks
Some situations call for closer tracking and a plan you set with your care team. Preterm birth, jaundice care, slow weight gain, reflux management, or a very sleepy feeder may change volumes or timing. If any of these apply, bring your notes to the next visit and ask for a tailored plan.
Sample Day: Newborn Bottle Plan
Here’s a calm starting point you can adjust. Use it to learn your baby’s rhythm, then loosen up once you know the cues by heart.
Day 10 Example (About 2–3 Oz Feeds)
- 6:00 — 2.5 oz, burp, cuddle
- 8:30 — 2.5 oz, diaper, nap
- 11:00 — 2.5 oz, short walk
- 1:30 — 2.5 oz, burp, nap
- 4:00 — 2.5 oz, play on mat
- 6:30 — 2.5 oz, bath time
- 9:00 — 2.5 oz, dim lights
- 12:00 — 2.5 oz, back to sleep
- 3:00 — 2 oz if cues show
Practical Ways To Hit The Right Ounces
Make Bottles That Fit The Moment
Build bottles in small steps. Pour 2 oz first; add 0.5–1 oz if baby wants more. That trims waste and keeps flow steady. Use slow-flow nipples early on to match newborn pace.
Paced Bottle-Feeding Basics
Hold baby more upright, keep the bottle level, and pause every minute or two. Switch sides as you would at the breast. This helps baby set the pace and notice fullness.
Track What Matters
Write down time, amount, diapers, and mood for a few days. Patterns jump out fast. Then you can stop logging unless something changes.
Daily Ounces By Weight (Formula Guide)
Use this quick chart with the 2.5 oz per lb rule from pediatrics. Stay near the range and let your baby lead within it.
| Baby Weight | Daily Ounces | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 lb | 15 oz | Split into 8–10 feeds |
| 7 lb | 17–19 oz | Watch cues closely |
| 8 lb | 20 oz | Many take 2.5–3 oz |
| 9 lb | 22–24 oz | Edge toward 3 oz |
| 10 lb | 25 oz | Often 3–4 oz feeds |
| 12 lb | 30 oz | Cap the day near 32 oz |
Common Fixes When Feeds Feel Off
Baby Seems Hungry Right After A Bottle
Add 0.5–1 oz to the next few bottles. Shorten gaps between feeds for a day or two. Growth spurts are common around weeks two and three.
Baby Leaves More Than Half The Bottle
Start with a smaller volume. Offer a quiet spot with fewer distractions. Check nipple flow; too fast can frustrate, too slow can tire.
Gas, Gulping, Or Lots Of Spit-Up
Pause every ounce to burp. Keep baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeds. Use paced-bottle steps and a slow nipple.
Your Ounce Cheat Sheet
Week 1: 1–2 oz per feed. Weeks 2–3: 2–3 oz per feed. Week 4: 3–4 oz per feed. By month two, many bottles land at 4–5 oz. Total intake often ranges 24–32 oz per day through the early months for bottle-fed babies.
Final Notes Before You Click Away
Feed the baby in front of you, not the plan on paper. Early weeks are messy and lovely. If worry creeps in, call your clinic, bring your log, and ask every question you have. You’ve got this.