Newborns typically take 45–90 mL (1.5–3 oz) per pumping bottle in the first weeks, about 8–12 times each day, then 90–120 mL (3–4 oz) by one month.
What newborn intake looks like in the first weeks
Day one brings small sips of colostrum, then intake climbs as milk matures. Most newborns feed 8–12 times across 24 hours, with short, frequent sessions that match a tiny stomach and quick digestion. If you’re offering expressed milk, start with modest portions and let your baby set the pace.
| Age | Per-feeding range | Typical feeds/24h |
|---|---|---|
| 0–24 hours | 5–15 mL (0.2–0.5 oz) | 8–12 |
| Days 2–6 | 30–60 mL (1–2 oz) | 8–12 |
| 1–2 weeks | 45–75 mL (1.5–2.5 oz) | 8–12 |
| 3–4 weeks | 60–90 mL (2–3 oz) | 7–10 |
| 5–8 weeks | 90–120 mL (3–4 oz) | 6–9 |
Those ranges match pediatric guidance that describes half-ounce takes in the first day or two, rising to 3–4 ounces by the end of the first month. You’ll also see the 8–12 feeds pattern in the early weeks. For quick reference, scan the AAP’s overview on how often and how much.
Why volumes rise fast
Colostrum is dense and comes in small amounts. As milk volume increases over days two through six, your baby can take more per sitting, then settle into steadier bottle sizes by the end of the month. Growth spurts may bring a burst of short-interval feeds for a day or two. Let the cues, not the clock, set rhythm.
How much pumped breast milk for newborn: safe ranges
For most newborns using bottles of expressed milk, 30–60 mL (1–2 oz) per feed in the first week works well, moving toward 60–90 mL (2–3 oz) in weeks two to four and 90–120 mL (3–4 oz) by about one month. Some feeds will be smaller, some larger. The goal isn’t clearing the bottle; it’s a calm baby who stops on their own.
Per-feeding targets when using a bottle
Use a slow-flow newborn nipple and hold the bottle more horizontal so milk doesn’t pour. Tickle the lips, let baby draw the nipple in, and pause every few minutes to mimic nursing. This paced style helps match intake to appetite and lowers the chance of overfeeding.
Signals to start and stop
Hunger cues include stirring, hand-to-mouth, rooting, and soft “eh-eh” sounds. Fullness cues include relaxing hands, slower sucks with longer pauses, turning away, or falling asleep.
Daily totals and growth
By one month, many milk-fed babies land near 570–1,035 mL per day (about 19–35 oz) spread across the day and night, and that daily volume often holds steady through months one to six even as feed length and spacing change. Intake still varies, and weight checks guide whether your plan fits your baby.
Setting up bottles so baby drinks the right amount
Prep 60–90 mL (2–3 oz) bottles for the early weeks, with a few 120 mL (4 oz) bottles ready once your baby nears a month. Smaller portions reduce waste and make it easy to offer a top-off if your baby signals they want more after a short pause.
Simple portioning tips
- Warm only what you plan to offer in the next feed window.
- Offer one bottle, pause, then pour a small refill if cues say “still hungry.”
- Switch sides partway through a feed to slow the flow and add a natural break.
- Stick with newborn or preemie nipples while your baby is young to keep the pace gentle.
Reading the diaper ledger
Diapers tell you a lot. By day four or five, expect regular yellow stools and at least six good wets each day. If diapers dip and your baby seems sleepy at feeds, ask your pediatrician or midwife about a weight check and a feeding tune-up.
Storage, thawing, and re-warming at a glance
Expressed milk keeps its quality when handled with clean hands, labeled times, and careful temperature control. The CDC chart is the gold standard; you can scan it any time here: proper storage and preparation. The quick summary below fits most homes. Use clean, labeled containers.
| Setting | Time limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room temp ≤ 25 °C / 77 °F | Up to 4 hours | Keep covered and out of sun |
| Refrigerator ≤ 4 °C / 40 °F | Up to 4 days | Store at back, not in door |
| Freezer ≤ −18 °C / 0 °F | Best by 6 months; up to 12 months | Freeze in 60–120 mL (2–4 oz) portions |
| Insulated cooler with ice packs | Up to 24 hours | Move to fridge or freezer on arrival |
| Thawed in fridge | Use within 24 hours | Don’t refreeze thawed milk |
| Leftover after a feed | Use within 2 hours | Then discard |
Thaw and warm the gentle way
Thaw in the fridge overnight or under cool running water, then warm gradually in a bowl of warm water. Swirl to mix the fat. Skip the microwave since hotspots can form. If milk smells soapy after warming, that can be normal lipase activity; most babies accept it once mixed and offered promptly.
Sample pump-to-bottle day plan
The outline below shows one way to cover a full day with expressed milk while staying flexible. Swap times to match your routine. Watch the cues, pause mid-feed, and don’t push to finish.
First weeks (days 3–14)
Offer 30–60 mL (1–2 oz) every 2–3 hours during the day and on cue overnight. If your baby wakes sooner, feed sooner. If naps stretch, set an alarm so stretches don’t pass three hours in the daytime.
Weeks 3–4
Shift many bottles toward 60–90 mL (2–3 oz). You may see one longer sleep stretch. The next daytime feeds may bunch up; that’s fine and evens out by bedtime.
Weeks 5–8
Most bottles land near 90–120 mL (3–4 oz) with 6–9 feeds in 24 hours. Short growth spurts may cluster feeds for a day. Keep using a slow nipple and the paced method so intake still matches appetite.
Troubleshooting bottle amounts
Use small tweaks before changing bottle size.
Baby seems hungry right after finishing
Pause, burp, change sides, then offer a 15–30 mL (0.5–1 oz) top-off. Babies often need a small extra after a quick early feed or during a growth spurt.
When milk is left in the bottle
That’s fine. Leave a little at the end so your baby learns that quitting early is okay. Next time, pour a smaller portion and hold a second mini-pour in reserve.
If spit-up increases with bottles
Slow the flow, add more pauses, and keep your baby upright for 15–20 minutes after the feed. If spit-up looks forceful, green, or your baby seems unwell, call your pediatrician.
When bottle sizes go up again
Many milk-fed babies keep the same daily total from one to six months while spacing feeds out. If weight gain and diapers look good, there’s no rush to pour larger bottles.
Safety reminders you’ll use every day
- Label pumped milk with date and time so you rotate first-in, first-out.
- Wash pump parts and bottles per maker directions after each use.
- Use slow-flow nipples for months, not weeks, unless your nurse or pediatrician says otherwise.
- Share your paced-feeding plan with partners and caregivers so everyone follows the same steps.
When to ask for extra help
If feeds feel hard, diapers dip, or weight gain stalls, call your pediatrician, midwife, or an IBCLC. Bring your bottles and pump plan to the visit so the team can tailor small tweaks that fit your baby and your day.