By two weeks, a newborn’s stomach typically holds about 60–90 mL (2–3 oz) per feed.
Two weeks in, feeding starts to feel a little more predictable. You’re getting to know your baby’s rhythm, and the question that keeps popping up is volume: how much milk fits in that tiny tummy at this age? Here’s a clear picture based on trusted infant-feeding references and what parents see day to day.
The short answer sits in a range. At around the two-week mark, most babies take roughly two to three ounces at a feed. That reflects how the stomach grows from the early days and how quickly milk moves through the gut. The exact number will shift per baby, per day, and even per feed.
What Does Two Weeks Look Like?
Across the second week, a typical per-feed capacity lands around 60–90 mL (2–3 oz). Lactation educators describe this range for weeks two and three on La Leche League Canada, which fits what many families see during a growth spurt around this time. A hospital guide from the NHS also places 10–12 days near 60–85 mL in this leaflet, backing up that same ballpark.
Numbers aside, the clearest signal is your baby. Some feeds are bigger, some are snack-sized, and cluster feeds can bunch together in the evening. Responsive feeding—offering when your baby shows early cues and pausing when they’re satisfied—keeps things on track.
| Age | Per-Feed Capacity | Everyday Picture |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 5–7 mL (about 1 tsp) | About a cherry; tiny, frequent feeds |
| Days 3–5 | 22–27 mL (¾–1 oz) | About a walnut; milk volume rising |
| End Of Week 1 | 45–60 mL (1½–2 oz) | About an apricot; fuller feeds |
| Days 10–12 | 60–85 mL (2–3 oz) | About a small egg; steady gains |
| Weeks 2–3 | 60–90 mL (2–3 oz) | Range most parents see now |
| Around 1 Month | 80–120 mL (2½–4 oz) | About a large egg; longer gaps |
Newborn Stomach Size At Two Weeks – What Parents See
Two weeks isn’t a switch; it’s a stretch. Capacity grows, and so does appetite. You may notice smoother latching, stronger suck-swallow-breathe patterns, and more settled stretches between feeds. Many babies still eat 8–12 times in 24 hours, and a few will want an extra top-off here and there.
Bottle volumes can look larger than direct nursing because a bottle flows with less effort. Pace the bottle to match a breast rhythm: hold it more horizontal, let your baby pause, and swap sides mid-feed. That simple pacing reduces overfeeding and gas.
Why The 60–90 mL Range Works
Gastric emptying speeds up compared with day one, so the stomach can take a bit more without feeling tight. Milk has shifted from colostrum to mature milk, which moves through the gut at a steady clip. Put those together and you get bigger, comfortable feeds that still leave room for frequent meals.
Growth spurts around the second week can bunch feeds, especially late afternoon and evening. On those days, single-feed volumes may dip while total daily intake climbs. That’s normal—your baby is “asking” for supply to meet demand.
Breast, Expressed Milk, And Formula
Breastfeeding at the breast can vary more from feed to feed. Babies tend to self-regulate well when milk flow is matched to their pace and when breaks are allowed. With expressed milk, many families portion two-week bottles at two to three ounces and adjust based on cues.
Formula-fed babies may take the upper end of the range in fewer feeds. Use paced techniques, watch satiety signals, and avoid pushing the last sip if your baby turns away. Volume is a guide, not a target.
How To Tell Your Baby Is Getting Enough
Look for a relaxed body and an unhurried release at the end of a feed. Listen for steady swallows, not just sucking. Track diapers: by the two-week point most babies pass six or more wets and regular stools, though stool patterns start to widen for breastfed babies.
Hunger Cues To Act On
- Stirring from sleep, bringing hands to mouth, rooting when touched on the cheek
- Quiet fussing that settles when positioned to feed
- Rapid eye movement while dozing, opening mouth when near the breast or bottle
Satiety Cues To Respect
- Slower sucking and longer pauses
- Relaxed fists and a soft body
- Turning the head away or sealing the lips
Feeding Rhythm Around Week Two
Many babies feed every two to three hours by day and add one longer stretch at night. Growth spurts can tighten that spacing for a day or two. Track patterns, not a rigid schedule, and let cues lead.
What Influences Intake At Two Weeks
Every baby grows on their own curve. Body size, appetite, and time since the last feed all nudge volumes up or down. A sleepy baby may take less in one sitting and make it up later. A baby who spits up a little might prefer smaller, more frequent feeds even when capacity allows more.
Feeding method matters too. A fast bottle nipple can push a baby past comfort before the brain has time to register fullness. A slower nipple with paced technique lets your baby lead, which keeps amounts closer to need. At the breast, latch and positioning affect how smoothly milk transfers; a deep latch often means calmer, more efficient feeds.
Signs A Bottle Flow Is Too Fast
• Coughing or gulping at the start of the feed
• Milk spilling from the corners of the mouth
• Brief feeds followed by spitting up and gas
When Volumes Seem Low
Start with cues and diapers. If wets are steady and weight checks are on track, smaller single feeds can be fine. Offer more often, switch sides at the breast, and keep bottles to a pace your baby can manage. If diapers fall off, if weight stalls, or if feeds feel painful or stressful, book a visit with your health team.
Safe Storage And Prep Quick Guide
Breast milk changes by day and by week, so small portions help match intake without waste. Label by date and volume, and rotate the oldest forward. Thaw in the fridge when you can; if you need it sooner, place the container in warm—not hot—water and swirl to blend the cream line.
For formula, wash hands, use clean bottles, and measure powder and water as directed on the tin. Boiled and cooled water is often advised for safety. Once mixed and warmed, use the feed within the time on the label and discard leftovers in the bottle.
Practical Tips For Comfortable Feeds
Latch and position matter. Bring your baby to you, not the other way around, so neck and body stay aligned. If using a bottle, keep the nipple partly filled, then tip down during pauses to slow the flow.
Burp in the middle and at the end of a feed. A gentle shoulder hold or seated burp often does the trick. If gas lingers, try a brief upright cuddle before laying your baby down.
For expressed milk, store in small portions so you waste less. Warm gently in a bowl of warm water and swirl—don’t shake hard. For formula, follow the tin for ratios and safe prep; toss leftovers from a finished feed.
Track diapers and weight with your clinic or midwife visits. If volumes swing wildly, if diapers drop off, or if feeds are always a struggle, reach out to your baby’s doctor for a check.
| Feed Type | Typical Per Feed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Breastfeeding At Breast | 60–90 mL per feed (varies) | Let your baby set pace; expect 8–12 feeds/day |
| Expressed Breast Milk | 2–3 oz labeled bottles | Use paced bottle feed; pause mid-feed to burp |
| Infant Formula | 2–3 oz common at this age | Mix as directed; don’t force the last sip |
Common Myths About Two-Week Feeds
“A bigger bottle means better sleep.” Sleep links to many factors. A large feed right before bed can lead to spit-ups and a wake-up from gas. Gentle routines and good burps help more than extra ounces.
“You must match the same volume at every feed.” Real feeding swings. Babies top up after short naps and take fuller feeds after longer stretches. A daily range within 60–90 mL works well for many families.
“If milk leaks while nursing, your baby needs a bottle.” Leaking can point to a shallow latch or a fast let-down, not low intake. Try reclined positions, deeper latch, and breaks to settle the flow.
What If Your Baby Wants More Than 3 Oz?
Some babies will drain a three-ounce bottle and still root. Offer a brief pause to burp and see if cues resume. If your baby stays engaged, adding another half ounce is fine. Watch for relaxed hands and slower sucking to know when to stop.
If larger feeds become the norm and diapers remain steady, your baby may simply prefer fewer, bigger meals. Keep pace slow, hold your baby upright for a few minutes after feeding, and track comfort. If spit-ups or discomfort climb, shift back to smaller portions spread across the day.
Week Two Recap
Most two-week tummies handle about 60–90 mL per feed. Some meals will be smaller and others larger, and that variance is expected. Watch your baby, not the clock or the bottle lines, and you’ll match intake to need.
Keep feeds responsive and paced, mind burps, gently portion bottles in that two-to-three ounce range. With steady cues and steady diapers, you’re right where you need to be. If you feel unsure of intake or comfort, bring notes on amounts and diapers to your baby’s next check; details help the care team spot fixes.