Newborn breastmilk per feeding: 5–7 mL on day 1; ~15–40 mL by days 2–3; ~30–70 mL by days 4–5; by 3–4 weeks, ~75–120 mL per feed.
New babies eat often, and the amount per feed changes fast across the first month. Early on, tiny sips of colostrum are enough. As milk volume rises and your baby’s tummy stretches, each feed gets larger. Two anchors help set expectations: responsive, cue-based feeding and steady diaper output. For medical detail on normal early volumes, the NHS first-days breastfeeding leaflet lists stomach capacity and typical intake, and the AAP guidance outlines feed frequency and later bottle sizes.
Breastmilk ML Per Feeding For Newborns: Real-World Ranges
Day one is a warm-up: most babies take small amounts, several times. By day two and day three, feeds increase. Around day four to day five, many babies reach 30–70 mL per feed as mature milk comes in. Over weeks three to four, typical bottled breastmilk portions land near 75–120 mL, with some variation. Remember, sessions at the breast are not identical bottles; pace, letdown, and baby’s appetite shift across the day.
Early Days Intake: What The Numbers Mean
Colostrum is concentrated and comes in small volumes on purpose. The point is frequent practice at the breast, building supply, and steady energy for your baby. If you are pumping or offering expressed milk, these ballpark values help size portions without overfilling bottles. Use them as a starting point while you watch hunger and fullness cues.
Typical First-Week Intake (Per Feed And Per Day)
| Age | Per Feed (mL) | Per Day (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 2–7 | ~37 |
| Day 2 | ~14 | ~84 |
| Day 3 | ~38 | ~408 |
| Day 4 | ~58 | ~625 |
| Day 5 | ~70 | ~700 |
How Often Should A Newborn Feed?
Expect 8–12 feeds in each 24 hours during the early weeks. Spacing may be every two to three hours from the start of one feed to the start of the next, with some shorter clusters and some longer stretches. Nights still count. Feeding when your baby shows early cues keeps intake steady and helps supply. The AAP page explains that by the end of the first month many babies take 90–120 mL per bottle every three to four hours.
Hunger Cues And Fullness Signals
Early cues include stirring, mouth opening, rooting, and hand-to-mouth movements. Crying is a late cue. Signs of fullness include relaxed hands, slower sucking, turning away, and sleepy calm. With bottles, pause often and let your baby lead the pace. If you see tension, arching, or gulping, take brief breaks.
What Changes From Week One To Week Four
Milk shifts from colostrum to mature milk around days three to five. Feed volumes ramp up as supply builds and as baby’s stomach holds more. You may notice some feeds are larger after a longer nap, while other feeds are short “top-ups.” Both patterns fit normal newborn behavior. If you pump, the amount you see in a single session does not always reflect what your baby can transfer at the breast.
Why Two Babies The Same Age Drink Different Amounts
Birth weight, feeding skill, latch comfort, and time since the last feed all matter. Some babies take smaller, more frequent feeds; others prefer larger, slightly less frequent sessions. Growth spurts can bring bursts of cluster feeding. Bottle sizes are guides, not targets to finish every time. Watch your baby, not the line on the bottle.
Sizing Bottles For Expressed Breastmilk
When you prepare bottles for a newborn, small portions reduce waste and ease pacing. In the first week, 10–30 mL bottles are handy. By weeks two to four, 60–90 mL bottles cover most feeds, with a backup 120 mL bottle for the occasional bigger stretch between sessions. If your baby signals fullness early, cap the feed and save the rest safely for the next session.
Feed Frequency And Per-Feed Ranges (Weeks Two To Four)
Use this as a quick map when planning bottled breastmilk for a baby past the first week. It links daily feed counts with a typical per-feed range. If you feed on the higher end of the range and your baby still seeks more soon after, plan an extra small top-up bottle.
| Feeds In 24 Hours | Per Feed (mL) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12 feeds | 50–80 | Suited to frequent, shorter sessions |
| 10–11 feeds | 55–96 | Common in cue-based days and nights |
| 8–9 feeds | 75–120 | Aligns with many first-month bottle sizes |
How To Pace Bottles So Baby Leads
Hold your baby more upright, keep the bottle level, and tip just enough to fill the nipple without a strong stream. Offer pauses every few swallows for breathing and reassessment. Switch sides halfway through to mimic nursing. This approach helps your baby sense fullness, lowers gulping, and makes it easier to stop when done.
When A Feed Seems Too Big Or Too Small
If your baby spits up often, looks uncomfortable, or finishes every bottle in minutes and then struggles, try smaller portions with extra pauses. If feeds drag on and your baby looks frustrated, check flow rate and latch at the bottle nipple. A slower or faster nipple can help match your baby’s rhythm.
Diapers, Weight, And Comfort Checks
Steady diaper output tells you intake is on track. A simple pattern many services teach is two wet diapers on day two, three on day three, four on day four, and six or more each day after that. Stools shift from dark meconium to brown, then to mustard-yellow by about day five. Comfortable feeds and a relaxed baby afterward round out the picture.
When To Ask For Help
If latching hurts, if diapers are fewer than expected, if jaundice deepens, or if weight checks stall, bring these points to your clinician. Early tweaks to positioning, latch, or feeding plan can make a big difference. If you are expressing, hands-on techniques and frequent sessions lift output across the first days.
Practical Tips For The First Month
Make Night Feeds Work For You
Keep the setup simple: dim light, a safe chair, burp cloths, water within reach. Many babies feed more often in the evening and overnight; short naps between feeds help everyone recharge. Skin-to-skin time settles babies and supports milk flow.
Burping That Fits A Newborn’s Pace
Newborns swallow air as they coordinate suck, swallow, and breathe. Gentle mid-feed and end-feed burps ease pressure. Try over-the-shoulder, seated-on-lap with chin support, or tummy-down across your forearm. If your baby looks content, you do not need to chase a burp endlessly.
Smart Bottle Prep And Storage
Portion small to start. Aim for 30–60 mL bottles during week two, with one or two 90–120 mL bottles chilled as backups. Label date and time. Warm gently in warm water, not a microwave. Discard any milk left in the bottle two hours after the feed begins to keep things safe.
Special Situations
Late Preterm Or Smaller Newborns
Babies born a bit early or with lower weight can tire quickly. They may need more frequent, smaller feeds and extra check-ins. If advised to supplement, small measured amounts alongside time at the breast can protect supply while your baby builds stamina.
Pumping While Your Baby Learns
Short, frequent sessions match the newborn pattern well. Eight to ten sessions per day in the early days is common when pumping to build supply, including one overnight session. Hands-on massage before and during pumping can lift output. Bottles offered to your baby can stay small at first to support pacing.
Quick Answers To Common Newborn Feed Questions
Does My Baby Need A Set Bottle Size?
No. Bottle sizes can vary within a day. A 60 mL feed at one session and a 90 mL feed at the next can both be normal. Let cues drive the plan.
What If My Baby Wants To Feed Again Soon?
Offer another small portion or return to the breast. Cluster feeding can boost supply and help babies settle. Short, frequent sessions are common in the evening.
Could I Be Overfeeding?
With breastfeeding at the breast, babies usually self-regulate. With bottles, it is easier to push past fullness. Pacing, pauses, and smaller starting portions help your baby stop comfortably when ready.
Your Takeaway: Use Ranges, Watch Cues, Adjust Smoothly
Early newborn feeds are tiny; by the end of the first week, many babies take around 30–70 mL per feed. By weeks three to four, plenty of babies take 75–120 mL per bottle, several times per day. Feed on cues, pace bottles, and check diapers and comfort. If something feels off, ask your care team for a hands-on look and simple refinements. You are learning together, and small steps add up quickly.