For newborn feeding, most babies take about 1–2 ounces per feed in the first days, rising to roughly 2–4 ounces by 2–4 weeks, with 8–12 feeds in 24 hours.
Newborn Feeding Ounces Per Feed: What To Expect
Newborn tummies are small, so intake per feed starts low and climbs over the first month. In the first days, many babies take around 1–2 ounces (30–60 mL) per feeding. By the end of the first month, plenty of babies are taking 3–4 ounces (90–120 mL) per feeding. Breastfed babies often eat more frequently with smaller servings, while bottle-fed babies may take slightly larger servings on a steadier rhythm. Always let your baby lead the pace and pause when they signal they’re done.
Two trusted guides you can cross-check while you learn your baby’s patterns are the CDC guidance on formula amounts and the AAP guidance on how often and how much babies eat. Numbers are ranges, not rules. Your baby’s cues, growth, diaper counts, and comfort matter most.
How Many Ounces Per Feeding For Newborns By Age
The table below gathers common intake patterns for healthy, term babies. You’ll see ranges because babies aren’t carbon copies. Some take a bit less yet feed more often; others spread feeds out and take a bit more at once. If your baby was early or has a medical plan, follow your clinician’s directions.
| Age | Typical Intake Per Feeding | Feeds In 24 Hours |
|---|---|---|
| First 1–3 Days | ~1–2 oz (30–60 mL) | 10–12+ |
| Days 4–6 | ~1.5–3 oz (45–90 mL) | 8–12 |
| Week 2 | ~2–3 oz (60–90 mL) | 8–12 |
| Weeks 3–4 | ~2–4 oz (60–120 mL) | 7–10 |
| End Of Month 1 | ~3–4 oz (90–120 mL) | 6–8 |
Why These Ranges Make Sense
Intake isn’t just about age. Babies ramp up volume as belly size grows, milk supply settles, and feeding skills improve. Cluster feeding can bunch several short feeds together, especially in the evening, then a longer stretch follows. Growth spurts can nudge intake up for a day or two. On quiet days, your baby may sip less. Across a full day, it tends to balance out.
Breastfed And Formula-Fed Babies: Ounces Look Different
Breastfeeding works on supply and demand. Short, frequent feeds in the first weeks help your supply match your baby’s needs. You may not see ounces, yet diaper counts and steady weight gain show how feeding is going. With bottles, ounces are visible, which helps with tracking, though it’s easy to keep offering sips after your baby is satisfied. A paced-bottle approach and pauses to burp can keep feeds comfy and reduce overfeeding.
Feeding Rhythm Across A Day
Most breastfed newborns eat every 2–3 hours from the start of one feed to the start of the next, which lands near 8–12 feeds in 24 hours. Many formula-fed newborns start near every 2–3 hours, then shift toward every 3–4 hours as volumes rise. Night feeds are normal; many babies still wake to eat for several weeks. A longer stretch may appear once daily, then shorter stretches fill the rest of the day.
Hunger And Fullness Cues To Trust
Hunger shows up in small ways before crying. Offer a feed when you see early signs and you’ll often get a calmer latch and smoother bottle session.
Early Hunger Cues
- Rooting, lip smacking, tongue flicks
- Hands to mouth, gentle fussing, alert eyes
- Waking early from sleep and looking for you
Signs Your Baby Had Enough
- Relaxed body, open palms, milk-drunk look
- Slowing sucks and swallows, turning away
- Letting the nipple slip out, dozing off
If you’re bottle-feeding and the bottle is empty but your baby still cues for more, offer another ounce. If you’re breastfeeding and your baby unlatches and settles, you can try the other side or end the session. Your baby’s behavior across the day is the better gauge than any single feed.
Diapers, Weight, And Comfort: Does My Baby Get Enough?
Wet diapers climb after the first few days. Expect at least 5–6 wets daily once milk is in, with clear to pale-yellow urine. Stool patterns vary. Some babies stool several times daily; some skip a day and then have a big one. During checkups, your pediatrician plots weight and length on growth charts; steady tracking shows your baby is on course. If your baby seems sleepy at the breast or bottle and isn’t waking to feed, set alarms for a time and offer feeds more often until weight gain is on track. If spit-up, fussing, or gas seems strong after larger bottles, try slower flow nipples and paced feeds.
Day And Night Patterns, Cluster Feeding, And Growth Spurts
Evenings can be busy. Many babies snack in short bursts, then take a deeper sleep stretch later. Nights often include one to three feeds in the early weeks. You’ll see spurts around week 2–3 and again near week 6, when intake jumps for a spell. Follow cues, keep sessions calm and unrushed, and your supply and your baby’s appetite will settle into a groove.
Practical Portions: Bottles, Pumping, And Pace
Building bottles isn’t one-size-fits-all. Start with smaller portions and add more if your baby still cues. A common starting point for newborn bottles is 1.5–2 ounces; many babies reach 2.5–3 ounces by week 2–3, then 3–4 ounces near the end of month one. Hold the bottle more horizontal, pause every few minutes, and switch sides while feeding to mimic the ebb and flow of nursing. If you’re pumping, label bottles by date and use the oldest first. Room-temperature milk keeps feeds simple; warm gently if your baby prefers it, and avoid hot spots by swirling.
When The Numbers Don’t Match The Cues
Sometimes a baby finishes a 2-ounce bottle and still roots. Offer another ounce and watch their response. If they slow, relax, and turn away, stop there. If they drain it and still look interested, offer more. If a baby often leaves milk behind and still gains well, smaller bottles may suit them. A tidy log of feed times, amounts, and diapers can help you see patterns. Bring that log to visits so you and your pediatrician can look at the full picture together.
Daily Totals By Baby Weight
For bottle-fed babies, a handy daily estimate is about 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight, spread across the day, with an average upper limit near 32 ounces in 24 hours. This is an estimate, not a target. Some babies take a little less and thrive, especially if they sleep long stretches or are smaller. Always let fullness cues stop the feed.
| Baby Weight | Rough Daily Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 lb (2.7 kg) | ~15 oz per day | Split across 8–12 feeds |
| 7 lb (3.2 kg) | ~17–18 oz per day | Watch wet diapers and mood |
| 8 lb (3.6 kg) | ~20 oz per day | Some days a bit more |
| 9 lb (4.1 kg) | ~22–23 oz per day | Often 7–9 feeds |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | ~25 oz per day | Don’t push past ~32 oz/day |
Common Scenarios And Simple Fixes
Baby Falls Asleep Minutes Into Every Feed
Unwrap the swaddle, tickle the feet, switch sides or burp, then relatch or resume the bottle. Daylight during daytime feeds and dim lights at night help set rhythms. If sleepiness persists and weight gain lags, offer feeds more often and speak with your pediatrician.
Baby Wants A Bottle Right After Breastfeeding
Try breast compression and a second letdown by switching sides a few times. If your baby still cues, offer a small top-off bottle and make a plan for more frequent nursing the next day. A few top-offs during a spurt are common and don’t erase your progress.
Spit-Up Seems Big After Larger Bottles
Shorten the bottle by an ounce and slow the flow. Hold your baby upright for 15–20 minutes after feeding. If spit-up includes poor weight gain, blood, dark green vomit, or signs of pain, call your clinician.
Baby Sleeps A Long Stretch And Misses Feeds
In the early weeks, many babies still need 8–12 feeds daily. If stretches longer than 4–5 hours appear often in week one or two, set an alarm and offer a feed. Once weight gain is steady and your clinician is happy with the curve, you can let the longest stretch ride.
Safe Bottle Building And Storage
Wash hands, use clean bottles, and mix formula per the can’s directions. If you refrigerate prepared bottles, keep them at the back of the fridge and use within the recommended window on the label. For pumped milk, date each container and store in portions your baby usually takes. Thaw in the fridge or under cool then warm running water; never microwave. Swirl to mix the fat back in and check temperature on your wrist before offering.
What To Remember About Newborn Ounces
A newborn’s intake grows fast in the first weeks: around 1–2 ounces per feed at the start, building toward 2–4 ounces by weeks three and four. Breastfed babies tend to feed more often; bottle-fed babies often take larger single servings with fewer sessions. Let your baby’s cues lead, watch diapers and growth, and adjust portions without pressuring them to finish. If something feels off, bring notes and talk with your pediatrician. You know your baby best, and steady, responsive feeding will carry you through the early weeks.