How Many Ounces Should Newborn Drink Per Feeding? | Baby Bottle Basics

How Many Ounces Should A Newborn Drink Per Feeding – Real-World Ranges

Newborns eat often and in small portions. Tiny bellies fill fast, then empty fast. During the first days, most babies take just 1–2 ounces per feed, every 2–3 hours. By the end of the first month, many are closer to 2–4 ounces per feed, with stretches of 3–4 hours between feeds. These are guide rails, not rigid rules, and cues always win.

If you use formula, a simple daily yardstick helps: about 2½ ounces per pound of body weight across 24 hours, with a ceiling near 32 ounces. Breastfed babies set the pace on their own and usually land in a similar daily range once milk supply is in.

Age	Per Feeding (oz)	Feeds/24h
Days 1–3	1–2	8–12
Days 4–14	1.5–3	8–10
Weeks 3–4	2–4	7–9

These ranges match what major pediatric sources describe. The CDC guide on formula amounts starts newborns at 1–2 ounces every 2–3 hours in the early days. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ formula schedule overview explains the 2½ oz per pound per day yardstick and the usual 32-ounce daily cap.

Breast Milk And Formula: What Actually Differs

Breast milk volume ramps up over the first week. Colostrum comes first in small, nutrient-dense amounts, then mature milk flows. A fully breastfed baby usually feeds 8–12 times per day in the early weeks, with average daily transfer near 25–35 ounces once supply is steady. Per-feed amounts vary, since babies nurse for comfort as well as hunger.

Formula intake tends to look steadier and easier to measure. Many newborns drink 2–3 ounces per bottle by the second week and reach about 4 ounces per bottle by the end of the first month. Aim for responsive feeding: offer when hunger signs show, pause when baby slows, and stop when interest fades.

First Month, Week By Week

Days 1–3: Tiny Stomach, Tiny Feeds

On day one, a newborn’s stomach capacity is small, so 1–2 ounces per feed makes sense. Frequent feeds help with milk supply and keep babies hydrated and content. Expect short, frequent sessions and some cluster periods.

Days 4–7: Volume Starts Rising

As milk volume increases, per-feed amounts grow toward 1.5–3 ounces. Babies often stretch to 2–3 hours between sessions. Wet diapers rise too. This is the phase where bottle amounts may jump day to day.

Weeks 2–4: Finding A Rhythm

By the third and fourth week, many babies settle around 2–4 ounces per feed. Some take a longer sleep window once per day. Others keep steady, shorter gaps. Either pattern can be normal if weight gain, diapers, and alert time look good.

Hunger And Fullness Cues To Watch

Reading cues beats counting ounces alone. Early hunger signs include:

• Stirring, mouth opening, rooting, hand-to-mouth moves.
• Soft fussing that builds if feeding is delayed.

Signs that a baby has had enough include:

• Relaxed hands and limbs, slower sucking, turning away from the nipple or bottle.
• Dozing off near the end of a session, with no interest when offered again.

If cues and growth look on track, the amount is likely right for that baby.

Daily Intake By Weight (Formula)

The weight-based guide is simple math. Multiply baby’s weight in pounds by 2.5 to estimate a day’s total ounces, then divide by the number of feeds. Stay below the 32-ounce daily limit unless a clinician directs otherwise.

Weight (lb)	Daily Total (oz)	Example Per Feed*
6	~15	8 feeds → ~2 oz
8	~20	8 feeds → ~2.5 oz
10	~25	8 feeds → ~3 oz
12	~30	8 feeds → ~3.5–4 oz

*Examples only. Baby appetite and schedules vary.

Night Feeds, Cluster Feeds, And Growth Spurts

Many newborns feed at night every 2–4 hours. Short stretches of hourly feeds can appear in the evenings. These cluster runs are common and help build supply. During growth spurts, babies may add feeds or finish bottles faster for a few days.

Bottle Pacing And Flow

With bottles, a slow-flow nipple and paced technique can help a baby self-regulate intake. Hold the bottle more horizontal, offer breaks, and let the baby draw the milk. If a baby drains every bottle fast and fusses after, try a slower flow and more pauses before raising volume.

Diapers, Weight, And Reassurance

Wet and dirty diapers offer quick feedback. After the first days, many babies have six or more wet diapers daily and regular stools. Weight checks at clinic visits confirm that intake matches growth goals. If output drops, or weight stalls, connect with your care team promptly.

Safety Notes New Parents Miss

• Do not exceed about 32 ounces of formula in 24 hours unless told by your clinician.
• Skip bottle propping. Feed held and upright. Pause for burps and comfort.
• Do not add cereal to a bottle unless a clinician prescribes it.
• If breastfeeding, give 400 IU vitamin D drops daily. Formula-fed babies also need vitamin D until they reach 32 ounces of fortified formula per day.
• Mix formula exactly as labeled and use safe water. Keep bottles and parts clean and dry between uses.

When To Call The Doctor

Reach out if any of the following show up:

• Fewer than three wet diapers by day three, or fewer than six after the first week.
• Constant sleepiness during feeds, weak sucking, or poor latch.
• Repeated vomiting, green vomit, or signs of dehydration like dry mouth.
• Fast breathing, bluish lips, or a fever in a baby under two months.

Final Pointers

Ounces are only part of the story. Let cues, diapers, and steady weight gain steer you. Use the early table to set expectations and the weight-based table for bottle planning. If anything feels off, ask your pediatrician or a lactation pro. Small tweaks to timing, flow, or bottle size often solve the puzzle.