Most newborns drink 1–2 oz per feed in the first days, rising to 2–3 oz by week 2 and 24–32 oz in 24 hours by the end of month one.
New babies have tiny stomachs and fast growth. That mix explains why feeds start small and jump fast in the first month. You’ll see patterns, but your baby sets the pace. The best plan is simple: feed on early hunger cues, watch for content, and let the numbers guide you rather than rule you.
Why Ounces Vary From Baby To Baby
Some babies sip often. Others take bigger bottles and pause longer. Belly size, wake windows, latch quality, and milk flow all shape intake. Breastfed babies tend to feed more often with smaller volumes, while bottle-fed babies may take a little more at a time. Growth spurts can cluster feeds for a day or two. If weight gain and diaper counts look good, intake is usually on track.
Newborn Ounces Per Feeding By Age
Use this age guide as a range, not a rigid target. If your baby shows hunger sooner, offer more. If they turn away mid-feed, they’re likely done.
| Age | Ounces Per Feed | Feeds / 24 h |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | 0.5–1 oz | 8–12 |
| Days 3–4 | 1–1.5 oz | 8–12 |
| Days 5–7 | 1.5–2 oz | 8–12 |
| Week 2 | 2–3 oz | 8–10 |
| Week 3 | 2–3 oz | 7–10 |
| Week 4 | 3–4 oz | 6–8 |
For deeper detail and ranges, see the AAP formula feeding guide and the CDC how-much-and-how-often page. Both stress feeding on cues and keeping total intake near 24–32 oz per day in the first months.
How Many Ounces Per Day?
Across a full day, most newborns land near 16–24 oz in the first two weeks and approach 24–32 oz by the end of the first month. The top end is a ceiling, not a goal. If your baby hits that upper range and still acts hungry, check flow, burping, and pacing before increasing volume. If intake sits under the range but weight gain and diapers look solid, your baby may just be efficient.
Breastfed Newborns: What “Ounces” Mean
You can’t see ounces at the breast, so signs become your dashboard. In the first days, expect few wet diapers, then at least 5–6 wets by the end of the first week, with yellow, loose stools most days. Content after feeds, steady weight gain, and plenty of swallows point to good intake. If you bottle your milk, store 2–3 oz portions early on to cut waste and match small stomachs. Many breastfed babies still prefer frequent, smaller feeds even when bottles are in the mix.
Formula-Fed Newborns: Simple Math That Works
A handy rule ties daily ounces to weight: about 2.5 oz of formula per pound of body weight across 24 hours, with a soft cap near 32 oz per day. Split that total across your baby’s usual number of feeds. If your baby drains bottles fast or spits up often, shift to paced feeding and check nipple flow. If they leave a little each time, that’s fine; bottles don’t need to be empty to count as a good feed.
Weight-Based Rule Of Thumb (Daily Formula)
Match weight to a daily total, then divide by feed count to set starting volumes. Adjust up or down based on cues.
| Weight (lb) | Daily Total (oz) | If 8 Feeds / Day |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 15 | ~2 oz |
| 7 | 17–18 | ~2–2.5 oz |
| 8 | 20 | ~2.5 oz |
| 9 | 22–23 | ~2.5–3 oz |
| 10 | 25 | ~3 oz |
| 11 | 27–28 | ~3.5 oz |
| 12 | 30 | ~3.5–4 oz |
Keep daily totals under about 32 oz unless your baby’s doctor advises otherwise. Some days will trend higher or lower, and that’s normal with growth, naps, and cluster feeds.
Hunger And Fullness Cues
Watch the cues, not just the clock. Early hunger cues help you start before crying, which can make feeding harder.
Common Hunger Cues
- Lip smacking, tongue movements, or rooting.
- Hands to mouth, alert eyes, gentle fussing.
- Short sleep stretches followed by active searching.
Common Fullness Cues
- Slower sucking, longer pauses, relaxed hands.
- Turning head away, sealing lips, pushing nipple out.
- Content and sleepy shortly after a burp.
Paced Bottle Feeding And Flow Tips
Paced feeding helps babies set the tempo. Hold the bottle near horizontal so milk flows steadily but not fast. Offer brief pauses every minute or two to mimic the rhythm of nursing. Switch sides halfway through to support head and neck balance. If feeds end in minutes with gulping or coughing, the nipple may flow too fast; step down a size. If a feed drags on and your baby works hard for each swallow, the nipple may be too slow; step up a size. Paced feeding cuts overfeeding risk and gives babies room to notice fullness.
Safe Prep, Storage, And Water
Mix formula exactly as labeled. Ready-to-feed needs no extra water. Powdered formula needs clean water and the correct scoop. Never stretch formula with extra water. That lowers calories and can upset sodium balance. Warm bottles by standing them in warm water if you prefer; skip the microwave due to hot spots. Discard any formula left in a used bottle after about one hour at room temp. Freshly mixed bottles can chill in the fridge and be used within about 24 hours if untouched. Babies under six months don’t need extra water; breast milk or formula covers hydration unless a clinician gives a specific medical plan.
When To Call Your Baby’s Doctor
Reach out if any of these show up: fewer than 5–6 wet diapers per day after the first week, scant stools with hard pellets, poor latch or weak sucking, feeds that take far longer than expected, coughing or choking through feeds, frequent forceful spit-ups, or skin that stays yellow past the early newborn window. Newborns with weight loss beyond plan, sleepy babies who skip multiple feeds, and babies who seem thirsty despite frequent feeds all need a prompt check.
Bottom Line For Tired Parents
Start with the ranges, feed on cues, and let your baby call time on each bottle or breast. In the first week, think 1–2 oz per feed. By week two, expect 2–3 oz. Around one month, many land near 3–4 oz per feed with a daily total near 24–32 oz. If diapers and growth look solid, you’re doing it right. If questions pop up, bring them to your baby’s doctor and keep that feeding log handy.