In the first weeks, most newborns take 1–2 oz (30–60 mL) per feed, rising to 2–3 oz by week 2–3, based on hunger cues.
Those tiny feeds add up fast when you’re tired and tracking every bottle. The good news: there’s a simple range that fits most babies, plus clear safety steps. Use the guide below as a starting point, then watch your baby’s cues to fine-tune the plan.
Newborn Formula Amounts At A Glance
These ranges reflect common intake patterns in the first two weeks. Some feeds run a little higher or lower. That’s normal when you feed responsively.
| Age | Ounces Per Feed (mL) | Feeds In 24 Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | 0.5–1 oz (15–30) | 8–12 |
| Day 3–4 | 0.75–1.5 oz (25–45) | 8–12 |
| Day 5–7 | 1–2 oz (30–60) | 8–10 |
| Week 2 | 1.5–2.5 oz (45–75) | 7–9 |
By the end of the first month, many babies take 3–4 oz per feed with a steady rhythm of every 3–4 hours. Pediatric groups also point to a daily rule of thumb: about 2.5 oz of formula per pound of body weight, not to exceed about 32 oz in 24 hours. You can read the AAP’s detailed guidance for extra context.
How Much Formula For A Newborn Per Feed: Simple Guide
Start with the early range above, then adjust toward 2–3 oz per feed by week two or three if your baby wakes hungry and finishes bottles with ease. As days stretch out, most newborns land near 16–24 oz total in 24 hours, spread across 7–12 feeds. The 32-oz cap leaves room for bigger babies and spurts.
Follow Hunger And Fullness Cues
Offer a bottle when you see rooting, hand-to-mouth moves, lip smacking, or light fussing. Slow sucking, turning away, relaxed hands, or falling asleep at the bottle suggest the feed is done. If your baby drains a bottle and still searches for more, add 0.5–1 oz to the next feed and watch how it goes.
Feeding Frequency In The First Month
Early on, many babies feed every 2–3 hours around the clock. By the third or fourth week, stretches often widen to every 3–4 hours. Night sleep may start to consolidate; if your baby is gaining well and your pediatrician is happy with weight checks, a longer night stretch is fine.
Volume needs rise with growth. The daily guide on the CDC’s feeding amount page helps with planning, but your baby calls the shots from feed to feed. If intake swings from day to day, that’s common. Aim for steady diapers and a content baby between feeds.
Safety First: Mixing, Storage, And Warming
Clean hands, clean gear, and the right powder-to-water ratio matter. Wash your hands, use clean bottles, and measure formula as the label directs. If you warm bottles, skip the microwave; use warm running water or a warm-water bath until the milk feels lukewarm. The CDC page on prep and storage lays out clear steps.
Safe Storage Windows
- Start a bottle within 2 hours of mixing, or refrigerate right away.
- Use refrigerated formula within 24 hours.
- Discard leftovers from a used bottle after 2 hours at room temp or after the feed ends.
Water And Powder Basics
Use safe drinking water and stick to the scoop-and-water amounts on your brand. If water safety is uncertain, boil, cool, then mix. Never stretch bottles with extra water, and don’t pack scoops. If your baby needs a specialty formula, ask your pediatrician how to transition.
Reading Diapers And Growth
Wet and dirty diapers tell you a lot. After day four, many babies have six or more wet diapers daily and regular soft stools. Skin looks springy, lips look moist, and wake windows fit your baby’s age. If diapers drop off, stools turn hard, or your baby seems listless, call your pediatrician.
Sample Days You Can Copy And Tweak
Week 1 Template
Eight to ten feeds across the day and night. Offer 1–2 oz at each feed. Space them roughly every 2–3 hours. Expect cluster stretches in the evening.
Week 3 Template
Seven to nine feeds across 24 hours. Offer 2–3 oz at each feed. Daytime may sit closer to every 3 hours, with one longer night gap if weight gain is on track.
How To Pace A Bottle
Paced feeding helps babies set the speed. Hold your baby upright, and tip the bottle just enough to keep the nipple half full. Let your baby pause every few swallows for a breath and a burp. Switch sides midway through the feed to mimic the change in nursing sides. This slower rhythm can ease gas and reduce overfeeding without cutting total daily intake.
Burping Tips That Work
- Try three positions: over the shoulder, seated and leaning forward, or tummy down across your lap.
- Give gentle pats, then wait ten seconds to see if another bubble rises.
- If no burp appears after a minute, continue the feed and try again halfway and at the end.
Common Myths To Ignore
“Bigger bedtime bottles make longer sleep.” Large late bottles can backfire by causing spit-up and discomfort. “You must finish the bottle.” It’s fine to stop when your baby shows satiety cues. “Water between feeds helps.” Giving water to a young baby can be risky and displaces needed calories. Stick with formula unless your pediatrician says otherwise.
Unsure if today’s bottle size fits? Do a quick weight check. Multiply pounds by 2.5 and cap at 32 to get a daily ballpark, not a strict goal. Newborn needs swing with sleep, growth, and heat. If diapers, mood, and weight look steady, you’re on track. Use the table to match a daily range and adjust in half-ounce steps below.
Quick Reference: Intake By Weight
This table uses the “about 2.5 oz per pound per day” guide with a 32-oz cap. Per-feed ranges assume 8 feeds, then 10 feeds for smaller babies. Adjust to your baby’s signals.
| Weight (lb) | Daily Total (up to) | Per Feed Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 12–13 oz | 1–1.5 oz |
| 6 | 15 oz | 1.5–2 oz |
| 7 | 17–18 oz | 2 oz |
| 8 | 20 oz | 2–2.5 oz |
| 9 | 22–23 oz | 2.5–3 oz |
| 10 | 25 oz | 2.5–3 oz |
When Baby Seems Extra Hungry
Growth spurts can show up in week two or three. Feeds stack closer together, and your baby empties bottles fast. Add small bumps of 0.5–1 oz to see if that smooths the day. If spit-up climbs or diapers drop, scale back to the last comfortable amount.
If Spit-Up Or Gas Spikes
- Try paced bottle feeding so your baby pauses often.
- Keep your baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeds.
- Check nipple flow; a slower flow can help.
If Weight Checks Stall
Your pediatrician may ask for a few days of logs. Bring volumes, times, diapers, and any throw-ups. A tweak in volume or schedule often solves it. Sometimes a different nipple or bottle style improves intake without changing ounces.
How To Set A Calm Rhythm
Create a simple pattern: wake, feed, brief play, then sleep. Dim lights for night feeds and keep the room quiet. Skin-to-skin calms fussy spells and can space feeds by easing stress. If you have help, trade off burping and washing bottles so you can rest.
Formula Choices And Changes
Standard cow’s-milk formula fits many newborns. If your baby has lots of gas, firm stools, or a rash, ask your pediatrician before switching. Sudden changes can upset the tummy. When you do switch, mix old and new over two to three days so the taste change is gentle.
Travel And On-The-Go Feeds
Pack extra bottles, a small cooler with ice packs, and a travel-size soap for washing. Keep mixed bottles cold and use them within 24 hours. If you’re out longer than planned, single-serve ready-to-feed cartons are handy and shelf-stable until opened. Keep a spare shirt for you and your baby in the bag; spit-ups pick their own timing.
Tracking Logs Made Easy
A short log can reveal patterns fast. Jot down time, ounces, diaper counts, and sleep blocks. After a few days, you’ll spot the usual gaps between feeds and the times your baby tends to cluster. Share the log at visits so your pediatrician can see the full picture, not just a single day.
Red Flags That Need Prompt Care
- Fewer than four wet diapers a day after day four.
- Dry mouth, no tears with crying, sunken soft spot.
- Green vomit, forceful throw-ups, or blood in stool.
- Fever, limpness, or trouble waking to feed.
Putting It All Together
Early days: 0.5–2 oz per feed, about 8–12 times daily. Weeks two and three: many babies take 2–3 oz across 7–9 feeds. By the end of the first month, 3–4 oz per feed is common with a 3–4-hour rhythm. The daily guide of about 2.5 oz per pound, up to about 32 oz, keeps planning simple. Your baby’s cues, diapers, and weight checks tell you when to nudge amounts up or down.
Want a deeper reference while you feed? The CDC feeding amount page pairs nicely with the AAP chart. Bookmark for quick, handy checks on a sleepy night.