Most newborns take 5–30 mL per feed in the first 3 days, then 45–90 mL by weeks 1–2, with 8–12 feeds in 24 hours.
What ‘Per Feed’ Means For A Newborn
A per-feed figure is the volume a baby drinks at one sitting. Newborns eat often, so a small number per feed still adds up across a day. Breastfed babies take variable amounts because flow changes during a session. Bottle-fed babies may drain a set volume, so paced bottle feeding helps match a baby’s pace. Across the first weeks, most babies feed 8–12 times in 24 hours. For bottle math and daily totals, the AAP formula feeding guide is a handy reference. For nursing rhythms, see the CDC’s overview of how much and how often to breastfeed.
How Many Milliliters Per Feed For A Newborn: Day-By-Day
Volumes rise fast in week one. Use the ranges below as a guide, then let hunger cues lead the rest. Some feeds will be smaller, some bigger. That’s normal.
| Age | Typical Per-Feed mL | Feeds / 24h |
|---|---|---|
| Birth–24 hours | 5–10 mL | 8–12 |
| 24–48 hours | 10–20 mL | 8–12 |
| 48–72 hours | 15–30 mL | 8–12 |
| Days 4–7 | 30–60 mL | 8–12 |
| Weeks 2–3 | 45–75 mL | 8–12 |
| Week 4 | 60–90 mL | 7–10 |
Day 0–1 (Birth To 24 Hours)
Small, frequent feeds win here. Many babies take 5–10 mL at a time. Colostrum is thick and rich, so sessions may look short yet still meet needs. Expect at least one wet diaper and one stool on day one.
Days 2–3 (24–72 Hours)
Stomach capacity and milk intake rise. Typical single-feed volumes move toward 10–30 mL. Babies often group feeds close together, then sleep a longer stretch. Aim for two to three wet diapers on day two, and five or more by day three.
End Of Week 1 (Days 4–7)
Milk supply is ramping. Many babies take 30–60 mL per feed, with 8–12 feeds across the day. Six or more wet diapers and yellow stools are common by now.
Weeks 2–4
Growth spurts can pop up. Per-feed volumes often range from 45–90 mL. Formula-fed babies may land near a pattern of 60–90 mL every 3–4 hours. Breastfed babies may cluster feed in the evenings.
Taking A Newborn Feed In mL: Close Variations That Parents Use
You’ll hear “how many milliliters per feed for a newborn,” “mL per feeding newborn,” or “per bottle mL for newborns.” Each points to the same thing: a working range to start from, then adjust by cues. It’s fine to begin with the lower end of a range and offer a small top-up if signs of hunger stick around.
Formula Bottle Volumes By Body Weight
For formula, a simple yardstick is 2½ ounces per pound of body weight each day (about 75 mL per pound). That’s near 165 mL per kilogram per day. Divide the daily total by the number of feeds to set a starting bottle size, then follow your baby’s signals.
Worked Examples
A 3.2 kg baby needs near 525 mL across the day. With 10 feeds, that’s near 50–55 mL per feed. A 4.0 kg baby needs near 660 mL per day. With 8 feeds, that’s near 80–85 mL per feed. Stop the bottle when signs of fullness appear, even if a little remains.
Breastfed And Formula-Fed: What Changes
Breast milk flow shifts within a feed. Babies take more at the start, then smaller sips as the session settles. Time on the breast varies, which is normal. Watch swallowing, relaxed hands, and content behavior. With bottles, milk flows the same unless you pace it. A slow-flow nipple and pauses help babies self-regulate.
Hunger Cues And Fullness Signals
Early hunger signs include stirring, lip smacking, rooting, and bringing hands to mouth. Late cues include crying and a tense body. Offer the breast or bottle at early cues when feeds go smoother. Fullness looks like relaxed hands, turning away, fewer swallows, and sealing the lips. Honoring these signals keeps per-feed mL aligned with true appetite.
How Often Should Newborns Feed
Across the first weeks, most newborns feed every 2–3 hours, or 8–12 times in 24 hours. Some will bunch several feeds close together, known as cluster feeding. In the early days, don’t let long gaps build; wake for feeds if needed, especially if weight checks are pending.
Is My Baby Getting Enough? Simple Checks
Diaper counts and weight gain tell the story. Expect rising wet diapers over the first three days, moving toward six or more wets from day four onward. Breastfed stool turns from dark meconium to yellow by the end of week one. Your care team will track weight; most babies return to birth weight by day 10–14. For a quick refresher on early patterns, see CDC newborn basics on wet diapers and stools.
Daily Totals And Per-Feed Splits (Formula Or Expressed Milk)
Use this table to spread a daily target across typical feed counts. Treat it as a starting point, not a fixed rule.
| Weight (kg) | Daily Target (mL) | Per Feed (8–12 feeds) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.8 | 460 mL | 40–60 mL |
| 3.0 | 495 mL | 40–65 mL |
| 3.2 | 525 mL | 45–70 mL |
| 3.5 | 575 mL | 50–75 mL |
| 3.8 | 625 mL | 55–80 mL |
| 4.0 | 660 mL | 55–85 mL |
| 4.5 | 745 mL | 60–95 mL |
Tips For Tracking mL Without Stress
Use a simple log for a few days if that helps you spot patterns. Weigh expressed milk before storing and label by volume. For bottles, start with the lower end of the range, then add a small top-up if strong cues remain. Try paced bottle feeding to slow the flow. Offer a burp midway and at the end. A calm, upright hold can reduce gulping air.
When To Contact Your Pediatrician
Reach out the same day if any of the following appear: fewer than three wet diapers on day three, fewer than six wets after day four, very dark urine, dry mouth, weak cry, hard to rouse, no stools by day three, green vomit, repeated forceful vomiting, or weight loss beyond what your care team expects. Trust your instincts and call sooner if you feel uneasy.
Practical Bottle Setup And Flow
Choose slow-flow nipples in the first weeks. Hold the bottle level so milk just fills the nipple tip. Pause every few minutes to let the baby breathe and check for cues. If milk drips out between sucks, the flow may be too fast. If the baby works very hard for each sip, try a fresh nipple.
Night Feeds And Daytime Rhythm
Night feeds matter. Frequent removal of milk supports supply and keeps intake steady. During the day, bring feeds closer to daylight hours with responsive feeding. Short active play, a diaper change, and skin-to-skin can help babies finish feeds deeply and sleep longer between them.
Common Questions On mL Per Feed
What If My Baby Wants More Than The Table Shows?
Offer more when cues are strong. A single big feed does not set a new rule. Patterns over several days tell you more than one bottle.
What If The Bottle Comes Back Half Full?
Stop at fullness signs. Save the remainder safely if it was a ready-to-feed bottle opened minutes ago; when in doubt, discard. For powder-mixed bottles, follow safe storage times from your label and local guidance.
Do Breastfed Babies Need Measured mL?
Not usually. Watch diapers, swallowing, and growth. If you pump, the bottle shows only pumped volume, not total supply. If a weight check suggests low intake, your clinician may suggest weighted feeds or a brief pump plan.