A newborn typically eats about 1 to 2 ounces of breast milk or formula per feeding in the first few days after birth. This gradually increases to about 2 to 3 ounces per feeding by two weeks of age. By the end of the first month, babies often consume around 3 to 4 ounces per feeding every 3 to 4 hours. As they grow, the amount per feeding increases, reaching about 4 to 5 ounces by 2 months, and up to 6 to 8 ounces by 6 months
. Newborns usually feed every 2 to 3 hours, totaling about 8 to 12 feedings in 24 hours. Feeding amounts and frequency should be guided by the baby's hunger cues rather than strict schedules. Overfeeding can be a risk with bottle feeding, so it's important to watch for signs that the baby is full, such as slowing sucking or turning away from the bottle
. A general rule of thumb for formula feeding is about 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of the baby's body weight per day. For example, an 8-pound baby would need about 20 ounces daily, divided into feedings
. In summary:
- First few days: 0.5 to 2 ounces per feeding
- By 2 weeks: 2 to 3 ounces per feeding
- By 1 month: 3 to 4 ounces per feeding
- By 2 months: 4 to 5 ounces per feeding
- By 6 months: 6 to 8 ounces per feeding
Feed every 2 to 3 hours, responding to hunger cues and allowing the baby to stop when full
