Babies' milk intake varies widely depending on their age, size, and individual appetite. Here is a general guideline on how much milk babies should drink: Newborn to 1 month:
- In the first week, intake increases from about 180 ml to 600 ml per day as the stomach grows.
- From 1 week to 1 month, babies typically drink between 450 ml and 800 ml daily.
- Newborns often feed every 2–3 hours, taking about 1.5 to 3 ounces (45–90 ml) per feeding initially
1 to 6 months:
- Between 2 and 3 months, daily intake ranges from 500 ml to 900 ml.
- By 4 to 6 months, babies may consume 850 ml to 1,000 ml per day.
- At around 6 months, babies often drink 6–8 ounces (180–230 ml) per feeding, about 4–5 times daily
6 to 12 months:
- Milk intake may slightly decrease as solid foods are introduced.
- Between 7 and 12 months, babies generally consume 750 ml to 850 ml of milk daily.
- At this stage, milk feeds often reduce to about 3 times a day
Additional notes:
- The amount per feeding and frequency should be guided by the baby's hunger and fullness cues rather than strict schedules.
- Growth spurts can temporarily increase appetite, requiring more frequent or larger feedings.
- For formula-fed babies, total daily formula intake usually does not exceed about 32 ounces (960 ml)
- Breastfed babies typically consume between 570 ml and 900 ml per day, with peak intake around 30 ounces (900 ml) daily between 1 and 6 months
Overall, observing your baby’s signals and consulting healthcare providers can help tailor feeding amounts to your baby’s unique needs