As newborns, babies seem to eat, sleep, and poop all day—every day. But as your baby gets older, you may be wondering how much your baby should be eating, how often, and how many ounces based on age. Remember that milk should be your baby's main food during the first year. Even after you start offering solid foods, your baby's milk intake shouldn't decrease much, if at all. Also, babies are very good at self-moderation, so it's usually unnecessary to restrict your baby's milk intake for fear of obesity. Your baby's growth and development depends on high fat and calorie consumption.
ThisNutrition charts for babiesfor breastfeeding babies, formula-fed infants, and complementary foods will help you know if your baby is eating enough and how you can help your baby sleep through the night better sooner rather than later. You can bookmark this page for future reference or pin it on Pinterest.
Quick Links:
Amounts of breast milk by age
Formula amounts by age
Fixed amounts of food by age
Breast milk feedings and amounts by age
All breastfed babies require between 20 and 35 ounces of breast milk per day on average.For younger newborns and up to 2-3 months of age, your baby should be fed on demand, which is usually every 2-3 hours.
When you're pumping, breast milk bottles typically vary in size from 3 to 6 ounces, with 4 ounces being the average size when a baby is at least 3-4 months old. Keep in mind that some babies just have bigger appetites than others.The most important aspect is that your baby's weight gain stays on his growth curve. Do not hold milk with your baby for fear he may become overweight. Babies are very good at self-control and should be fed when they are hungry.
Remember that the frequency with which your baby breastfeeds in a 24-hour period depends on the combination of the following factors:
a) how much milk your baby can hold in his stomach (i.e. stomach capacity).
b)how much milk you can store in your breasts(which has nothing to do with breast size).
c) Your baby's personality and whether they have digestive problems such as reflux.
We've found that babies with reflux tend to eat smaller meals more frequently. Also, some babies' personalities are said to overflow while others eat until satisfied and quit. My two boys were different. While my first son only ever ate 4 ounce bottles when we weren't breastfeeding, his brother sometimes ate up to 5 to 5 1/2 ounce bottles. They were just different and even as my first son got older he just did NOT want to overeat or fill his stomach and to this day he still does.
Here's a handy baby feeding chart of breast milk amounts by age, but remember that many breastfeeding mothers feed their babies as needed throughout the breastfeeding period. This is just a rough guide to keep in mind, especially if you feel you need to overfeed your baby given their age.
If you ever have concerns about your baby and your baby's feeding habits, it is important that you consult a doctor and/or a lactation consultant.
| Age | # Feedings per day / 24 hours | feeding frequency | Average bottle sizes (if applicable) | night feedings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-4 weeks | on demand | on demand* | ~2-3 ounces / 60-90 ml | on demand |
| 5-8 weeks | on demand | every 2-3 hours** | ~2-4 ounces / 60-120 ml | 3-4 |
| 9-12 weeks/3 months | ~8-10 | every 2-3 hours | 3-4 ounces / 90-120 ml | 2-3 |
| 13-16 weeks/4 months | ~6-10 | every 2-3 hours | 3-4 ounces / 90-120 ml | 2-3 |
| 5 Fun | ~6-10 | every 2-3 hours | 3-4 ounces / 90-120 ml | 2, maybe 3 |
| 6 Fun | ~6-9 | every 3 hours | 4-5 ounces / 120-150 ml | 1-2 |
| 7 Fun | ~5-8 | every 3-4 hours | 4-6 ounces / 120-180 ml | 1-2 |
| 8 Fun | ~5-8 | every 3-4 hours | 4-6 ounces / 120-180 ml | 1, maybe 2 |
| 9 Fun | ~5-8 | every 3-4 hours | 4-6 ounces / 120-180 ml | 1 |
| 10 Fun | ~4-6 | every 3-4 hours | 4-6 ounces / 120-180 ml | 0-1 |
| 11 Fun | ~4-6 | every 3-4 hours | 4-6 ounces / 120-180 ml | 0 |
| 12 Fun | ~4-6 | every 3-4 hours | 4-6 ounces / 120-180 ml | 0 |
* If your baby doesn't eat for more than 4 hours, wake them up to feed them.
** Many newbornsCluster-Feedin the evening, which means they can breastfeed for several hours every hour or practically stay at the breast for several hours. Some say they "refuel" for the night.
You might also be interested in:
- Baby night feedings by age table
- Baby sleep and breastfeeding series
- Breastfeeding and sleep training – do they go together?
Formula feeding amounts by age
Formula-fed infants require an average of 2 1/2 ounces or 74 ml of formula per pound of weight. However, some babies have larger appetites than others. I have personally worked with many families and some babies take small bottles and consume about 24 ounces total per day while others consume over 30 ounces.The most important thing to remember is that your baby should stay on their own growth curve.
During the newborn period, it is important to feed your baby as needed, whenever they wantshows signs of hunger. As your baby grows older, you may consider putting it onBaby on schedule.
While some parents and babies benefit from schedules, some people prefer to be flexible in their daily schedule. Remember that the more your baby eats during the day, the sooner your baby willBaby will sleep through the night.
Here's an infant formula feeding chart that shows you the average frequency and bottle size of infant formula by age, but remember that some babies eat different amounts at different times of the day. You should only use this chart as a guide while adapting your daily routine to your unique baby.
If you ever have concerns about your baby and your baby's feeding habits, it is important that you consult a doctor and/or a lactation consultant.
| Age | # Feedings per day / 24 hours | feeding frequency | Average bottle size | night feedings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-4 weeks | on demand | on demand* | ~2-4 ounces / 60-120 ml | on demand |
| 5-8 weeks | 6-7 | every 3 hours | ~4 ounces / 120 ml | 2-3 |
| 9-12 weeks/3 months | 5 | every 3 hours | 4-6 ounces / 120-180 ml | 2, maybe 3 |
| 13-16 weeks/4 months | 5 | every 3-4 hours** | 4-6 ounces / 120-180 ml | 1-2 |
| 5 Fun | 4-5 | every 3-4 hours | 6-7 ounces / 180-210 ml | 1-2 |
| 6 Fun | 4-5 | every 3-4 hours | 6-8 ounces / 180-240 ml | 0-1 |
| 7 Fun | 4-5 | every 3-4 hours | 6-8 ounces / 180-240 ml | 0*** |
| 8 Fun | 4-5 | every 3-4 hours | 6-8 ounces / 180-240 ml | 0 |
| 9 Fun | 4-5 | every 3-4 hours | 6-8 ounces / 180-240 ml | 0 |
| 10 Fun | 3-5 | every 3-4 hours | 6-8 ounces / 180-240 ml | 0 |
| 11 Fun | 2-4 | every 3-4 hours | 6-8 ounces / 180-240 ml | 0 |
| 12 Fun | 2-3 | every 3-4 hours | 6-8 ounces / 180-240 ml | 0 |
* If your baby doesn't eat for more than 4 hours, wake them up to feed them.
** Not all babies reach 4 hours between milk feeds at this age or ever. Some babies always eat every 3 hours until they are 9-10+ months old.
*** Some formula fed babies are still eating at night after 6 months, especially if they have acid reflux.
You might also be interested in:
- Baby night feedings by age table
- Nutrition plan for babies: rigid, flexible or on demand?
- How to put your baby on a schedule
Solid foods by age
Once you start complementary feeding, your baby's milk intake shouldn't decrease much, if at all, until age 10+ months if he's eating 3 solid meals a day plus a snack. In the first year solid foods are all about practice and introducing a variety of flavors and textures. Remember that until your baby eats significant amounts of solid food,Starting solid food doesn't necessarily help your baby fall asleep. In fact, so many sleep problems are unrelated to hunger that starting with solid foods doesn't change sleep at all.
Here is a solid food baby feeding chart. Keep in mind that if you are baby-led weaning, your baby will likely eat far fewer solid foods than other babies his age, either by choice or because your baby doesn't like pureed foods. That's totally fine, because milk should still be your baby's main source of nutrition.
| Age | grains (per day) | fruit (per day) | vegetables (per day) | meat and dairy products (per day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| birth-5 months | none | none | none | none |
| 6 Fun (1 solid food per day) | 1-2 tablespoons dry infant formula mixed with breast milk or formula | 1-2 tablespoons pureed fruit | 1-2 tablespoons pureed vegetables | none |
| 7-8 Sweet (2 fixed meals per day) | 1-6 tablespoons dry infant cereal mixed with breast milk or formula | 1-6 tablespoons pureed/mashed fruit | 1-6 tablespoons pureed/pureed vegetables | meat: 1-2 tablespoons pureed/mashed protein (supply from 8 months) dairy: 1/4-1/2 cup yogurt or cottage cheese; 1 ounce. grated cheese |
| 9-10 Sweet (3 fixed meals per day) | 2-4 tablespoons of dry infant formula mixed with breast milk or formula. 1-2 servings of other grains* | 4-8 tablespoons pureed/chopped fruit | 4-12 tablespoons pureed/chopped veggies | meat: 2-6 tablespoons pureed/chopped protein dairy: Same as 7-8 months recommendations. |
| 11-12 Fun (3 fixed meals per day) | As above except increase “other grains” to 2 servings | 6-8 tablespoons pureed/chopped fruit or 1/2 cup diced | 6-12 tablespoons pureed/chopped veggies or 1/2 - 3/4 cup diced | meat: 2-6 tablespoons pureed/chopped protein or 1/4 cup diced dairy: Same as 7-8 months recommendations. |
* 1 serving of "other grains" = 1/2 slice bread, 2 crackers, 1/2 cup Cheerios, or 1/2 cup whole wheat pasta
You might also be interested in:
- When to start with solids
- How to feed your baby solid food
- Getting Your Baby Started on Solid Food: A Comprehensive Guide
Share your experiences with feeding your baby!
The Baby Sleep Site® is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Affiliate Program and other product affiliate programs. If you click on a product link and make a purchase, The Baby Sleep Site® may (but not always) receive a small commission from the company selling the product, but this will not affect your purchase price. We only recommend products that we believe are quality products and good for our readers.
Do you need sleeping aids for babies and toddlers? We have the resources you need!
If you're tired of wading through stacksbaby sleepBooks that just don't work, when you're completely exhausted and just can't solve your child's sleep problems on your own... then Personalized Sleep Advice is for you. We have been around since 2008 and we cordially invite youdraw on our many years of experience. Our team of expert consultants will create a personalized sleep plan®only for your family and then support you in every step of the implementation of your plan. We encourage you to consider our personalized one-on-one consultationSleep Advice Packages for Babies and Toddlersif you want to see real, meaningful results now. Your advisory pack also includes extensive follow-up help to help you troubleshoot issues and adjust your plan as needed.
Learn more about services
For those stubborn late-night fights, check outThe 3 step system to help your baby fall asleep. Using the same unique approach and practical tools for success, this e-book will help you and your baby sleep through the night.
Find out more about the 3-step system
If you're looking for ways to get your baby or toddler into a healthy sleep routine during the day, exploreMaster naps and schedules, a comprehensive guide to nap routines, nap transitions, and all other essential "how-tos" for good baby sleep. With over 45 sample sleep plans and worksheets,Master naps and schedulesis a handy tool that is ideal for any parenting style.
Learn more about mastering naps
For toddlers' stubborn sleep problems, check this outThe 5-step system to help your toddler fall asleep. Using the same unique approach and practical tools for success, this e-book will help you and your toddler get a good night's sleep and enjoy a better daily routine.
Learn more about the 5-level system
Join our...VIP Members AreaPacked with exclusive content and resources: e-books, assessments, in-depth case studies, expert advice and more. As a VIP member, you'll also enjoy a weekly chat with an experienced sleep consultant.
Learn more about VIP membership
FAQs
How many ounces should a baby eat chart? ›
| Age | Amount per feeding | Feeding frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 2 to 3 ounces | Every 3 to 4 hours |
| 1 month | 4 ounces | Every 4 hours |
| 2 months | 4 ounces | 6 to 7 feedings/24 hours |
| 4 months | 4 to 6 ounces | 5 feedings/24 hours |
Take your baby's weight in pounds and multiply that number by 2.5 (8.25 x 2.5 = 20.6 ounces). This figure represents how many ounces of breast milk your baby should be getting in one day. Based on the example above, the baby should be taking in about 20.6 ounces of breast milk in a 24-hour period.
When should I feed my baby 4 oz? ›During the first 2 weeks, babies will eat on average 1 - 2 oz at a time. By the end of the first month they eat about 4 oz at a time. By 2 months, increase to 6 oz per feed, and by 4 months, about 6-8 oz per feed. By 4 months, most babies are drinking about 32 oz in 24 hrs.
Can you overfeed a baby? ›Do not worry about feeding your baby whenever either of you wants to. You cannot overfeed a breastfed baby, and your baby will not become spoiled or demanding if you feed them whenever they're hungry or need comfort.
Is 2 oz enough for a 1 month old? ›During the first few weeks: 1 to 3 ounces of formula every three to four hours (closer to 2 to 3 ounces a feeding after the first few days or week). Wake your baby for a feeding if he sleeps longer than five hours. By the first month: At least 4 ounces every four hours.
When can you stop feeding baby every 3 hours? ›Bottle-fed babies
Newborn: every 2 to 3 hours. At 2 months: every 3 to 4 hours. At 4 to 6 months: every 4 to 5 hours. At 6+ months: every 4 to 5 hours.
A 2-month-old baby should consume about 2 to 4 ounces of formula or breast milk per feeding, and should eat about every three to four hours. This amount will increase as your baby grows.
How many Oz is too much for baby? ›Formula feeding chart by age
It's important not to overfeed your baby so they'll stay at a healthy weight. Your baby shouldn't have more than 32 ounces of formula in 24 hours.
To determine how many ounces per bottle, divide the ounces needed in a 24-hour period by the number of feedings your baby takes during that time. So, if your 12-pound baby needs 30 ounces a day and takes 6 bottles in a 24-hour period, then each bottle would need to be approximately 5 ounces.
How much should baby drink based on weight? ›This is a general guide of how much infant formula your baby might need: 5 days to 3 months old: 150mL per kilogram of body weight each day. 3 to 6 months old: 120mL per kilogram of body weight each day. 6 to 12 months old: 100mL per kilogram of body weight each day.
How do I calculate my baby's weight according to feed? ›
From 5 days to 3 months, a full-term, healthy baby will need about 150 ml of prepared formula per kilogram of body weight, every day. For example, a baby who weighs 3 kg will need 450 ml of prepared infant formula each day. From 3 to 6 months, this falls to 120 ml of infant formula per kilogram of body weight each day.
Can I feed my 2 week old 4 oz? ›Feeding Baby At Two Weeks Old
Feeding should take about 30 minutes. If bottle feeding, a ballpark amount is 3-4 ounces.
In the first week after birth, babies should be eating no more than about 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 ml) per feed. During the first month, babies gradually eat more until they take 3 to 4 ounces (90 to 120 ml) per feed, amounting to 32 ounces per day.
Is 4 feeds a day enough for 4 month old? ›How much formula for a 4-month-old? Typically four ounces about four to six times a day.
What are the signs of overfeeding? ›It's easy to overeat if you don't pay attention to how much you eat or how full you feel. Indeed, this common habit may lead to bloating, gas, nausea, excess body fat, and a higher risk of several illnesses.
How do I know my baby is full after feeding? ›- Pushes food away.
- Closes his or her mouth when food is offered.
- Turns his or her head away from food.
- Uses hand motions or makes sounds to let you know he or she is full.
Offer your baby a feeding after they've stopped throwing up. If your baby is hungry and takes to the bottle or breast after vomiting, go right ahead and feed them. Liquid feeding after vomiting can sometimes even help settle your baby's nausea.
How long should a 1 month old sleep at night without eating? ›Generally, newborns sleep about 8 to 9 hours in the daytime and about 8 hours at night. But they may not sleep more than 1 to 2 hours at a time. Most babies don't start sleeping through the night (6 to 8 hours) without waking until they are about 3 months old, or until they weigh 12 to 13 pounds.
Is 4 oz too much for a 2 month old? ›At about 2 months, your baby may drink about 4–5 ounces (120–150 milliliters) every 3–4 hours. At 4 months, your baby may drink about 4–6 ounces (120-180 milliliters) at each feeding, depending on how often they eat. By 6 months, your baby may drink 6–8 ounces (180–230 milliliters) about 4–5 times a day.
How much should a 1 month old weigh? ›What's typical at 1 month of age depends on your baby's birth weight and whether they were born at term or early. For averages, you're looking at about 9.9 pounds (4.5 kilograms) for a boy and 9.2 lbs. (4.2 kg) for a girl .
How often should you bathe a newborn? ›
How often does my newborn need a bath? There's no need to give your newborn baby a bath every day. Three times a week might be enough until your baby becomes more mobile. Bathing your baby too much can dry out your baby's skin.
Can a 1 month old go 4 hours between feedings? ›First Weeks and Months
On average, most exclusively breastfed babies will feed about every 2 to 4 hours. Some babies may feed as often as every hour at times, often called cluster feeding. Or may have a longer sleep interval of 4 to 5 hours. How often your baby feeds might change depending on the time of day.
From a developmental perspective, babies are able to sleep through the night — defined as a six- to eight-hour stretch — without eating when they're between 4 and 6 months old. In this age range, most babies reach the 12- to 13-pound mark, the weight where they no longer metabolically need nighttime feedings.
Is 3.5 oz too much for 2 week old? ›In the first few weeks, give 2- to 3-ounce (60- to 90-milliliter) bottles to your newborn. Give more or less depending on your baby's hunger cues. Here's a general look at how much your baby may be eating at different ages: On average, a newborn drinks about 1.5–3 ounces (45–90 milliliters) every 2–3 hours.
Should my 2 week old be eating 3 oz? ›Most newborns eat every 2 to 3 hours, or 8 to 12 times every 24 hours. Babies might only take in half ounce per feeding for the first day or two of life, but after that will usually drink 1 to 2 ounces at each feeding. This amount increases to 2 to 3 ounces by 2 weeks of age.
Is 4 oz too much for a 3-month-old? ›3-month-olds will generally drink 4 to 6 ounces of formula around every four hours. That adds up to 24 to 36 ounces of formula in around six feedings total in a 24-hour period.
How do you burp a baby? ›Sit your baby on your lap facing away from you. Place the palm of your hand flat against their chest and support their chin and jaw (don't put any pressure on the throat area). Lean your baby forwards slightly and with your free hand, gently rub or pat your baby's back.
Is 4 oz too much for a week old baby? ›The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explains that after the first few days, your formula-fed newborn will drink around 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 milliliters) of formula with every feeding. They'll need to eat about every three to four hours.
What is considered overfeeding a newborn? ›What are signs that a baby is overfed? Gassiness, burping, gagging or choking, fussiness, irritability or vomiting (a forceful flow that shoots out inches rather than dribbling out of the mouth like spit up) right after finishing a bottle could be indications that your baby is being overfed.
How many Oz does my baby need based on weight? ›On average, your baby should take in about 2½ ounces (75 mL) of infant formula a day for every pound (453 g) of body weight. But they probably will regulate their intake from day to day to meet their own specific needs, so let them tell you when they've had enough.
Is it OK for a newborn to eat 3 oz? ›
A good rule of thumb is to feed newborns every 2 to 3 hours. This frequency becomes every 3 to 4 hours in two to three months. Newborns should eat between 1 and 2 ounces per feeding, then 3 to 4 ounces per meal by 2 to 3 months old. 1 Learn more about how much to feed your baby in the first three months of life.
How many Oz is too much for Baby? ›Formula feeding chart by age
It's important not to overfeed your baby so they'll stay at a healthy weight. Your baby shouldn't have more than 32 ounces of formula in 24 hours.
A baby is estimated to be due (the due date) at 40 weeks of gestation. At a gestational age of 40 weeks, boys who weigh less than about 6 pounds 9 ounces (3 kilograms) are small for gestational age. Girls who weigh less than about 6 pounds 3 ounces (2.8 kilograms) are small for gestational age.
Is 5 lbs 3 oz small for a baby? ›If your baby weighs less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces), he or she has a low birth weight. Babies weighing less than 1,500 grams (3 pounds, 5 ounces) at birth are considered very low birth weight. Babies who weigh less than 1,000 grams (2 pounds, 3 ounces) are extremely low birth weight.
Is 8 lbs 3 oz a big baby? ›What is a big baby? The medical term for big baby is macrosomia, which literally means “big body.” Some researchers consider a baby to be big when it weighs 4,000 grams (8 lbs., 13 oz.) or more at birth, and others say a baby is big if it weighs 4,500 grams (9 lbs., 15 oz.) or more (Rouse et al. 1996).
Why is my newborn still hungry after 4 oz? ›Your baby will go through days or weeks of bigger than normal growth spurts during their first year. Like tiny teenagers, this is when they might be even more ravenous and want to feed more. This kind of feeding is called cluster feeding, and it's completely normal.
Is 4 oz every 3 hours too much for a newborn? ›On average, a newborn drinks about 1.5–3 ounces (45–90 milliliters) every 2–3 hours. This amount increases as your baby grows and can take more at each feeding. At about 2 months, your baby may drink about 4–5 ounces (120–150 milliliters) every 3–4 hours.
Is 2 oz enough for a 4 week old? ›In the first few weeks, give 2- to 3-ounce (60- to 90-milliliter) bottles to your newborn. Give more or less depending on your baby's hunger cues. Here's a general look at how much your baby may be eating at different ages: On average, a newborn drinks about 1.5–3 ounces (45–90 milliliters) every 2–3 hours.
Is 3 oz too much for a 2 week old? ›Babies might only take in half ounce per feeding for the first day or two of life, but after that will usually drink 1 to 2 ounces at each feeding. This amount increases to 2 to 3 ounces by 2 weeks of age. At about 2 months of age, babies usually take 4 to 5 ounces per feeding every 3 to 4 hours.
How long should it take a newborn to eat 4 oz? ›As a guide, the following times are recommended to bottle feed your baby. 20 - 40 minutes for newborn to 3 months. 15 - 30 minutes for babies 3 months to 6 months. 10 - 20 minutes for babies over 6 months.
How often should a newborn poop? ›
Infant poop frequency
Babies can poop as frequently as every feeding or as infrequently as every two to three days. Neither of these situations should cause you alarm. Breastfed infants tend to poop more frequently than formula-fed infants.