Quick Answer
Most experts recommend feeding a 1 month old baby 2-3 ounces per feeding, so 4 ounces may be too much for some babies this age. However, some babies may tolerate 4 ounces just fine. It’s best to follow your baby’s cues and only offer more if they seem hungrier after finishing a smaller bottle. Overfeeding can lead to spit up, gas, and discomfort.
How Much Should a 1 Month Old Eat?
There are some general guidelines on milk intake for a 1 month old:
- Babies 1 month to 3 months old typically take 2-3 ounces every 2-3 hours, or 6-8 feedings per day.
- The recommended daily intake of milk/formula for a 1 month old is around 25-30 oz total.
- Breastfed babies may eat slightly less than formula fed babies, around 19-30 oz per day.
- All babies are different. Some may need more or less than average.
So while 4 ounces at once may be at the upper end for a 1 month old’s stomach capacity, some babies can tolerate it just fine.
Signs that 4 ounces is too much for your 1 month old include:
- Spitting up or vomiting after feeding
- Appearing uncomfortable, squirmy or gassy after feeding
- Consistently leaving an ounce or more of milk in the bottle after feeds
If your baby is showing these signs, it’s best to try decreasing the bottle size to 2-3 ounces and offering more frequently if they still seem hungry.
Factors That Determine How Much a 1 Month Old Eats
Several factors play a role in determining your 1 month old’s ideal feeding amount:
Baby’s Birth Weight
In the first months, a baby’s stomach capacity and calorie needs relate closely to their birth weight.
A smaller or premature baby may only take 1-2 ounces per feeding initially. Larger, full term babies can usually handle slightly bigger bottles from the start.
Breastfed vs Formula Fed
Breast milk and formula have different calorie contents. Since breast milk has fewer calories per ounce than formula, breastfed babies tend to take in slightly less volume than formula fed babies.
However, both breast and formula fed babies 1 month old should consume around 25-30 total ounces per day on average.
Baby’s Appetite
Babies differ a lot in their natural appetite and eating pace.
Generally, it’s best to follow your baby’s hunger cues rather than pushing a certain amount. If your baby seems content after 2-3 oz but unsatisfied after 4, the smaller amount is probably right for them.
Medical Conditions
Babies with reflux, colic, food intolerances or other medical problems may need smaller, more frequent feeds.
Consult your pediatrician if your baby seems to struggle with digesting larger bottle sizes.
Tips for Feeding a 1 Month Old 4 oz
If your 1 month old can handle taking 4 ounces at a time, here are some tips:
- Pace feedings by tipping the bottle to control the milk flow. Let them take short breaks.
- Try different nipple sizes if milk comes out too fast.
- Hold baby semi-upright during and after feeding.
- Burp frequently, every 1-2 ounces.
- Don’t force baby to finish. Stop when they lose interest.
- Watch for signs of fullness like hands to mouth, turning away, etc.
Proper pacing and burping can help minimize spit up, gas and overflow. Never force a baby to finish a bottle – this can lead to overfeeding.
Potential Downsides of Feeding a 1 Month Old 4 oz
While some babies tolerate 4 ounce bottles just fine at 1 month, there are some potential downsides to be aware of:
Overfeeding
Feeding more than a baby’s stomach can hold may lead them to overeat and gain excess weight. This strains the digestive system and can cause reflux.
Decreased Breast Milk Supply
For breastfed babies, consistently overfeeding with a bottle can signal the breasts to produce less milk over time.
Discomfort
Overfilling the stomach with too much milk volume can cause pain, gas, colic symptoms, and frequent spit up. Babies may become fussy and unsettled.
Risk of Obesity
Research shows overfeeding in infancy can predispose babies to obesity as they grow. Finding the right balance is key.
Poor Feeding Habits
Babies who are overfed may develop a preference for large bottle sizes even when no longer appropriate for their age. This can lead to unhealthy feeding patterns.
Dehydration
Too much formula and not enough water between feeds can sometimes cause constipation or dehydration. Breast milk provides all the needed hydration.
To avoid these issues, pay close attention to your baby’s hunger and fullness signals. Only size up bottles gradually as they grow. 4 ounces is only appropriate for some babies at 1 month old.
When to Call the Doctor
Consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your 1 month old’s feeding patterns:
- They routinely leave milk in the bottle after feeds
- They seem excessively fussy during or after feeds
- They spit up multiple times per day
- They have trouble gaining weight
- They seem constantly hungry and unsatisfied
The doctor can help determine if there is an underlying issue, and make sure your baby is eating the right amount at this age. Some medical conditions like reflux require smaller feeds.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Feeding Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these bottle feeding tips by age:
1 week to 1 month
– Feed on demand, as often as baby wants
– Give 1/2 to 1 oz per feeding initially
– Over the course of a day, work up to 2-3 oz every 2-3 hrs
1 month to 3 months
– Infants need 2-3 oz per feeding
– Space feedings every 2-3 hours, or 6-8 times per 24 hours
– Limit total daily intake to 25-30 oz
3 months to 5 months
– Feed 3-5 oz per feeding
– Feed 6-8 times per day
– Maximum daily volume around 32 oz
As always, watch your baby’s hunger/fullness cues and adjust amounts accordingly. These are just averages – your pediatrician can provide personalized advice.
Choosing the Right Bottle and Nipple Size
To control the pace of milk flow for a 1 month old, choose the right bottle and nipple type:
Bottles
- Evenflo Balance+
- Comotomo Natural Feel
- Dr. Brown’s Options+
- Mixie Baby Formula Pro Advanced Plus
These bottles allow you to customize the nipple and ventilation during feeds.
Nipples
- Newborn flow (1 hole)
- Slow flow (2 holes)
For a 1 month old just learning to bottle feed, a newborn nipple with 1 hole is often appropriate. Only size up if milk comes out very slowly.
Proper venting in the bottle also prevents baby from taking in too much air and getting gassy.
Is my 1 Month Old Getting Enough to Eat?
To make sure your 1 month old is well fed, watch for these signs:
- Gaining weight steadily
- Producing 6-8 wet diapers and 3-4 dirty diapers daily
- Seems satisfied and content after feeding
- Sleeping well between feeds
- Strong sucking reflex and ability to finish most bottles
- Muscles feel full, not hard and tense when gently pressed
Consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about weight gain, nutrition or hydration. At 1 month, babies should have regular well-baby checkups.
Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Bottle
Here are some tips for introducing the bottle to a breastfed 1 month old:
- Wait until breastfeeding is well established, often around 4-6 weeks old
- Start with just 1-2 oz breast milk in the bottle at first
- Have someone other than Mom offer the first few bottles so baby doesn’t confuse breast with bottle
- Give a bottle when baby is calm but mildly hungry
- Try different nipple shapes/sizes if baby rejects bottle at first
- Aim for 1 bottle per day at first, then gradually increase
With patience and consistency, most babies will eventually accept both breast and bottle. This allows Mom to get a break sometimes. Don’t force the issue if baby strongly resists – just try again in a few more weeks.
FAQs About 1 Month Olds Drinking 4 oz
Should I wake my 1 month old to feed at night?
Most babies will wake naturally when hungry at this age. But if your doctor recommends waking baby to feed, aim for once per night, ideally before you go to bed.
How often do newborns eat at night?
Expect 1-3 night feedings in the first months. Breastfed babies tend to wake more often than formula fed babies. Feed on demand whenever baby wakes at night.
How do I know if my newborn is eating enough?
Signs your 1 month old is eating enough: steady weight gain, 6-8 wet diapers and 3-4 dirty diapers a day, seems satisfied after feeding, good muscle tone.
Is it OK to mix breastmilk and formula?
Most experts don’t recommend mixing breastmilk and formula because it can be hard to tell how much nutrition baby is getting. Try offering separately.
Can I overfeed my breastfed baby?
It is possible but unlikely if feeding only breastmilk on demand. Watch for signs of fullness and don’t force longer feeds. Oversupply can cause overfeeding.
Conclusion
While some 1 month old babies can handle 4 ounce bottles, the recommended intake at this age is usually around 2-3 ounces per feed. Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues rather than aiming for a certain amount. Signs of overfeeding include frequent spit up or discomfort. Check with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s feeding habits. With patience and attentiveness, you can ensure your baby is getting just the right amount to help them grow and develop properly.
