Quick Answer
Most newborns can eat around 2-3 oz (60-90 ml) per feeding in the first few weeks. By 1 month of age, a baby will often take in around 4 oz (120 ml) or more per feeding as their stomach capacity increases. However, every baby is different. Some newborns have smaller stomachs and may only take in 1-2 oz (30-60 ml) at a time, while others have larger appetites and can consume more. The key is to feed on demand and allow your baby to eat until satisfied. Overfeeding should be avoided as it can lead to spit up, vomiting, and other issues. As long as weight gain is on track, the amount a newborn eats per feeding is less important than responding to their hunger and fullness cues.
How Much Breastmilk Does a Newborn Need?
Newborns have very small stomach capacities at birth. A baby’s stomach size is only around 5-7 ml on their first day of life or about 1 teaspoon. It then grows rapidly over the first week as a newborn starts consuming more breastmilk or formula.
By 1 week old, a baby’s stomach capacity is about 22-27 ml or 0.75-0.9 oz.
By 2 weeks old, it grows to around 45 ml or 1.5 oz.
At 1 month old, a newborn’s stomach size is typically 80-150 ml or 2.5-5 oz.
So as you can see, a newborn’s stomach grows substantially in the first month to accommodate more milk at each feeding. While stomach size gives a general idea of capacity, the amount a baby eats can vary based on their individual needs. Newborns should always be fed on demand to ensure they get adequate nutrition.
Average Breastmilk Intake by Age
Here is the typical amount of breastmilk a newborn may consume at each feeding based on their age:
– First day: 5-10 ml (about 0.5-1 teaspoon)
– 1 week old: 30-60 ml (1-2 oz)
– 2 weeks old: 60-90 ml (2-3 oz)
– 1 month old: 90-120 ml (3-4 oz)
– 2 months old: 120-180 ml (4-6 oz)
– 3-6 months old: 120-210 ml (4-7 oz)
However, every newborn is different. Premature babies, smaller infants, and those with medical conditions may take in smaller volumes. Larger infants and those going through growth spurts may consume more. Feedings should always be baby-led rather than following strict volume guidelines.
Is it Okay for a Newborn to Eat 4 oz per Feeding?
While some newborns will take in 4 oz (120 ml) or more per feeding by 1 month old, guzzling down too much breastmilk or formula too quickly can lead to problems. Overfeeding occurs when a baby is given more milk than their stomach can hold at one time.
Signs of overfeeding in a newborn include:
– Spitting up frequently or forcefully after feedings
– Colicky discomfort and excessive crying
– Wet burps or hiccups
– Gagging or choking on milk
– Projectile vomiting
– Green, watery stools
When a baby is overfed, they are likely to develop reflux as the excess milk comes back up. They may also swallow more air, causing gas, discomfort, and spit ups. Overfilling an infant’s still-developing stomach can stretch it out, allowing more milk than they can handle.
To avoid overfeeding, look for your newborn’s signs of fullness like slowing down sucking, releasing the nipple, turning away, falling asleep, hands in mouth, loss of interest, etc. Allow them to stop feeding when satisfied. If your baby tends to guzzle milk too quickly, try paced bottle feeding to slow the flow.
Aim to feed your newborn when they show early hunger cues like rooting, mouthing, sucking fists, etc. Stop when you notice signals of fullness. Following your baby’s lead helps prevent overfeeding while ensuring they get the right amount of nutrition. Smaller, more frequent feedings may be easier for some newborns to handle.
Potential Risks of Overfeeding a Newborn
Overfeeding a newborn can pose the following risks:
– Choking – Milk aspiration into lungs if milk comes back up
– Stomach discomfort and gas from swallowing excess air
– Spit up and vomiting which can affect nutrient absorption
– Risk of newborn obesity later on if overfed
– Failure to thrive if exposed to excessive calories
– Stretching the stomach too quickly, impairing self-regulation of feeding
– Dehydration from inadequate nutrition as calories from milk replace needed nutrients
– Future eating disorders if feeding is overly controlled rather than on demand
To optimize a newborn’s health, feed on cue based on their hunger/fullness signals. Avoid strict volume guidelines or schedules. Responsive, baby-led feeding prevents overfeeding while still meeting nutritional needs.
Tips to Avoid Overfeeding
Here are some tips to prevent overfeeding when bottle or breastfeeding your newborn:
– Look for early signs of hunger like rooting and mouthing hands before feeding
– Start newborns off slowly – let them take in 1-2 oz then burp and see if they want more
– Pace bottle feeding to control the flow of milk
– Alternate between breasts when breastfeeding instead of draining one fully
– Stop when you notice signs of fullness like turning away, falling asleep, decreased sucking, etc.
– Follow baby’s lead – don’t force more milk if they don’t want it
– Hold baby upright 20-30 minutes after feeding to prevent spit up
– Burp baby frequently during and after feeding
– Avoid feeding to soothe emotional upsets – use other calming techniques like rocking or swaddling
– Consider smaller, more frequent feeds if baby seems overwhelmed by larger volumes
– Check weight regularly and monitor diapers to ensure adequate intake
Pay attention to both hunger and fullness cues. Your newborn will let you know when they have had enough. Avoid the temptation to get them to finish the last ounce. Over time, you will get to know your baby’s optimal intake at each feeding.
How to Know if Your Newborn is Eating Enough
It’s normal to worry whether your breastfed or bottle-fed newborn is getting adequate nutrition. Here are some signs that your baby is eating enough:
– Steady weight gain – Newborns should gain about 1/2 to 1 oz per day or 4-7 oz per week.
– Producing the expected number of wet and dirty diapers – Around 6+ wet and 3-4 dirty per day.
– Seems satisfied between feedings – Content, sleeps well, not showing hunger cues.
– Strong sucking reflex and active swallowing during feeds.
– Nursing 8-12 times or more per day.
– Soft skin, strong muscle tone, and sufficient energy.
– Bright eyes, regular breathing, and alertness when awake.
– Positive feedback at pediatrician check-ups about growth.
Conversely, here are some red flags that may indicate underfeeding:
– Poor weight gain or weight loss
– Excessive sleepiness, lethargy, or irritability
– Weak cry and muscle tone
– Dry skin, sunken fontanel (soft spot)
– Few wet diapers and dark, scant stools
– Displays hunger cues right after feeding
– Nursing fewer than 8 times per day by week 2
If you are concerned your newborn is not eating enough, contact their pediatrician. Additional or supplemental feedings may help get nutrition back on track. Keep in mind that switching from breast to bottle can impact milk supply, so work with a lactation consultant as well. With proper support, your baby should be able to meet their needs.
When to Introduce a Bottle to a Breastfed Baby
For exclusively breastfed babies, most experts recommend introducing a bottle between 4-6 weeks old. There are a few reasons for this timing:
– By 4-6 weeks, breastfeeding is well established – Breast milk supply is up and baby is nursing efficiently. Waiting allows bonding through breast only.
– Babies are less likely to develop a bottle preference – Newborns are adaptable as they adjust between breast and bottle. Older babies may resist bottle if not introduced early.
– Helps transition baby before mom returns to work – Gives them a few weeks to get used to a bottle before being apart from mom.
– May help combat nipple confusion – Waiting until breastfeeding technique is learned before introducing artificial nipples.
– Milk supply is less at risk if disrupted – After 6 weeks, missing one feeding session won’t jeopardize supply as much.
Of course, there are exceptions. Some moms need to bottle feed expressed breast milk right away due to medical issues or separation from their newborn. In this case, you can introduce a bottle immediately if needed.
If you want your partner or another caregiver to be able to feed the baby, aim for 4-6 weeks for bottle introduction. Make sure to mix bottle and breast sessions to maintain flexibility. This helps ensure your baby will feed from both sources. Stay responsive to their cues and don’t force feedings.
Tips for Introducing a Bottle to a Breastfed Baby
Here are some tips for smoothly introducing bottle feeding to a breastfed newborn:
– Choose a slow-flow nipple to prevent overfeeding
– Ask someone other than mom to give the first bottle so baby doesn’t associate her smell with bottle feeding
– Offer the first bottle when baby is calm but mildly hungry
– Keep breastfeeding on demand – don’t replace nursing sessions with bottles
– Try different bottle nipple shapes if baby refuses one kind
– Always pace feed to control flow and prevent overfeeding
– Consider pumping and bottle feeding the small amount baby leaves behind after nursing
– Switch off breast and bottle feeding during the transition period
– Watch for signs of nipple confusion like refusing breast or poor latch
Stay patient and keep trying if your breastfed baby resists the bottle at first. This is common. Offer short, frequent attempts until they accept it. Staying flexible between breast and bottle will help maintain milk supply while allowing others to participate in feeding.
How to Know if Baby is Getting Enough From the Bottle
If you’ve introduced bottle feeding to your breastfed baby, how do you know if they are getting enough milk? Here are some signs baby is eating adequately from the bottle:
– Steady weight gain, even when alternating bottle and breast
– Producing the expected number of wet/dirty diapers
– Seems content between feeds
– Active sucking and swallowing during bottle feeding
– Finishes most bottles comfortably
– Sleeps well between feedings
– Shows no signs of dehydration or hunger after feeding
Red flags that may indicate baby is not getting enough from the bottle:
– Poor weight gain or weight loss
– Strong hunger cues shortly after bottle feeding
– Feeding ineffectively from the bottle – difficulty latching or sucking
– Falling asleep quickly when bottle fed
– Not finishing most bottle feeds
– Dehydration signs like fewer wet diapers, dry lips, etc.
– Excess fussiness or fatigue
Trouble feeding from the bottle is common, especially for younger newborns. Try a different nipple shape or size. Pace bottle feeding to control the flow. Make sure to use breast milk or formula – not water or juice. Check bottle temperature as well.
If you are concerned, talk to your pediatrician. Supplementing after bottle feeds may help. Frequent weight checks are also recommended to ensure adequate intake. With patience and attention, most babies will adjust to bottle feeding, even when alternating with breast.
How Much Formula Does a Newborn Eat?
For formula fed newborns, here are the general guidelines on expected intake based on age:
– Days 1-3: 1-2 oz per feeding
– Days 4-7: 2-3 oz per feeding
– Week 2: 2-4 oz per feeding
– Weeks 3-4: 3-5 oz per feeding
– Month 2: 4-6 oz per feeding
– Months 3-6: 6-8 oz per feeding
However, just like breastfed babies, the amount of formula a newborn needs can vary. Their age, size, and individual needs impact intake. Some signs baby may need more formula include:
– Slow weight gain or weight loss
– Increased hunger soon after eating
– Not lasting 3-4 hours between feedings
– Producing fewer wet/dirty diapers than expected
If your formula feeding newborn seems hungry, increase the amount offered at each feeding by 30 ml/1 oz. Weigh them regularly to ensure adequate caloric intake. Never force a baby to finish a bottle, but do offer more if they show signs of hunger.
Newborns should eat 8-12 times or more per day. Allow your baby to feed on demand based on their cues. As long as they are gaining weight appropriately and seem satisfied, they are getting enough formula.
Tips for Formula Feeding a Newborn
Here are some tips to follow when formula feeding a newborn:
– Always follow proper hygiene, sterilization, and preparation procedures.
– Make sure formula is the right temperature before feeding. Test on your wrist.
– Hold your newborn semi-upright during bottle feeding.
– Alternate sides during feeding. Burp halfway through.
– Respond early to hunger cues so baby doesn’t get overly frustrated.
– Offer smaller volumes more frequently rather than overfilling their stomach.
– Let your newborn pause and breathe during feeding.
– Don’t prop bottles – always hold baby.
– Don’t give extras like cereal or juice without pediatrician approval.
– Throw away any unfinished formula left sitting out.
– Rinse bottles after each feeding and sterilize regularly.
– Store opened formula cans no longer than 48 hours in the fridge or 1 month in the freezer.
Following proper technique will help ensure your formula fed newborn gets the nutrition they need. Never force them to finish a bottle, but do offer more if hunger cues persist after feeding. Work closely with their pediatrician to ensure adequate growth.
When to Switch from Newborn to Infant Formula
Most standard newborn or routine infant formulas are suitable for a baby’s first year. However, some parents wonder when to switch from a newborn formula to regular infant formula. Here are some guidelines:
– Birth to 3 months: Newborn formula is recommended, but not required. Infant formula can also be used.
– 3 months and up: Can switch to regular infant formula, or continue using newborn variety.
– Around 9-12 months: Can transition from infant formula to cow’s milk, if desired.
Newborn formulas tend to be whey-dominant with varying nutrient levels to meet the unique needs of babies under 3 months old. However, the differences between newborn and infant formulas are generally minor.
Signs it may be time to switch formulas include:
– Baby seems hungrier on the current formula.
– Spit up or gas increase.
– Constipation or changes in stool patterns.
– Fussiness or digestive issues arise.
Your pediatrician can help decide if a formula change may be beneficial. When switching, transition gradually by mixing old and new formula over a week. Watch for any intolerance signs like rash, vomiting, or changes in stool or urination patterns.
As long as baby is growing well, there is no set rule for when to switch from newborn to infant formula. Let your infant’s needs and tolerance guide you.
Conclusion
To summarize, most newborns can consume around 4 oz per feeding by 1 month old as their stomach capacity increases. However, some babies have smaller appetites and others larger, so follow your newborn’s unique hunger/fullness cues. Avoid overfeeding by pacing feedings, watching for signs of fullness, and responding to signals of satisfaction or distress.
As long as weight gain is adequate, the amount of breastmilk or formula a newborn eats is less important than feeding on demand. Monitor intake, diapers, and weight closely to ensure proper nutrition. With patience and attention, you will learn your baby’s ideal intake to keep their little tummy content.
