How many ml does a 2 day old baby drink?

Quick Answer

The amount of breastmilk or formula a 2 day old baby drinks can vary quite a bit from baby to baby. However, some general guidelines are:

– Breastfed babies typically take in about 30-45 ml per feeding in the first few days. They may eat 8-12 times or more per day.

– Formula fed babies usually take about 15-30 ml per feeding initially. They may eat 8-12 times per day.

So a breastfed 2 day old baby may consume anywhere from 240-540 ml or more per day. A formula fed baby may have 120-360 ml or more per day. But every baby is different!

How Often Do Newborns Need to Feed?

In the first few days of life, newborns need to feed very frequently, generally every 1.5 to 3 hours. This equals about 8 to 12 feedings or even more per day during the newborn period.

Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they can only take in a small amount of milk at each feeding. But frequent feedings help them get the nutrition they need.

During growth spurts, some newborns may seem to want to eat even more frequently. It’s important to feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger like rooting, sucking motions, hands to mouth, etc. in the early days.

Common Newborn Feeding Cues

– Rooting (turning head side to side)
– Hand to mouth motions
– Lip smacking
– Increased alertness or activity
– Crying

How Much Breastmilk Does a Newborn Need?

For the first few days after birth, a newborn’s stomach capacity is very small, around 5-7 ml.

By day 3, a baby’s stomach size increases to around 22-27 ml. It continues increasing to 30-60 ml by weeks 2-3.

Since their stomachs are so tiny at first, newborns need to breastfeed frequently but take in small volumes of breastmilk with each feeding.

In the earliest days after birth, a baby may only consume about 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) of colostrum at each feeding.

Over the first week, the amount of breastmilk they take at each feeding gradually increases each day as the breasts transition from producing colostrum to mature milk.

Here are some general guidelines on intake for breastfed newborns:

– Day 1: 5-10 ml per feeding
– Day 2: 15-30 ml per feeding
– Day 3: 30-45 ml per feeding
– Week 1: 45-60 ml per feeding
– Week 2: 60-90 ml per feeding

So a 2 day old breastfed baby may take in around 30-45 ml per feeding. Over 8-12 feedings or more, that could amount to 240-540 ml or more per day.

All babies are different though. Premature babies or those with health issues may take less at first. Larger babies may be able to take more. Let your baby’s cues guide you on when they need to feed and allow them to eat until satisfied.

How Much Formula Does a 2 Day Old Need?

For formula fed newborns, recommendations are a bit different than breastfed babies. Here are some general guidelines on formula volumes:

– Day 1: 15-30 ml per feeding
– Day 2: 30 ml per feeding
– Day 3: 30-60 ml per feeding
– Week 1: 60-90 ml per feeding

So at 2 days old, a formula fed baby will generally take around 15-30 ml per feeding. Over 8-12 feedings a day, that would equal 120-360 ml or more daily.

Some tips when bottle feeding a newborn:

– Hold baby in a semi-upright position when feeding
– Allow pauses during feeding for burping
– Watch for baby’s signs of fullness like sealing lips together or turning head away
– Don’t overfeed – follow baby’s cues!

Again, keep in mind every baby is different. Consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns.

Factors That Affect Newborn Feeding Volumes

Several factors can impact how much a newborn eats in the early days:

1. Feeding Method

As discussed, initial volumes are different for breastfed vs. formula fed babies. Breastfed infants take in small volumes frequently, while formula fed babies may take less volume at each feeding.

2. Baby’s Size

Larger babies often have bigger appetites and can take more milk at each feeding. Smaller or premature infants have lower intake needs.

3. Medical Issues

Babies with health problems like jaundice, respiratory issues, low blood sugar, etc. may need to eat smaller volumes more frequently.

4. Supplementing

Babies who get expressed breastmilk or formula supplements may consume higher volumes in total per day.

5. Mother’s Milk Supply

Low milk supply may mean baby needs supplementation to consume adequate volumes. An oversupply may lead to overfeeding.

6. Feeding Difficulties

Newborns with trouble latching, sucking, or coordinating swallowing may take less milk per feeding.

Tips for Feeding a 2 Day Old Baby

Whether breast or bottle feeding, here are some tips for feeding your 2 day old newborn:

– Feed on demand whenever baby shows early signs of hunger like increased alertness or rooting. Don’t wait for crying which can signal late hunger.

– Gently rouse sleepy babies to feed at least every 2-3 hours. Sleepy babies may not waken on their own.

– Alternate which breast you start on at each feeding.

– Burp baby frequently when bottle feeding.

– Ensure proper latch if breastfeeding. Consult a lactation consultant for help.

– Watch baby for fullness cues like slowing sucking, falling asleep, decreased alertness.

– Avoid overfeeding. Follow baby’s lead.

– Keep track of wet diapers and stool changes to ensure baby is eating enough.

– Contact doctor if you have concerns about intake, weight gain, etc.

How to Know if Baby is Getting Enough Milk

It’s normal for parents to be concerned about whether their newborn is eating adequately. Here are some signs baby is getting enough breastmilk or formula those first few days:

– Producing the expected number of wet diapers and stools for their age

– Having adequate weight loss in the first week followed by regain to birth weight by 2 weeks old

– Seeming satisfied and content after most feedings

– Good latch and active sucking at the breast

– Sleeping well between feeds

– Producing tears during feeding

– Maintaining normal body temperature

Consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about dehydration, excessive weight loss, lethargy, fever, or other signs baby may not be getting enough milk. But overall, the best indication is that your baby is eager to feed, wets plenty of diapers, and seems satisfied.

How Many Wet Diapers Should a Newborn Have?

Frequent wet diapers are an important sign your newborn is getting enough breastmilk or formula. Here’s what to look for:

– Day 1: At least 1 wet diaper
– Day 2: At least 2 wet diapers
– Day 3: At least 3 wet diapers
– Day 4: At least 4 wet diapers
– Day 5: At least 5 wet diapers
– Day 6 and beyond: At least 6 heavy wet diapers per day

Newborns should have at least 1 bowel movement (stool) per day but some babies may go several days between bowel movements. Dark black stools are expected at first then they will transition to a greenish color.

If you are concerned your baby is not having adequate wet diapers or stools, contact your pediatrician promptly.

How Much Weight Loss is Normal for a Newborn?

It’s completely normal for newborns to lose some weight in the first week after birth. Here’s what to expect:

– Birth weight: Average 7-8 pounds
– Weight loss by day 2: Up to 7% of birth weight
– Weight loss by day 3: Up to 10% of birth weight
– Lowest weight: Around 5-7% below birth weight, usually by days 3-4

After hitting the lowest weight, most babies will then regain back to their original birth weight by weeks 2-3.

Your pediatrician will monitor your baby’s weight loss pattern closely. Contact them if weight loss seems excessive or baby has not regained back to birth weight by 2 weeks old.

Some causes of excessive newborn weight loss include:

– Latch issues impacting breastmilk intake
– Low milk supply
– Dehydration
– Difficulty coordinating suck/swallow/breath
– Underlying medical problems

With prompt support, supplemental feeding, and treatment of any underlying issues, most babies will get back on track with weight gain within a few days.

Growth Spurts in Newborns

Some babies will go through periods of increased hunger, fussiness, and growth in the early weeks called growth spurts. These often occur around:

– 2-3 weeks
– 6 weeks
– 3 months
– 6 months

During growth spurts, breastfed babies may nurse more frequently and seem hungrier. Formula fed babies may take bigger bottle volumes.

Growth spurts usually only last a few days up to a week until baby’s feeding needs level out again. Feeding baby when hungry is key during these fluctuating periods of increased appetite.

An increase in dirty diapers, weight gain, and sleep after feeding are signs a growth spurt is over. If signs persist, contact your pediatrician to rule out any illness.

When to Call the Doctor About Newborn Feeding Issues

While feeding variations are normal in newborns, contact your baby’s pediatrician promptly for an urgent evaluation if you notice any of the following:

– Excessive weight loss or failure to regain birth weight by 2 weeks
– Fewer wet diapers than expected for baby’s age
– No stool for 24 hours by day 4
– Dark yellow urine, dry mouth, no tears, sunken fontanel (soft spot) indicating dehydration
– Green or bloody vomit
– Difficulty breathing with feeding
– Falling asleep very quickly while feeding
– Fever over 100.4 F
– Excessive fussiness or lethargy
– Poor latch with very short feeding times

With prompt medical guidance, most newborn feeding issues can be resolved within a few days. Trust your instincts if you feel something is wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I feed my 2 day old baby?

In the early days, aim to breast or bottle feed your newborn about every 2-3 hours at least 8 times daily or on demand whenever showing feeding cues. Some babies feed up to 12 times a day or more.

How do I know if baby is getting enough milk?

Signs your 2 day old is getting enough include: 6+ wet diapers and 1+ stools daily, adequate weight loss, good latch, seeming content after feeds, normal temperature, and maintaining an active/alert state when awake.

Is it normal for babies to lose weight initially?

Yes, it’s normal for babies to lose 5-7% of their birth weight in the first week. Healthy babies should be back to birth weight by 2 weeks old. Excessive weight loss may signal feeding issues.

How can I tell if my baby is still hungry after a feeding?

Signs your newborn is still hungry include: rooting, hands in mouth, increased alertness, crying or fussing shortly after finishing feeding. Offer more milk if baby seems unsatisfied.

What should my breastfed baby’s poop look like?

In the early days, breastfed newborns pass tarry black stools called meconium. By day 3-4, this transitions to loose, seedy, greenish yellow stools. Frequency varies from baby to baby.

Conclusion

How much a 2 day old baby drinks can vary quite a bit. For breastfed babies, around 30-45 ml per feeding is typical. Formula fed newborns often take 15-30 ml per feeding initially.

Feeding 8 or more times daily, intake can range from 240-540 ml per day or more for breastfed babies and 120-360 ml or more for formula fed newborns. But every baby is unique!

The key is to feed your newborn whenever hungry, watch for fullness cues, monitor diaper output, and ensure they return to birth weight by 2 weeks old. Don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician if you have any concerns about feeding or nutrition in these early days. With support and guidance, your baby will thrive.

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