At 3 months old, a baby’s nutritional needs are still primarily met through breast milk or formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding or formula feeding for the first 6 months of a baby’s life. During this time, the number of ounces a baby needs per day will vary based on their age, weight, and activity level. Here is a quick overview of how many ounces a 3-month-old typically needs:
Quick Answer
Most 3-month-old babies need around 25-35 ounces of breast milk or formula per day. This translates to roughly 25-30 ounces of formula or 25-40 ounces of breastmilk when accounting for differences in nutrient density.
Breastfed Babies
For breastfed babies, milk intake can vary quite a bit at this age. Exclusively breastfed babies will take in as much milk as needed to satisfy their hunger and support growth. At 3 months old, a baby may feed 8-12 times or more in 24 hours. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the first 6 months when a baby is only consuming breastmilk, they may need to eat as often as every 2-3 hours in a 24 hour period. This frequent feeding helps establish and maintain the mother’s milk supply.
Since the amount of breastmilk consumed at each feeding can vary significantly based on the mother’s milk supply, letdown, and the baby’s appetite, guidelines for number of ounces are ranges. According to the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a 3-month old breastfed baby may need to consume between 25-35 ounces of breastmilk per day on average. However, this amount could range from as low as 19 ounces per day to as high as 40 ounces per day.
Average Ounces Per Feeding
While feeding amounts fluctuate, a general rule of thumb is that a breastfed baby will consume around 2.5-5 ounces per feeding during the first 6 months. So if feeding 8-12 times per day, the average total daily consumption would be:
- 8 feedings x 3 oz per feeding = 24 ounces
- 12 feedings x 5 oz per feeding = 60 ounces
This demonstrates the wide range of normal at this age. Keep in mind that these are averages and each baby is different.
Formula Fed Babies
For formula fed infants, guidelines for daily ounces are more defined because formula intake can be measured. At 3 months of age, the AAP recommends that babies consume around 30 ounces of standard infant formula per day.
However, just like with breastfed babies, the exact number of ounces needed does vary from child to child. Factors like the baby’s age, weight, and activity level impact needs. As a general guideline, the AAP states that formula fed babies require around 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight each day.
So for example, if a 3-month-old weighs 12 pounds, they would need around 30 ounces per day (12 x 2.5 ounces). Here is an overview of the recommended daily ounces for formula fed 3-month-olds:
| Weight | Recommended Ounces of Formula Per Day |
|---|---|
| 10 pounds | 25 ounces |
| 12 pounds | 30 ounces |
| 15 pounds | 35-40 ounces |
Feeding Schedule
In addition to the number of daily ounces, a feeding schedule is also important to ensure baby gets the nutrition they need. At 3 months old, most babies do best with a feeding routine of every 3-4 hours during the day. Here is a sample feeding schedule for a 3 month old:
| Time | Feeding |
|---|---|
| 7 AM | 5 oz bottle |
| 10 AM | 5 oz bottle |
| 1 PM | 5 oz bottle |
| 4 PM | 5 oz bottle |
| 7 PM | 5 oz bottle |
| 10 PM | 5 oz bottle before bed |
This schedule has 6 feedings spaced 3-4 hours apart during daytime hours. The 10 PM feeding helps make up ounces overnight.
During the night, breastfed babies may wake up more frequently for feedings, every 2-3 hours. Formula fed infants may sleep longer stretches at night without eating, 6-8 hours. But daily ounces should still be around the same.
Signs Your 3-Month-Old Needs More Ounces
While recommendations provide a general guideline for ounces, pay attention to your baby’s unique cues to make sure their needs are met. Signs your 3-month-old may need more milk per day include:
- Increased hunger or demanding feedings
- Not lasting 3-4 hours between feedings without getting fussy
- Waking frequently overnight wanting to eat
- Not seeming satisfied after usual feeding amounts
- Poor weight gain
If your 3-month-old is displaying any of these cues, try offering them an extra ounce or two per feeding. Also discuss any concerns with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues.
Signs Your Baby is Getting Too Many Ounces
While some babies need more milk than average, overfeeding can also be an issue. Signs your 3-month-old may be getting too many daily ounces include:
- Consistently spitting up large amounts after feedings
- Excess gas or abdominal discomfort
- Overflow constipation
- Difficulty settling down to sleep
- Decreased appetite or lack of interest in eating at scheduled times
If your baby seems distressed after eating or is consistently spitting up large amounts, try decreasing the amount you offer at each feeding by half an ounce to see if it improves symptoms. It’s also a good idea to talk to your pediatrician.
Factors That Impact Milk Needs
When looking at ounces needed, there are several factors that impact how much a 3-month-old consumes:
1. Feeding Method
Whether breastfed or formula fed makes a difference in the amount of milk needed. Breastmilk is more nutrient dense than formula, so the volume needed to meet nutritional needs may be slightly less even though the caloric intake is similar. However, breastfed babies may eat more frequently and have a wider range of normal ounces per day.
2. Baby’s Age
Younger infants have smaller stomachs and lower caloric needs than older babies, so they tend to eat less at each feeding. As babies near the 6 month mark, their milk needs increase to support growth and development. A 4-month-old may need up to 36 ounces per day.
3. Baby’s Size
Larger or smaller sized babies will have varying caloric needs. Larger babies require more ounces of milk and smaller babies may need fewer ounces but feed more frequently. Consulting your pediatrician can help determine if your baby’s weight gain and height are on track for their size.
4. Activity Level
High activity levels cause babies to burn more calories, increasing their hunger and need for more milk. Growth spurts can also temporarily increase appetite. Babies who are more sedentary may eat less at each feeding.
5. Medical Conditions
GI issues like reflux, food allergies, or conditions like cystic fibrosis can impact how much formula or breastmilk a baby needs each day. Speak to your pediatrician if you suspect an underlying medical issue.
6. Solid Food Intake
Starting around 6 months, as babies begin eating solid foods, their milk needs will decrease, typically to 20-30 ounces per day. But at 3 months, solids should not yet replace milk feedings.
Tips for Feeding a 3-Month-Old
To help ensure your baby’s needs are met at 3 months old:
- Offer milk on demand – Let your baby cues guide you instead of a rigid schedule
- Pace feedings – Go slowly, pausing to burp, to prevent overeating
- Use smaller bottles – 4-5 ounces encourages stopping when full
- Hold your baby upright – Helps prevent reflux and spit up
- Watch for cues – Signs of fullness include hands coming off bottle, sealing lips, turning head away
- Avoid overnights longer than 6 hours – To maintain milk supply and prevent reverse cycling
Switching to Formula from Breastmilk
While breastfeeding is recommended, some mothers switch to formula around this age. If your 3-month-old was initially breastfed but is now taking formula, watch for the following:
- May need more ounces per day of formula than breastmilk to meet caloric needs
- Can start with same number of daily feedings then adjust as needed
- May go longer stretches overnight without waking to eat
- Increase amount gradually if still hungry after feedings
Offer the new feeding amounts for 3-5 days to see if your baby seems satisfied before making additional increases. Check with your pediatrician if you have concerns.
Common Questions
Is it bad to overfeed a 3-month-old?
Yes, overfeeding breastmilk or formula can lead to problems like vomiting, gas, distended stomachs, and overweight. Stick within the recommended daily ounce ranges and watch your baby for signs of fullness.
What if my 3-month-old wants more ounces than recommended?
Some babies do need more than average, especially during growth spurts. If hunger cues persist even after consuming adequate amounts, speak to your pediatrician to rule out any issues. They may recommend increasing ounces by 2-3 per day.
How do I know if my 3-month-old is getting enough to eat?
If your baby seems satisfied after feedings, has 6-8 wet diapers daily, is gaining weight appropriately, and is meeting developmental milestones, they are likely getting enough milk. Check with your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Can I overfeed my breastfed 3-month-old?
It is possible to overfeed while breastfeeding by encouraging baby to feed longer than they want or ignoring cues to stop. Sticking to the ounce guidelines and watching for fullness signs can prevent overfeeding breastmilk.
Is my 3-month-old getting enough breastmilk?
If your baby wakes up frequently, nurses longer than usual, unsatisfied after feedings, or produces fewer wet diapers, your milk supply may be low. Contact an IBCLC lactation consultant for help if you suspect an issue.
Conclusion
Determining how many ounces your 3-month-old needs per day involves paying close attention to their hunger cues, weight gain, and fullness signals. While recommendations provide a helpful starting point, every baby has individual needs. Aim for 25-35 ounces of milk over 8-12 feedings daily, then make adjustments based on your baby’s responses. With both breastmilk and formula, letting your 3-month-old guide your feeding choices will ensure their needs are adequately met.
