How much a baby should eat depends on the baby’s age and size. When breastfeeding or bottle feeding, it’s important to follow the baby’s cues for when they are hungry and full. Tracking ounces can help ensure baby is getting enough to eat. Here is a general guide on how many ounces a baby should consume at each age:
Newborn
– Birth to 3 days: Colostrum is produced. Baby’s stomach is the size of a marble and needs just 1-2 tsp (5-10 mL) at each feeding.
– 1 week: 2-3 ounces (60-90 mL) per feeding.
– 2 weeks: 3-4 ounces (90-120 mL) per feeding.
– 1 month: 4-5 ounces (120-150 mL) per feeding.
2-3 Months
– 5-6 ounces (150-180 mL) per feeding.
4-5 Months
– 6-8 ounces (180-240 mL) per feeding.
6-8 Months
– 6-8 ounces (180-240 mL) per feeding. Can increase up to 30-32 oz (900-960 mL) per day.
9-12 Months
– 6-8 ounces (180-240 mL) per feeding. 24-30 oz (720-900 mL) per day.
Amounts are a general guide only. Always follow baby’s cues and let them eat until satisfied at each feeding. If concerned baby is not eating enough or eating too much, consult a pediatrician.
Factors That Determine How Much a Baby Needs
How much a baby needs to eat depends on multiple factors:
Age
A newborn’s tiny stomach can only hold 1-2 ounces initially. As they grow, their stomach capacity increases and they will consume more ounces per feeding.
Weight
Heavier babies may need more ounces than smaller babies of the same age. Talk to your pediatrician if concerned about baby’s growth trajectory.
Activity Level
Active babies burn more calories with their increased movement and may need more ounces. Observe if your energetic baby seems hungrier.
Individual Needs
Every baby is different. Your baby may need more or less than averages. Adjust amounts based on their hunger cues.
Solid Food Intake
Once solids are introduced around 6 months, baby will start getting nutrition from food as well. This may decrease amount of formula or breastmilk needed.
How to Know if Baby is Eating Enough
It’s important to make sure your baby is eating enough for healthy growth and development. Here are signs baby is getting sufficient ounces:
Having 6-8 Wet Diapers Daily
For newborns this indicates they are well hydrated. Urine should be pale yellow, not dark.
Having 3-4 Dirty Diapers Daily
Pooping frequency indicates baby is digesting and eliminating properly.
Steady Weight Gain
Babies should gain 4-8 ounces each week in the first 6 months at minimum. Consult your pediatrician if concerned about growth.
Content After Feedings
Baby should seem satisfied, not hungry, after feedings if getting enough ounces. Note signs of fullness like sleepiness.
Reaching Milestones
Adequate nutrition supports reaching physical and developmental milestones appropriate for baby’s age.
Good Energy Levels
Well nourished babies will be active and alert when awake. Lethargy can indicate poor intake.
If your baby does not seem to be getting enough ounces, contact your pediatrician. They can help assess if there is an underlying issue and may have recommendations to increase intake. Do not force a baby to finish a bottle; follow their hunger cues.
Signs Baby is Drinking Too Much Per Feeding
Consuming more than the typical amount of ounces recommended for their age could indicate:
Overfeeding
Caregivers may overfeed by forcing baby to finish bottles or encouraging too much at each feeding. Sticking to recommended amounts can prevent overfeeding.
Using Formula Improperly
Adding too much formula powder to water can increase calorie content. Follow instructions carefully.
Switching Bottle Nipples
A higher flow nipple can cause baby to drink their bottle too quickly and overconsume. Use age appropriate nipple flow rates.
Growth Spurt
During periods of rapid growth, a temporary increase in appetite is normal. Monitor any excessive intake.
Reflux
Babies with reflux may spit up often and want to feed more. Talk to your doctor about managing reflux.
Comfort Nursing
Non-hungry babies may want to suck for comfort, consuming excess ounces. Consider using pacifiers.
Underlying Condition
In rare cases, excessive feeding could signal a medical problem. Consult your pediatrician.
Signs Baby is Drinking Too Much
If your baby seems to be taking in too many ounces at feedings, watch for these signs of overfeeding:
Spitting up frequently
This can indicate too much food in their small stomach.
Excessive gas
Overfeeding can lead to gassiness, discomfort, and abdominal distension.
Fussiness during/after feedings
Baby may be fussy from stomach discomfort.
Wetting an excessive number of diapers
Like 8-10+ wet diapers indicates overconsumption.
Constipation
Too much formula can cause constipation in some babies.
Consistently being overweight
Excessive ounces over time can lead to extra baby fat.
Difficulty breathing
Rarely, fluid overload can make breathing labored. Seek medical care immediately if this occurs.
To remedy overfeeding, lower bottle amounts to recommended guidelines. Never restrict fluids without medical advice. If concerned about overfeeding, consult your pediatrician.
What If Baby Doesn’t Finish Their Bottle?
It’s very common for babies to not finish all the ounces in their bottle during some feedings. Reasons include:
Getting distracted
Babies are curious and may pause eating to look around. Gently re-focus their attention.
Self-regulating intake
Babies will naturally stop eating when full. They may take more at the next feeding.
Not liking taste
If you recently changed formula, baby may reject the new taste.
Too much flow
A fast nipple flow can overwhelm babies. Try a slower nipple.
Feeling unwell
If baby is ill, they may have less of an appetite. Offer smaller feeds.
Overtired
Babies have trouble feeding if overly tired. Allow proper rest.
Reflux
Discomfort from reflux may make baby pause feeding. Burp and try smaller feeds.
Don’t force baby to finish. Follow their lead. If they are regularly not finishing bottles, tell your pediatrician to rule out problems. Monitor diapers and weight to ensure adequate intake.
How to Increase Baby’s Bottle Intake
If your baby is not getting the recommended daily ounces for their age, try these tips:
Offer smaller feeds more frequently
Rather than large feeds, try smaller amounts more often.
Change bottle nipple
Choose a slow flow nipple appropriate for baby’s age.
Try different bottle types
Experiment to find the right bottle for your baby’s preferences.
Change formula
Your baby may dislike the taste of a certain formula. Try a different brand.
Give bottle before solid food
Offer formula or breastmilk first so baby is more eager to drink.
Swaddle or rock gently during feeds
Soothing techniques can help focus baby and elongate feeding time.
Minimize distractions
Feed in a calm, quiet space without toys or screens to distract baby.
Check for underlying issues
Talk to your pediatrician to rule out reflux, allergies, illness, or other issues interfering with feeding.
With patience and consistency, your baby’s intake should increase. Watch for improved diaper counts, weight gain, and contentment after eating.
How Many Ounces Should a 6 Month Old Eat?
At 6 months, when solid foods are just being introduced, breastmilk or formula should still be the main source of nutrition. Here are the recommended daily ounce ranges for a 6 month old:
– Breastfed: 25-35 ounces per day
– Formula fed: 28-32 ounces per day
Mealtime feedings may be about 6-8 ounces. Offer smaller 2-5 ounce feedings the rest of the day. Watch hunger cues rather than sticking rigidly to amounts.
Solids at 6 months are just for practice, not nutrition. Initially, solid feeds may just be 2-3 tablespoons of purees. Gradually increase variety and quantity as tolerated. By 7-8 months, solids can become more nutritionally substantial.
Talk to your pediatrician if concerned your baby is not consuming enough daily ounces. At 6 months, most babies take in 25-32 ounces per day on average from breastmilk and/or formula.
Sample Feeding Schedule for a 6 Month Old
Here is a sample feeding schedule for breastfed and formula fed 6 month olds. Schedules will vary – follow your baby’s hunger cues.
Breastfed Baby
7 AM – Breastfeed upon waking
10 AM – 5-6 oz bottle
1 PM – Solids feeding (2-3 tbsp puree)
4 PM – Breastfeed
7 PM – 6-8 oz bottle before bedtime
Overnight – 1-2 breastfeeds as needed
Formula Fed Baby
7 AM – 6-8 oz bottle
10 AM – 5 oz bottle
1 PM – Solids feeding (2-3 tbsp puree)
4 PM – 6 oz bottle
7 PM – 6-8 oz bottle before bed
10 PM – Dream feed 5 oz bottle
Overnight – 1-2 oz by bottle as needed
Offer additional small bottles and breastfeeds as desired. Prioritize breastmilk/formula over solids. Introduce sippy cups for water.
How Many Ounces Should Babies Eat Chart
Here is a quick reference chart on the recommended daily ounces for babies by age:
| Baby’s Age | Recommended Daily Ounces |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 24-32 oz |
| 1 month | 32-40 oz |
| 2-3 months | 32-40 oz |
| 4-5 months | 32-40 oz |
| 6-8 months | 25-32 oz* |
| 9-12 months | 24-30 oz* |
*Daily ounces include breastmilk/formula AND solids once started
Remember these are general guidelines only. Follow your baby’s unique cues above all else. Their pediatrician can help determine if your baby needs more or less based on their individual needs and growth patterns.
Tips for Tracking Baby’s Daily Ounces
To ensure baby takes in an adequate amount of ounces for their age each day, try these tips:
Use a feeding log
Track time, amount, and side for breast or bottle feedings. There are logs online or apps to use.
Note diapers
Aim for 6-8+ wet and 3-4 dirty diapers to know intake is sufficient.
Weigh before/after feeds
Weighing baby before and after can indicate how much they consumed, especially helpful for breastfeeding.
Use bottle measurements
Mark bottles in ounces so you can approximate amounts taken.
Watch the scale
Make sure baby gains an average of 4-8 ounces per week, especially in early months.
Offer consistent amounts
Follow recommended daily ounces for baby’s age as a guide. Adjust as needed.
Meet with pediatrician
Ask at well visits about appropriate intake as baby grows.
Following ounce recommendations ensures your baby gets adequate nutrition for development. But adjust for baby’s unique needs and cues. Contact your pediatrician with any feeding concerns.
Conclusion
How many ounces a baby needs to eat depends on their age, size, and individual factors. While general guidelines exist for minimum daily ounce intakes, each baby will be slightly different. It is essential to follow hunger and fullness cues, rather than forcing specific amounts.
Watch your baby’s weight gain, diaper output, contentment after eating, developmental milestones and energy levels. These signs indicate if their needs are being met. Adjust ounce quantities up or down based on your baby’s individual growth patterns.
With a combination of recommended ounce guidelines and responsiveness to your baby’s cues, you can ensure your little one gets just the right amount of nutrition for health and happiness. Consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s feeding, intake or growth. With patience and attentiveness, you’ll find the optimal feeding schedule and amounts tailored perfectly for your baby.