Quick Answer
The amount of breastmilk or formula a 6 month old baby drinks can vary quite a bit from baby to baby. On average, a 6 month old will drink around 25-35 oz of breastmilk or formula per day. However, some babies may drink as little as 20 oz per day while others can consume up to 40 oz per day. The key is to follow your baby’s hunger cues and offer feedings when they seem interested. Over the course of a day, their total intake should fall within a healthy range.
How Much Milk or Formula Does a 6 Month Old Need?
At 6 months of age, babies still get the majority of their nutrition and hydration from breastmilk or formula. The general daily recommendation for 6 month olds is about 25-35 oz of milk per day. However, some babies need less while others need more. Here is a breakdown of the range babies typically take in at this age:
– 20-30 oz breastmilk or formula for breastfed babies
– 25-35 oz formula for formula fed babies
Breastfed babies tend to need slightly less than formula fed babies because breastmilk is more nutrient-dense. But every baby is different, so their needs may be more or less. The most important thing is ensuring your baby seems satisfied and is having enough wet and dirty diapers.
Factors That Influence Intake
Several factors influence how much a 6 month old drinks in a day:
– Breastfed vs. formula fed: As mentioned above, breastmilk is more nutrient-concentrated than formula so breastfed babies usually need slightly less volume per day.
– Solids intake: Around 6 months, many babies start experimenting with solid foods. As they consume more solids, their milk intake often decreases. But milk should still be the primary source of nutrition.
– Baby’s size: Larger or more active babies may need more milk to meet their energy needs. Smaller babies may need less.
– Growth spurts: During growth spurts babies often seem hungrier and will drink more for a few days. Then their intake typically goes back down once the spurt passes.
– Teething: Teething pain can disrupt feeding and temporarily diminish appetite. Milk intake may dip on teething days.
– Illness: When sick, babies tend to drink less. Intake typically bounces back once they recover.
So while 25-35 oz is an average target range, your baby’s needs may shift around a bit day to day or week to week depending on these fluctuating factors. The best gauge is their hunger cues, weight gain, and diaper output.
Feeding Frequency
At 6 months old, most babies feed every 2.5-4 hours during the day. Feeding frequency varies based on your baby’s appetite and how much they take in per feeding.
Babies who consume smaller volumes per feeding may need 8-10 feedings in 24 hours. Babies who take in larger volumes may only need 6-8 feedings. For example:
– Baby who drinks 4 oz per feeding needs to feed 8 times to consume 32 oz.
– Baby who drinks 6 oz per feeding only needs to feed 6 times to consume 36 oz.
It’s generally recommended to offer the breast or bottle when your baby seems hungry, and let them determine how much to drink at each feeding. Don’t try to limit feedings or restrict intake unless instructed to do so by your pediatrician. Your baby knows best when they need to eat and how much they need.
Milk Intake Guidelines by Age
Milk intake gradually decreases over the first year as babies begin eating more solid foods. Here are the recommended daily amounts by different ages:
| Age | Breastmilk/Formula Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 0-1 month | 2-3 oz per feeding, 8-12 times a day |
| 2-3 months | 4-5 oz per feeding, 7-9 times a day |
| 4-5 months | 5-6 oz per feeding, 6-8 times a day |
| 6-8 months | 25-35 oz per day |
| 9-11 months | 24-32 oz per day |
| 12-23 months | 16-24 oz per day |
As you can see, daily milk intake peaks around 6-8 months and then gradually decreases as other foods start making up a larger part of their diet. But breastmilk or formula remains an important part of their nutrition for the entire first year and beyond.
Signs Your 6 Month Old is Getting Enough Milk
Wondering if your 6 month old is getting enough to drink each day? Here are some signs they are taking in an adequate amount of breastmilk or formula:
– Seems satisfied and content after feedings
– Has 6-8 wet diapers per day
– Has several soft or semi-formed stools per day
– Is gaining weight appropriately (discuss at well visits)
– Has good energy and is meeting milestones
– Drinks the recommended daily amount for their age
If your baby seems fussy or hungry right after feedings, produces fewer wet diapers, or isn’t gaining weight well, they may need more milk. Check with your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Increase Milk Intake If Needed
If your 6 month old isn’t getting enough milk, here are some tips to increase their intake:
– Breastfeed or offer bottle more frequently.
– Let baby nurse or drink formula longer at each feeding.
– Offer both breasts at each feeding.
– Try different feeding positions.
– Switch bottle nipples to a faster flow.
– Switch formula brands if baby seems unsatisfied.
– Offer milk before solid foods at mealtimes.
– Limit water or juice intake that fills up stomach.
– Have baby evaluated for tongue tie or oral motor issues.
– See lactation consultant if breastfeeding difficulties.
Consult your pediatrician if you are unable to increase your baby’s intake after trying these strategies. They can help determine if there is an underlying issue impacting your baby’s feeding or growth.
How to Tell if Your Baby is Drinking Too Much
It is possible for babies to drink too much breastmilk or formula. Signs of overfeeding in a 6 month old include:
– Frequent spit up or vomiting
– Gassiness, abdominal discomfort
– Excessive or explosive stools
– Overflowing diapers or leaking after feedings
– Difficulty settling down to sleep
– Fussiness and crying after feeding
– Consistently drinking above age recommendations
Overfeeding places extra strain on babies’ still-developing digestive systems. It can also reduce their appetite for solid foods needed for growth and nutrition variety.
Here are some tips if you suspect your baby is getting too much milk:
– Burp baby frequently during and after feeds.
– Pace bottle feeds to allow breaks.
– Try smaller, more frequent feeds.
– Distract baby when showing signs of overeating.
– Follow baby’s hunger cues rather than encouraging set amounts.
– Check with doctor to ensure no underlying conditions.
If your baby seems uncomfortable or excessively fussy after feedings, discuss your concerns with their pediatrician. They can help determine if overfeeding is an issue and if adjustments need to be made.
Tips for Feeding a 6 Month Old
Here are some top tips for feeding your 6 month old to ensure they get the milk they need in a day:
– Respond to hunger cues – don’t wait for scheduled feeds. Crying, rooting, and hand sucking signal baby wants to eat.
– Offer smaller, more frequent feeds if your baby has a hard time drinking larger volumes at once.
– Alternate breastfeeding from each side at each feeding to increase milk production.
– Don’t force baby to finish a bottle if they show signs of fullness like decreased sucking, turning away, or pushing at the nipple.
– Try different feeding positions. At 6 months babies can sit supported to be fed.
– Know that intake can vary day to day. What matters most is the overall trend.
– Contact doctor if you notice a significant, prolonged drop in intake or weight percentile.
– Don’t give water or juice without first checking with doctor. These fill them up without nutrition.
The key is tuning in to your baby’s cues, following their lead, and offering milk to match their hunger. With this responsive feeding style, you can ensure your 6 month old gets all the ounces they need to grow and thrive!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times should a 6 month old eat?
Most 6 month olds eat around 6-8 times per day. Feeding frequency varies based on your baby’s intake at each feeding. Smaller feeders may need 8-10 feeds per day while bigger feeders may only need 6. Let your baby’s hunger cues guide you.
How do I know if my 6 month old is eating enough?
Signs your 6 month old is eating enough include being satisfied after feedings, having 6-8 wet diapers and several stools per day, gaining weight appropriately, meeting milestones, and drinking around 25-35 oz per day on average.
What if my 6 month old is drinking too much milk?
Overfeeding can cause spit up, gas, excessive stools, and general discomfort. Try pacing feeds, feeding smaller amounts more often, following hunger cues, and speaking with your pediatrician.
How do I get my breastfed 6 month old to drink more?
If your breastfed 6 month old needs more milk, try feeding from both sides at each feeding, switching nursing positions, feeding more frequently, ensuring good latch, massaging breasts during feeds, staying hydrated, and avoiding pacifier overuse.
When should I give my 6 month old water?
Most babies don’t need water before around 6 months. Check with your pediatrician, but water can typically be introduced in small amounts with meals starting at 6 months if signs of readiness are there. Limit intake to avoid filling tummy with non-nutritious fluids.
Conclusion
The average 6 month old drinks between 25-35 oz of breastmilk or formula per day. However, some babies need less and some need more based on factors like feeding method, solids intake, size, growth spurts, and illness. The best way to tell if your baby is getting enough milk is by their satiety after drinking, diaper output, weight gain, and developmental progress. With responsive, baby-led feeding, you can ensure your 6 month old consumes the right amount to stay healthy and happy as they grow.
