Breastmilk provides ideal nutrition for babies in the first year of life. It contains the right balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to help babies grow and develop properly. Knowing how much breastmilk babies need at different ages can help mothers ensure their babies are getting enough to eat.
How many oz of breastmilk do newborns drink?
In the first few days after birth, babies will nurse frequently but not consume large volumes at each feeding. This helps stimulate milk production. By the end of the first week, a newborn will usually drink around 1-2 oz per feeding, or 15-30 oz per day on average. However, every baby is different. Some newborns will take less milk more frequently, while others prefer larger volumes spaced further apart. As long as the baby seems satisfied, is having the expected number of wet and dirty diapers, and is gaining weight appropriately, they are likely getting enough milk.
How many oz of breastmilk do 1 month old babies drink?
By 1 month of age, most babies will feed 8-12 times per day and consume around 25-35 oz of breastmilk per day on average. However, milk intake can vary quite a bit from baby to baby. Growth spurts often occur around 1 month, during which a baby may temporarily increase their milk consumption. As solids are introduced starting around 6 months, the volume of breastmilk per feeding will gradually decrease, but babies will continue to get the majority of their nutrition from breastmilk throughout the first year.
How many oz of breastmilk do 2 month old babies drink?
At 2 months of age, breastfed babies will often feed 8-10 times per day and drink around 25-40 oz per day on average. However, some babies will take less milk more frequently, while others space out larger feedings. Growth spurts are common at this age as well, so milk intake may seem greater temporarily. As long as weight gain and diaper output are adequate, the baby is likely getting sufficient milk. Mothers should offer both breasts at each feeding and allow baby to feed on demand.
How many oz of breastmilk do 3 month old babies drink?
By 3 months of age, many babies will feed 7-9 times per day and consume around 30-40 oz of milk per day on average. Feedings every 3-4 hours are common at this age. Some mothers may notice a decrease in nursing frequency as babies become more efficient at removing milk and are able to go longer between feedings. However, if milk supply is abundant, some babies will still feed more often. Watching weight gain and diaper output helps determine if milk intake is adequate.
How many oz of breastmilk do 4 month old babies drink?
At 4 months of age, breastfed babies often feed 7-8 times per day and consume around 30-35 oz of breastmilk per day on average. However, feeding frequency and volume consumed at each feeding can vary. Some babies may begin sleeping through the night at this age and make up for missed nighttime feedings by nursing more frequently during the day. Growth spurts are still common at 4 months as well. Some mothers find their milk supply stabilizes around this time, but it is important to continue feeding on demand to match baby’s needs.
How many oz of breastmilk do 5 month old babies drink?
By 5 months of age, breastfed babies typically feed 6-8 times per day and drink around 30-35 oz of breastmilk per day on average. Solids are often introduced around 6 months, so nursing frequency and volume per feeding may start decreasing gradually as more and more solid foods are added. However, breastmilk should still provide the majority of a baby’s nutrition through the first year of life. Close attention should be paid to developmental readiness for solid foods and not just age alone.
How many oz of breastmilk do 6 month old babies drink?
At 6 months of age, breastfed babies often feed 5-7 times per day and consume around 25-35 oz of breastmilk per day on average. This is around the time when solids are introduced, so milk intake begins decreasing as solid food intake increases. nursing frequency also declines gradually. However, breastmilk remains an important source of nutrition through the first year. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization recommend continued breastfeeding through 12 months and beyond, along with complementary foods.
How many oz of breastmilk do 7 month old babies drink?
By 7 months of age, breastfed babies typically feed 5-6 times per day and consume around 25-30 oz of breastmilk per day on average. However, some babies will continue feeding more frequently. As solid food intake has increased, breastmilk intake decreases but continues providing important nutrition. At this age, most babies’ digestive systems have matured enough to handle a wide variety of foods, allowing mothers to introduce a greater variety of solids. Close attention should be paid to developmental signs of readiness.
How many oz of breastmilk do 8 month old babies drink?
Around 8 months of age, breastfed babies often feed 4-5 times per day and drink about 25-30 oz of breastmilk per day on average. Nursing frequency decreases as solid food intake increases. At this age babies are able to handle an array of textures including purees, mashed foods, and finger foods. However breastmilk should still make up a large part of their caloric intake at this age. Continued breastfeeding provides immunity protection as well.
How many oz of breastmilk do 9 month old babies drink?
At 9 months of age, babies typically nurse 4-5 times per day and consume around 25 oz of breastmilk per day on average. However, some babies will feed more frequently and take in a greater volume of milk. Night nursing may still occur but generally decreases around this age as sleep patterns consolidate. While milk intake decreases, breastmilk remains an important source of fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals as solids become a bigger part of the diet.
How many oz of breastmilk do 10 month old babies drink?
By 10 months of age, most breastfed babies will feed around 4 times per day and drink about 25 oz of breastmilk per day on average. However, milk intake varies based on individual needs and nursing habits. Some babies decrease feedings dramatically during this time as solids become more established. However, continued breastfeeding provides immune factors, nutrients, and comfort. Mothers can follow baby’s cues for determining feeding frequency and volume.
How many oz of breastmilk do 11 month old babies drink?
Around 11 months of age, breastfed babies typically feed 3-4 times per day and consume around 20-25 oz of breastmilk per day on average. Nursing frequency decreases as more nutrition is obtained from solids. However, breastmilk continues providing calories along with immunity, digestion and neurodevelopmental benefits. As babies near one year, mothers can follow their lead on nursing frequency as solid intake increases.
How many oz of breastmilk do 12 month old babies drink?
By 12 months of age, most breastfed babies will nurse around 3 times per day and drink around 20 oz of breastmilk per day on average. However this varies based on individual baby’s needs. Nursing frequency and volume diminish over the second half of the first year as solid foods become a bigger part of the diet. But breastmilk continues providing important nutrition, as well as immune, gastrointestinal and cognitive benefits. The AAP recommends continued breastfeeding through age two and beyond.
Average Breastmilk Intake by Age
| Age | Average Oz Per Day |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 15-30 oz |
| 1 month | 25-35 oz |
| 2 months | 25-40 oz |
| 3 months | 30-40 oz |
| 4 months | 30-35 oz |
| 5 months | 30-35 oz |
| 6 months | 25-35 oz |
| 7 months | 25-30 oz |
| 8 months | 25-30 oz |
| 9 months | 25 oz |
| 10 months | 25 oz |
| 11 months | 20-25 oz |
| 12 months | 20 oz |
Key Factors That Affect Breastmilk Intake
While the averages provide a general guideline, several factors can affect an individual baby’s breastmilk intake:
- Growth spurts – During growth spurts, babies may temporarily increase breastmilk intake.
- Illness – Milk intake may decrease temporarily when babies are ill.
- Solid foods – Introducing solids around 6 months decreases breastmilk intake gradually as more nutrition is obtained from foods.
- Nursing efficiency – Some babies get better at removing milk quickly and may nurse less frequently.
- Sleeping patterns – As babies begin sleeping through the night, night nursing decreases.
- Supply – Babies with mothers who have an oversupply may feed more frequently while lower supply may lead to increased feeding duration.
- Bottle feeding – Babies who receive bottles in addition to nursing often take in more total volume.
- Nursing habits – Some babies prefer smaller feedings while others space out larger ones.
Ultimately, each baby’s intake is unique and will be influenced by their individual age, stage of development, and behavioral patterns. Monitoring weight gain, diaper output, and developmental milestones with your pediatrician can help determine if milk supply is adequate.
Signs Baby is Getting Enough Milk
While tracking volume consumed provides a guide, other signs can also indicate if your baby is getting enough breastmilk:
- 6+ wet diapers per day by 5-7 days old
- 3-4 stools per day that transition from black to yellow by 3-5 days old
- Weight gain of around 6-8 oz per week
- Good energy and alertness when awake
- Satisfied and content after feeding
- Strong sucking reflex and audible swallowing
If these markers are present along with sufficient weight gain, your baby is likely getting enough milk, regardless of volume. Your pediatrician can provide guidance on whether intake is adequate or if additional supplementation is needed. Keep in mind that each baby is unique.
Tips for Supporting Milk Supply
To help maintain adequate milk production to meet your baby’s needs at various ages:
- Nurse on demand rather than on a strict schedule
- Offer both breasts at each feeding
- Aim for at least 8-12 feedings per day in the early months
- Allow baby to finish first breast before switching sides
- Nurse frequently to increase prolactin and milk removal
- Ensure proper latch and positioning
- Pump after or between feedings to fully empty breasts
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
If you are concerned about low milk supply, speak with a lactation consultant. They can provide individualized guidance on techniques to optimize production.
Supplementing with Formula
While breastmilk is the recommended sole source of nutrition for about the first 6 months, some mothers may need to supplement partially with formula. This may be recommended by your pediatrician if:
- Baby is showing signs of dehydration or insufficient weight gain
- Maternal milk supply is low despite efforts to increase it
- Medical conditions prevent adequate milk production
- Mom needs to take medications incompatible with breastfeeding
- Baby is unable to nurse effectively
If supplementing is necessary, aim to limit formula intake so that breastmilk remains a large part of the diet. Frequent nursing will help maintain milk supply even when giving supplemental feedings. Work closely with your pediatrician and lactation consultant to determine optimal combination feeding.
Weaning from Breastmilk
There is no set age when babies must wean from breastmilk. The AAP recommends breastfeeding along with solid foods through the first year and beyond. Decisions around weaning should take into account both mother’s and baby’s readiness. Many babies self-wean during the second half of the first year as other foods become a larger part of the diet. Gradual weaning is recommended, allowing both mother’s milk supply and baby’s intake to decrease slowly rather than stopping suddenly. This helps avoid issues like engorgement or mastitis for mom and nutritional deficits for baby. Remember that breastmilk continues providing immune benefits even when nursing frequency and volume decrease.
Conclusion
While every baby is unique, the guidelines in this article provide a general overview of average breastmilk intake at different ages in the first year along with factors that can impact milk supply and demand. Tracking developmental milestones, weight gain, and diaper output with your pediatrician can help determine if your baby is getting sufficient nutrition, regardless of volume. Breastmilk provides ideal nutrition tailored to a baby’s needs in the first year of life and beyond when feeding on demand. Consulting lactation specialists, your pediatrician, and following your baby’s cues can help ensure your little one is getting the breastmilk they need as they grow.
