Determining how much a 4 month old baby should eat in a day can seem complicated for new parents. Babies have very small stomachs at this age, so they need to eat smaller, more frequent feedings throughout the day. The amount a 4 month old eats can vary quite a bit based on their size, appetite and rate of growth. However, there are some general guidelines to follow to make sure baby is getting what they need.
Average Feeding Amounts for a 4 Month Old
As a rough estimate, many 4 month old babies will take around 25-35 oz of milk or formula per day. This is typically divided into 5-7 smaller feedings spaced 2-4 hours apart. Here is a quick look at average daily feeding amounts by feeding method:
- Exclusively breastfed babies: 25-30 oz breastmilk per day
- Exclusively formula fed babies: 30-35 oz formula per day
- Combo fed babies: 25-30 oz breastmilk plus 20-25 oz formula per day
However, each baby is different. Some 4 month olds may need less, while others need more. Factors like your baby’s birth weight, genetics, metabolism and rate of growth all impact appetite and how much milk they require.
Signs Your 4 Month Old is Eating Enough
More important than focusing on hitting an exact daily ounce amount is paying attention to your baby’s hunger and fullness cues. Here are signs your 4 month old is getting enough to eat:
- They seem satisfied and content after feedings
- Have regular, heavy wet diapers (5-6+ per day)
- Have regular dirty diapers (1+ stool per day)
- Are gaining weight appropriately
- Reaching developmental milestones
- Have good energy levels when awake
If your baby is showing these signs, then rest assured they are likely eating an adequate amount for their needs. Don’t stress too much about getting an exact daily ounce count.
Signs Your 4 Month Old May Need More
On the other hand, the following behaviors may be clues your 4 month old needs to eat more:
- Seems hungry again shortly after finishing a feeding
- Not having the recommended 5-6+ wet diapers per day
- Little interest in feeding or eating smaller amounts
- Not gaining weight well or dropping percentiles
- Excessive crying or fussiness
If your baby is displaying these cues, try offering an extra feeding or two throughout the day. You may need to temporarily increase their intake if going through a growth spurt. Speak with your pediatrician if you have ongoing concerns.
milk intake guidelines
To give you a better sense of what milk intake recommendations look like at this age, here are some general milk feeding guidelines from 4-6 months:
| Age | Breastmilk or Formula Amount | Feeding Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 4 months | 25-35 oz per day | 5-7 feedings per day |
| 5 months | 30-37 oz per day | 5-6 feedings per day |
| 6 months | 32-40 oz per day | 5-6 feedings per day |
Keep in mind these are just averages – your baby’s needs may differ. For example, a smaller baby may take in 24-28 oz at 4 months, while a larger, hungrier baby may need up to 38 oz. The key is to follow your baby’s hunger cues and avoid under or overfeeding.
Tips for Pacing Feedings
At 4 months, babies are still perfecting their feeding skills. Paced bottle feeding can help prevent overfeeding. Here are some tips:
- Hold baby semi-upright in your arms, not laying flat
- Use slow-flow nipples to control milk flow
- Tip bottle horizontal to fill nipple and require baby to suck
- Break suction often by pulling bottle out of mouth
- Burp baby halfway through feeding
- Recognize cues when baby is full or done
Pace feedings based on baby’s hunger rather than a set amount. Let them lead the process. Watch for fullness signs like slowing suckling, spitting out nipple, hands coming off bottle or turning away.
Solids at 4 Months
Around 4-6 months, many babies start experimenting with solid foods in addition to breastmilk or formula. Introducing complementary foods at this stage lays the foundation for healthy eating habits down the road.
At 4 months, solids are just for fun and to explore new tastes and textures. Breastmilk or formula should still make up the full nutrition. Only begin solids if baby can sit upright supported, hold their head steady, open their mouth when food is offered, move food to the back of their mouth to swallow and show interest in food.
Start with smooth purees like applesauce, avocado or sweet potato. Give 1-2 tablespoons once per day after a milk feeding. Signs baby is ready for more include opening mouth for food, leaning forward and good head control. Increase gradually to 2-3 tablespoons 2x per day by 5 months as tolerated.
Go at your baby’s pace and don’t force feed. Watch for gagging or choking. Solids at this age are about exploration, not nutrition. Avoid adding cereal to bottles – wait until baby can handle thicker textures around 6 months.
Factors That Impact Feeding Amounts
When determining how much your 4 month old needs to eat, be aware that a variety of factors may influence their intake:
- Premature birth: Preemies have higher calorie needs and may eat up to 20-30% more than full term infants.
- Reflux: Babies with reflux may eat smaller, more frequent feedings. Keep upright during and after meals.
- Allergies: Food allergies or intolerances can lead to poor appetite and reduced intake. Switch formulas if needed.
- Illness: Colds, infections and teething may temporarily reduce appetite and intake.
- Solid foods: As solids are introduced, milk amounts may decrease slightly.
- Growth spurts: Periods of rapid growth result in increased hunger and milk intake.
- Medications: Some medications may affect appetite or feeding ability.
If your baby’s intake needs change due to any of these factors, focus on following their cues while offering small frequent feeds. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Switching from Breastmilk to Formula
Around 4-6 months, some moms look to switch from breastmilk to formula for reasons like returning to work. Here are some tips for transitioning:
- Take it gradually over 2-3 weeks
- Replace one feeding per 3-5 days with formula
- Mix breastmilk and formula to start, then adjust ratios
- Aim for feeding consistency and schedule
- Offer same total ounces as breastmilk
- Use a traditional cow’s milk-based formula
- Watch baby’s tolerance and stools
Change up the type of formula if baby seems gassy, constipated or shows other signs of intolerance. Combo feeding can allow a gradual shift to formula while still providing breastmilk benefits.
Night Feeding at 4 Months
By 4 months, some babies are able to sleep longer stretches at night without feedings. However, many still need to wake 1-2 times to eat. Here are some tips for night feedings:
- Feed when baby wakes and shows hunger signs
- Aim for no more than one feeding within 6-8 hour stretch
- Allow early morning feed between 5-7 AM
- Put baby down drowsy but awake after feeding
- Don’t overfeed – offer same total ounces as day
- Delay feeding by a few minutes if not hungry
- Develop a calming nightly routine
If struggling with frequent night wakings, talk with your pediatrician. At 4 months, some babies are developmentally ready to start dropping night feeds. But if night feeding meets baby’s needs, continue responding to their cues.
Monitoring Growth and Weight Gain
Tracking your baby’s growth and weight gain is an important way to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition. Here’s what to know:
- Babies should be weighed and measured at regular pediatric visits.
- Expect baby to gain 4-7 oz per week and grow 1 inch per month.
- Plot measurements on standard WHO growth charts.
- Ideally weight should stay within same percentile curve.
- Discuss any growth concerns quickly with your pediatrician.
While ounces consumed is one useful metric, weight gain and growth patterns give a bigger picture. Don’t focus solely on ounces or overfeed in hopes of packing on pounds. Consistent weight gain while following hunger cues is the best approach.
Options for Increasing Milk Intake
If your pediatrician recommends increasing your 4 month old’s daily milk intake, here are some tips:
- Offer an additional feeding session
- Try feeding on only one side per session
- Allow baby to feed on demand when showing hunger
- Extend feeding time by a few minutes
- Switch to a faster flow nipple if bottle feeding
- Feed higher calorie expressed breastmilk
- Use breast compression and massage techniques
- Ensure proper latch if breastfeeding
Increasing milk supply when breastfeeding involves frequent feeding, staying hydrated and getting proper rest and nutrition. If applicable, pump after feedings to signal your body to produce more. But keep in mind fed is best – formula is a healthy option if needed.
Conclusion
How much a 4 month old eats can vary significantly based on your baby’s unique needs. While 25-35 oz per day is an average amount, focusing on hunger cues, weight gain patterns and developmental milestones is most important. With responsive, paced feedings to follow their lead, your baby will get the nutrition they require to continue growing and thriving.
