Quick Answer
There is no single answer for how many ounces a 1 month old baby will eat, as appetites can vary quite a bit from baby to baby. However, some general guidelines are that a 1 month old will likely eat around 2-3 ounces per feeding, and will need to eat 8-12 times or more in a 24 hour period. So in total, a 1 month old may consume between 16-36 ounces or more per day on average. Read on for more details.
How Often Do 1 Month Olds Eat?
At 1 month of age, babies are still eating very frequently throughout the day, typically every 2-3 hours. They have small stomachs that can only hold a few ounces at a time. Some 1 month olds may eat as frequently as every 1.5-2 hours, which would be 8-12+ feedings per day. Others may be able to go a bit longer between feeds and may eat more like every 2.5-3.5 hours, or around 8 feedings per day.
Feeding frequency during the day vs night often varies as well. Many babies this age still wake up to eat 1-2 times overnight.
So in total, most 1 month olds need 8-12 or more feedings per 24 hours. But each baby is different, so it’s important to follow their hunger cues and feed on demand.
How Many Ounces Per Feeding?
At 1 month old, babies will generally eat around 2-3 ounces per feeding on average. However, this can range anywhere from 1-4 ounces or more at a time.
Some key things that determine how much a baby will eat per feeding include:
– Baby’s size – Larger babies often have bigger appetites.
– Time of day – Many babies eat more ounces at a time during the day and less at night.
– Stage of growth – Growth spurts can increase appetite.
– Breastfed vs formula fed – Breastfed babies may eat fewer ounces but more frequently.
– Baby’s appetite – Some babies are simply big eaters!
So while 2-3 ounces per feeding is typical, it’s best to follow your baby’s cues for when they are full or still hungry. Overfeeding can lead to spit up and discomfort.
Total Ounces Consumed Per Day
Based on the typical feeding frequency and intake per feeding, most 1 month olds will consume somewhere around 16-36 total ounces (or ~500-1080ml) per day on average.
However, this can vary significantly from baby to baby. Some 1 month olds may only need around 16-24 ounces total in a day, while others have appetites more in the 24-36+ ounce range.
Factors that influence total daily intake include:
– Baby’s size – Bigger babies often need more ounces per day.
– Growth spurts – Intake may increase during growth spurts.
– Medical conditions – Some conditions like reflux may affect intake.
– Breastfed vs formula fed – Breastfed babies don’t eat as many ounces typically.
– Baby’s activity level – More active babies burn more calories.
– Hot weather – Can increase baby’s fluid needs.
So it’s best not to get too hung up on the number of ounces. Feed your baby when they are hungry, until they seem satisfied. Their appetite will fluctuate from day to day.
Tips for Feeding a 1 Month Old
Here are some helpful tips when feeding your 1 month old baby:
– Feed on demand – Don’t try to force a schedule. Follow your baby’s hunger cues.
– Pace the feeding – Go slowly, pausing often, so baby doesn’t get overwhelmed.
– Alternate sides – When breastfeeding, switch breasts each feeding.
– Burp regularly – Burp during natural pauses and after feeding.
– Watch for fullness cues – Signs may include falling asleep, relaxed arms/hands, decreasing sucking, turning away.
– Don’t overfeed – Stop when baby loses interest or refuses more. Spit up often means they ate too much.
– Offer both sides – Even if baby only eats from one breast, offer the second side at the next feeding. This helps build milk supply.
– Try different flow nipples – Some babies prefer slow, medium or fast flow bottles.
– Hold baby upright – Hold baby in upright seated position when bottle feeding to prevent ear infections. Never prop bottles.
– Respect time limits – Feedings including burping should not last longer than 30-40 minutes to prevent exhaustion.
The key is getting to know your baby’s unique hunger signs, feeding pace, and daily intake. With time, you will learn to read your baby’s cues for when they are full or wanting more. Don’t stress too much over ounces – feed on demand and let your pediatrician know if you have any concerns.
Changes Around 1 Month
There are some key feeding changes that happen around 1 month of age to be aware of:
– Longer sleep stretches – Some babies start sleeping for 4-5 hour stretches at night.
– Less night wakings – Baby needs less night feeds as they get better at eating more ounces during the day.
– Increased intake – As baby gets more efficient at eating, they often increase intake per feeding and overall each day.
– Growth spurts – Baby may seem extra hungry for a few days as they hit growth spurts around 4, 6, and 8 weeks.
– Bottle introduction – Some moms may start introducing occasional pumped breastmilk in a bottle to get baby used to it.
– Formula changes – Babies on formula may switch from “newborn” formulas designed for sensitive tummies to “infant” formulas around 1 month old.
So expect appetite and feeding patterns to change and evolve around the 1 month mark as baby becomes more alert, efficient at eating, and starts sleeping for longer stretches. Keep following their lead!
Monitoring Weight Gain
It’s important for pediatricians to regularly monitor a baby’s weight gain to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition and are following their own growth curve.
Here are some tips for monitoring weight with a 1 month old:
– Attend regular check ups – Baby should have frequent weight checks in the first months. Aim for:
– Birth
– 3-5 days old
– 2 weeks
– 1 month
– 2 months
– Track weight percentiles – Make sure baby stays close to the same percentile curve versus dropping percentiles at each visit.
– Watch diaper output – Expect 5-6+ wet diapers and 3-4 dirty diapers per day if eating well.
– Notice hunger cues – Content and satisfied babies after feedings is a good sign. Fussiness could mean more food needed.
– Watch for adequate growth – Weekly weight gain often averages:
– Birth to 3 months: ~4-7 ounces per week
– By 1 month: ~1-2 pounds heavier than birth weight
– Discuss concerns – If you notice slowing weight gain or other issues, talk to your pediatrician right away.
Don’t stress too much over ounces per day. Pay more attention to weight gain trends over time, hunger cues, and diaper output as better indicators baby is eating well.
When to Start Solid Foods
The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends waiting until around 6 months of age before introducing solid foods to babies.
So at 1 month old, breastmilk or formula should still be the only source of nutrition. Solid foods are not recommended yet for several reasons:
– Immature digestive system – Babies’ guts are still developing and unable to handle solids well before 6 months.
– Risk of allergies – Early solid foods may increase likelihood of food allergies.
– Immune protection – Breastmilk/formula provides important immune factors that protect baby’s gut.
– Nutrition needs met – Breastmilk or formula provides all the calories, vitamins, and nutrition a baby needs in the early months.
– Skill development – Around 6 months, babies develop skills needed to swallow solids like sitting upright, tongue lateralization, loss of tongue thrust reflex.
– Kidney maturity – Babies’ kidneys cannot concentrate urine well before 6 months, increasing risk of dehydration with solids.
So continue focusing entirely on breastmilk or formula. When baby is ready for solids around 6 months, signs will include being able to sit upright, interest in foods, chewing motions, reaching for food, etc. Until then, breastmilk or formula will meet all nutritional needs.
FAQs
Is it normal for intake to fluctuate day to day?
Yes, it’s very normal for a baby’s intake to vary quite a bit from day to day or even feeding to feeding. Growth spurts, sleepy days, hot weather, and other factors can all impact appetite. Don’t stress if they eat more some days and less others – watch the overall trends and weight gain.
How can I get baby to eat more?
If your pediatrician says baby needs to eat more, try feeding more often, offering second helpings, switching up milk flow, burping frequently, limiting distractions, undressing to wake baby, etc. But never force feed – this can harm the feeding relationship.
Is it safe to give water before 6 months?
No, giving water before 6 months is not recommended. Breastmilk or formula provides all the hydration and nutrition a baby needs. Extra water can interfere with feeding, digestions, and nutrition intake. Only give water if instructed by your pediatrician.
What if my baby seems constantly hungry?
Frequent hunger can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue like reflux or food sensitivities. Or it can indicate a growth spurt with increased needs. Check with your pediatrician if your baby seems excessively hungry between normal feedings or feeds nonstop without settling.
When will my baby sleep through the night?
Many babies start sleeping for longer 5-6 hour stretches around 2-3 months old, but it’s a gradual process. To facilitate longer sleep, fill up baby well during day feeds, establish a calming pre-bedtime routine, and respond to night wakings gently and efficiently. But some waking to eat is still normal at 1 month old.
Is it okay to give a pacifier yet?
Pacifiers can be introduced starting around 1 month old, once breastfeeding is well established. Using pacifiers has been shown to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) without interfering with feeding. But avoid pacifier dependence.
Conclusion
How much a 1 month old eats can vary quite a bit from baby to baby. While average intake is 2-3 ounces per feeding, 8-12+ feedings per day, and 16-36+ ounces per day, each baby has unique needs. The best way to know if your 1 month old is eating enough is to pay attention to their hunger cues, diaper output, weight checks, and overall growth trends. Avoid over or underfeeding by feeding on demand. And remember that breastmilk or formula remains the only nutrition source needed in the first 6 months – solid foods should be avoided until around 6 months when baby has developed the skills and digestive maturity to handle them. With patience and attentiveness, you will get to know your baby’s unique appetite and eating patterns over time. Don’t stress too much over ounces, and trust your pediatrician to guide you if any feeding concerns arise.