For a 1 month old baby, breastmilk or formula should make up the entirety of their diet. At this age, babies have very small stomachs and can only handle small amounts of milk at each feeding. On average, a 1 month old will eat around 2-3 ounces every 2-3 hours. This equates to roughly 25-35 ounces of breastmilk or formula per day.
Key Points
- A 1 month old’s stomach capacity is very small, around 2-3 ounces per feeding
- Babies this age need to eat every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times per day
- On average, a 1 month old consumes 25-35 ounces of breastmilk or formula per day
- Feed on demand rather than a schedule – watch for baby’s hunger cues
- Breastfed babies may eat variable amounts from day to day
How Often Should a 1 Month Old Eat?
At 1 month of age, babies need to eat very frequently, generally every 2-3 hours. This amounts to 8-12 feedings per day. Newborns have tiny stomachs and fast metabolisms, meaning they digest milk quickly and need frequent refueling.
Feeding on demand, rather than a strict schedule, is recommended at this age. Watch for signs of hunger such as rooting, sucking motions, hands to mouth, increased alertness or crying. Offer the breast or bottle whenever baby seems hungry.
While amounts will vary, the typical 1 month old breastfed baby will nurse 8-12 times per day. Formula fed infants may eat a bit less frequently, like every 3 hours.
How Much Per Feeding?
At 1 month old, babies have a stomach capacity of around 2-3 ounces per feeding. They will consume this amount from breast or bottle at each feeding session.
When breastfeeding, you can’t measure exact ounces. But typically a 1 month old will nurse for 10-15 minutes on each breast. The amount of breastmilk consumed varies even for the same baby on different days.
With formula feeding, aim for 2-3 ounces on average. But let your baby’s cues guide you. If they are still hungry after finishing 2 ounces, offer more. It’s important not to overfeed, but don’t restrict baby’s intake if they seem unsatisfied.
Pace Feeding
It is recommended to pace feed formula to 1 month old babies. This involves tipping the bottle so that only a small amount of formula is dispensed at a time. It allows baby to take breaks and mimic the flow of breastmilk.
Proper pacing can help reduce overfeeding, spit up and gas. Go slowly, break often, and stop when baby shows signs of fullness like closing mouth or turning away.
Daily Breastmilk/Formula Intake
Based on the average feeding frequency and volume, a 1 month old baby will consume about 25-35 ounces per day. This can vary based on baby’s appetite and whether breastfed or formula fed.
Exclusively breastfed babies tend to take in variable amounts. Their intake may range from 19-30 ounces per day. Formula fed infants are more consistent, generally around 30-32 ounces daily.
As solids are introduced after 6 months, the amount of breastmilk or formula needed will gradually decrease. But at 1 month, milk should still be the only source of nutrition.
Sample Schedule
Here is an example daily feeding schedule for a 1 month old:
| Time | Feeding |
|---|---|
| 7 AM | Breastfeed or 3 ounces formula |
| 9:30 AM | Breastfeed or 2-3 ounces formula |
| 12 PM | Breastfeed or 3 ounces formula |
| 2:30 PM | Breastfeed or 2-3 ounces formula |
| 5 PM | Breastfeed or 3 ounces formula |
| 7:30 PM | Breastfeed or 2-3 ounces formula |
| 10 PM | Breastfeed or 3 ounces formula |
| 1 AM | Breastfeed or 2-3 ounces formula |
| 3:30 AM | Breastfeed or 3 ounces formula |
This schedule represents the typical 2-3 hour frequency newborns need. Again, feeding on demand rather than a strict schedule is recommended.
Growth Spurts
Growth spurts typically occur around 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months. During these periods, babies will nursing more frequently and intake will increase for a few days.
Growth spurts are a normal part of development as baby gets more efficient at digesting milk. Feed on demand as baby cues during these phases. Their increased hunger should even back out after a few days.
Signs Baby is Hungry
Since 1 month old babies cannot communicate verbally yet, look for these feeding cues to know when they are hungry:
- Rooting (turning head looking for food source)
- Sucking motions with mouth
- Hands to mouth
- Increased alertness
- Crying
Responding early to feeding cues is ideal. Crying is a late sign of hunger that signals baby is very upset. Try to feed baby before they escalate to full crying.
Signs Baby is Full
It is important not to overfeed an infant. Watch for these satiety cues to know when baby has had enough milk:
- Decreased or stops sucking
- Turns head away
- Closed mouth when offered breast/bottle
- Spitting out or dribbling milk
- Hands pushing bottle away
- Increased drowsiness
Spitting up small amounts is normal for babies. But large spit ups or spit ups that seem painful may indicate overfeeding. Try pacing feedings and offering smaller volumes more frequently.
Is My Baby Getting Enough?
To ensure your 1 month old is getting enough breastmilk or formula, look for these signs:
- Steady weight gain – Babies should gain about 4-8 ounces per week.
- 6-8 wet diapers – After milk transitions at 6 weeks, there should be 6 heavy wet diapers per day.
- 3-4 dirty diapers – At 1 month old, expect 3-4 yellow, seedy stools each day.
- Satisfied after feedings – Baby should seem content, not hungry, after eatings.
If weight gain seems inadequate, if there are insufficient wet/dirty diapers or if baby acts hungry after feedings speak to your pediatrician. They can help assess if baby is getting enough to eat.
Breastmilk vs Formula
Both breastmilk and formula provide complete nutrition for infants. Here is some info comparing the two:
Breastmilk
- Custom-made for human infants
- Provides antibodies & immune factors
- Always sterile and the right temperature
- May help reduce risks of infections, diabetes, obesity
- Encourages bonding during feeding
Around 6 months, babies start to need some supplemental nutrition from solids. But breastmilk continues to provide important benefits and should ideally be given until baby is 1 year old, or longer if desired.
Formula
- Made from cow’s milk that is modified to mimic breastmilk
- Fortified with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats
- Standard formulas based on average breastmilk composition
- Specialized formulas for babies with dietary needs
- Provides complete nutrition but lacks some immune factors
While not quite equivalent to breastmilk, formula does supply babies with adequate nutrition for growth and development. Modern commercial formulas are rigorously regulated for safety and quality.
Supplementing with Formula
Almost all babies receive at least some formula within the first 6 months. Reasons for supplementing include:
- Establishing milk supply in early days
- Allowing mother to get rest
- Inability to produce sufficient breastmilk
- Need to return to work/separate from baby
- Baby not gaining weight adequately
Work with your pediatrician and lactation consultant if you need to supplement while breastfeeding. The goal is to provide nutrition while ideally still allowing baby to nurse when possible.
When to Call the Doctor
Consult your pediatrician if:
- Baby seems excessively hungry after feedings
- Baby is not having the recommended 6-8 wet diapers per day
- Weight gain seems inadequate
- Baby is falling asleep very early into feedings
- Baby exhibits signs of stomach distress like arching, drawing legs up
Your doctor can help determine if baby is getting sufficient nutrition. They may adjust feeding recommendations or prescribe specialty formula if needed.
The First Month
The first month of your baby’s life is an amazing time. Keep these tips in mind:
- Aim for 2-3 ounces every 2-3 hours, or 25-35 ounces per day
- Let baby’s hunger cues guide feeding times
- Pace bottle feedings to prevent overfeeding
- Growth spurts are normal – nurse on demand
- Supplement if needed but strive to provide breastmilk when possible
With patience, love and proper nutrition, your little one will continue to grow and thrive.
