Quick Answer
Most experts recommend that a 9 month old baby should consume around 24-32 ounces or 720-960 mL of formula in a 24 hour period. This equals about 6-8 bottles of 4-5 ounces each. However, every baby is different and may need more or less depending on their individual needs. The key is to follow your baby’s hunger cues and not force them to finish bottles if they seem full.
How Much Formula Do 9 Month Olds Need
At 9 months, babies are starting to consume more solid foods but still require formula or breastmilk as their main source of nutrition. Here are some general guidelines on formula intake at this age:
- 24-32 ounces (720-960 mL) per day
- 6-8 feedings per day
- 4-5 ounces (120-150 mL) per feeding
However, the exact amount can vary based on factors like:
- Your baby’s weight and height – Larger babies may need more.
- Activity level – More active babies burn more calories.
- Introduction of solid foods – As solid foods displace milk, your baby may need less formula.
- Individual needs and appetite – Some babies are simply hungrier than others.
The best way to determine your baby’s needs is to follow their hunger cues. Signs that your baby is still hungry include:
- Sucking or rooting motions with the mouth
- Hands to mouth gestures
- Fussing or crying
- Getting excited at the sight or smell of milk
Offer the bottle whenever you see these cues. Let your baby feed until they seem satisfied and content. As long as they are having the recommended number of wet diapers and gaining weight appropriately, you can be assured they are getting enough formula.
Feeding Schedule for a 9 Month Old
While a newborn may need to eat every 2-3 hours, feeding frequency decreases as babies get older. Here is an example feeding schedule for a 9 month old:
- 7-8 am – Breakfast – 5 ounces formula
- 10-11 am – Bottle – 4 ounces formula
- 12-1 pm – Lunch – Solids and 4 ounces formula
- 3-4 pm – Bottle – 5 ounces formula
- 5:30-6:30 pm – Dinner – Solids and 4-5 ounces formula
- 8-9 pm – Bottle – 5 ounces formula
Aim for 6-8 feedings spaced every 3-4 hours. Offer more frequent small bottles if your baby seems hungrier. You can also give water in an open cup between bottle feedings.
Adjust the schedule based on when your baby naps and eats solids. Their routine may vary day to day. The key is flexibility and watching your baby’s signals.
Daily Formula Intake by Feeding
Here is an overview of the typical amount of formula needed at each feeding for a 9 month old:
Breakfast
4-6 ounces
The first feeding of the day is usually the largest. Offer your baby a full bottle to “break the fast” and fuel up for the day ahead.
Mid-morning bottle
3-5 ounces
After a couple hours of play, most babies are ready for a small bottle snack to tide them over until lunch.
Lunch
4-5 ounces of formula plus solids
At lunch, aim to give your baby a serving of iron-rich solid foods along with formula. The solids will help fill them up.
Mid-afternoon bottle
3-5 ounces
Babies need refueling after a busy morning. Offer another small bottle around mid-afternoon.
Dinner
4-6 ounces formula plus solids
Like at lunch, give solids along with a bottle at dinner. Vary the solids to expose your baby to different flavors and textures.
Bedtime bottle
4-6 ounces
Give a full bottle before bedtime and pajamas to help your baby sleep through the night better. Make the last feeding relaxing and consistent.
Again, your baby may need more or less than these amounts. Let their hunger cues guide you rather than sticking rigidly to a schedule. Babies will naturally consume the calories they need for growth.
Signs Your Baby is Eating Enough
How can you tell if your 9 month old is getting sufficient nutrition from their bottle feedings? Here are some signs:
- Having 6 or more wet diapers per day.
- Having 2-3 soft bowel movements per day.
- Steady weight gain and growth.
- Achieving developmental milestones.
- Good energy levels and mood.
- Seems satisfied after feedings.
Discuss any concerns with your pediatrician at your baby’s regular well visits. They can advise you on age-appropriate growth and development. Regular weight checks are also important to ensure your baby stays on their curve.
If your baby seems constantly hungry, cries during feeds, or isn’t having enough wet diapers, speak to your doctor about increasing formula intake. Slow growth may be a sign they need more calories.
Factors That Influence Formula Needs
While the recommended 24-32 ounces is a general guideline, your baby’s unique needs may differ. Here are some factors that can impact formula intake for a 9 month old:
Solid foods
The more solids your baby eats, the less formula they will need. As solid foods start displacing milk feeds, some babies only need 20-24 ounces of formula per day by 9 months. Offer solids at 2-3 meals per day when developmentally ready.
Growth spurts
During growth spurts, your baby may seem extra hungry. It’s normal for them to demand more milk during these phases. Let them feed on demand to fuel growth, then appetite will return to normal.
Activity level
Active babies who crawl and play more burn additional calories. They often need more formula to replace the energy used. Make bottles bigger or offer an extra feeding.
Illness
When sick, babies lose their appetite but still require hydration and nutrition. Encourage small, frequent feeds of formula until their illness resolves.
Teething
The pain and discomfort of teething can also decrease appetite. Stick to the normal feeding schedule during teething but don’t force your baby to finish bottles.
Weather
Babies need slightly more fluids in hot weather to prevent dehydration. Offer an extra bottle or increase the amount per bottle on very hot days.
Individual needs
Just like adults, some babies are heartier eaters or need to eat more frequently. Follow your baby’s lead for when and how much they need.
Tips for Formula Feeding a 9 Month Old
Here are some tips for making formula feeding go smoothly for your 9 month old:
- Give breastmilk or iron-fortified formula. plain whole cow’s milk doesn’t have adequate nutrition for babies under 12 months.
- Mix formula properly following label directions. Make sure it’s not too watery or concentrated.
- Bottle feed slowly and gently. Allow baby to take breaks to prevent overfeeding.
- Don’t prop bottles or put baby to bed with one. Feedings should be interactive.
- Respond to baby’s hunger signals. Feed on demand rather than on a rigid schedule.
- Hold and burp baby halfway through feeds and when done.
- Don’t overheat bottles. Lukewarm formula is better tolerated.
- Upgrade bottle nipples periodically as baby’s sucking ability changes.
- Watch for signs of intolerance like gassiness or spit up. Your pediatrician can help you with selecting a different formula.
Following safe bottle feeding practices will help ensure your growing baby gets the nutrition they need while staying healthy.
Transitioning from Formula to Whole Milk
Around your baby’s first birthday, you can start transitioning from formula to whole cow’s milk. Here are some tips:
- Start by mixing formula with whole milk, gradually increasing the milk ratio.
- Substitute one formula feeding per day with milk, then increase to two, etc.
- Aim to have baby fully transitioned to whole milk by 12-15 months.
- Offer milk in a cup without a bottle during this process.
- Go slow – take 1-2 weeks for the full transition.
- Watch for signs of intolerance like increased spit up, gas or diarrhea.
Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby tolerating whole milk. Once on whole milk, babies 12-24 months old need about 16-24 ounces per day.
FAQs
How many ounces should a 9 month old eat?
Most 9 month olds need around 24-32 ounces of formula or breastmilk per day. Offer 6-8 feedings of 4-5 ounces each. Follow your baby’s hunger cues rather than a strict schedule.
How much formula should I offer at each feeding?
Aim for 4-6 ounces per feeding, but let your baby determine when they are full. Some may consistently take less or more at each feeding.
How often does a 9 month old need to eat?
At this age, babies need about 6-8 feedings spaced every 3-4 hours. But each baby is different, so feed on demand. Also offer solid foods 2-3 times per day.
What if my 9 month old is eating less formula?
It’s normal for formula intake to decrease around this age as solid foods displace some milk feeds. As long as your baby is gaining weight well and seems satisfied, they are likely getting enough to eat. Discuss any concerns with your pediatrician.
When can I switch a 9 month old to whole milk?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends transitioning from formula to whole cow’s milk around 12 months of age. Make the switch gradually over a week or two. Replace one formula bottle at a time with whole milk.
Conclusion
How much formula a 9 month old needs can vary based on their solids intake, activity level, and other factors. While 24-32 ounces per day is typical, pay attention to your baby’s individual hunger cues. Offer smaller, frequent bottles if they seem hungrier or larger bottles if they need less. Work closely with their doctor and use growth as a guide to ensure your baby is getting adequate nutrition during this transitional time when solid foods begin displacing formula feeds.