Quick Answer
The recommended amount of milk for a healthy 9 month old is 16-24 ounces per day. This can come from breastmilk and/or formula. Whole cow’s milk is not recommended until 12 months of age.
How many ounces of milk does a 9 month old need?
The general guideline is that a 9 month old should consume around 16-24 ounces of milk per day. This milk can come from either breastmilk or formula, or a combination of both.
At 9 months, many babies are transitioning from exclusively breastmilk or formula to also eating solid foods. As babies start to eat more solids at mealtimes, their milk intake often decreases naturally. However, milk should still make up a significant portion of their daily diet.
Here are some more specifics on milk needs at 9 months:
- Breastfed babies: Typically take in 19-30 ounces per day from breastmilk. They regulate their milk intake based on their needs.
- Formula fed babies: Generally consume around 24-32 ounces per day. This can be divided into 4-5 bottles.
- Combination fed babies: May take between 16-24 ounces per day from a mix of breastmilk and formula.
So in summary, the recommended amount is 16-24 ounces, but some babies will need more or less depending on their unique needs, growth patterns, and solid food intake. It’s best to follow your baby’s hunger cues and avoid under or overfeeding.
Is whole cow’s milk an option at 9 months?
Whole cow’s milk is not recommended until 12 months of age. Here’s why:
- Cow’s milk contains different levels of nutrients than breastmilk or formula.
- It has lower levels of iron, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids.
- The proteins and minerals in cow’s milk are harder for a 9 month old’s digestive system to process.
- Early introduction of cow’s milk may increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia.
- Cow’s milk also has higher renal solute load. This means it places more strain on the kidneys.
For these reasons, the American Academy of Pediatrics, WHO, and other health organizations recommend exclusive breastmilk or formula until 1 year old. Cow’s milk can overwhelm a 9 month old’s immature digestive and renal systems.
After age 1, cow’s milk can be gradually introduced as a primary milk source. But until then, breastmilk or formula remain the best options.
Making the transition to cow’s milk at 1 year
At 12 months, you can start transitioning your baby over to cow’s milk by following these guidelines:
- Introduce whole cow’s milk initially. Reduced fat milk is not recommended until age 2.
- Substitute one feeding of formula or breastmilk per day with cow’s milk.
- Gradually increase cow’s milk while decreasing formula or breastmilk over a 2–4 week period.
- Aim for 16-24 ounces of whole milk per day once the transition is complete.
- Can give additional breastmilk or formula if your child is still hungry.
The key is to make a slow, gradual switch to get your baby used to cow’s milk and prevent stomach issues. Within a month, most babies transition successfully to cow’s milk as their primary milk source.
Milk and solid foods
Around 9 months, infants also start eating more solid foods at mealtimes. As solids increase, milk intake may naturally decrease. However, milk should still provide a significant amount of calories and nutrients in a 9 month old’s diet.
When introducing solid foods, don’t force feed or try to hurriedly spoon feed your baby. Go at their pace and let them explore new textures and flavors. Watch for signs of readiness like:
- Good head control
- Ability to sit upright with some support
- Loss of tongue thrust reflex
- Interest in food
Aim for 3-5 small solid meals per day at 9 months. Breastmilk or formula should be offered after meals and as snacks to ensure adequate calorie and nutrient intake. As solids increase over time, milk feedings will continue decreasing but remain an important part of their daily diet until at least 12 months.
How to tell if your 9 month old is getting enough milk
Since every baby’s needs are different, use these signs to tell if your 9 month old is getting enough milk:
- Having the expected number of wet diapers and dirty diapers in a day
- Seems satisfied and content after feeding
- Has regular weight gain and growth
- Reaches developmental milestones
- Solid food intake is increasing
- Not showing signs of dehydration
Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s growth and development. They can help determine if your 9 month old needs more or less milk.
Typical daily feeding schedule for a 9 month old
While every baby has unique needs, a sample daily feeding schedule may look like:
- 7-8 am: Breastfeed or 6-8 oz bottle upon waking
- 9 am: Solid breakfast (cereal, purees)
- 11 am: 6-8 oz bottle or breastfeed
- 12 pm: Solid lunch (purees, finger foods)
- 2 pm: 6-8 oz bottle or breastfeed
- 4 pm: Solid snack
- 5 pm: 6-8 oz bottle or breastfeed
- 6:30 pm: Solid dinner
- 8 pm: 6-8 oz bottle or breastfeed before bedtime
This provides around 24 ounces of milk per day from breastmilk and/or formula, along with solid food mealtimes. Keep in mind this is just an estimate, and you’ll need to adjust based on your baby’s appetite and preferences. The key is responding to hunger cues, not sticking to a rigid schedule.
Signs your baby needs more milk
If your 9 month old seems hungry and unsatisfied with the amount of milk they are getting, look for these cues:
- Fussing or crying during or after feedings
- Chewing hands after feeding
- Seeking to breastfeed longer or take a bottle after finishing
- Waking frequently overnight
- Low weight gain
- Low energy levels
Increase the amount of breastmilk or formula offered at each feeding if you see these signs. Try offering an extra 1-2 ounces per feeding and go from there. Hungry babies will let you know if they need more.
Risks of underfeeding
If a 9 month old doesn’t get adequate milk, it can lead to these problems:
- Failure to gain weight properly
- Inadequate nutrition
- Increased crying and fussiness from hunger
- Poor sleep
- Delayed development
- Fatigue and low energy
- Increased risk of dehydration
That’s why it’s critical to ensure baby is getting enough milk, along with solid foods, after 9 months. Watch for signs of underfeeding and increase milk intake if needed.
Risks of overfeeding
On the other hand, overfeeding milk can also cause issues like:
- Child becomes overweight
- Too full for solid foods
- Exposure to excessive calories
- Risk of iron deficiency since less interested in solids
- Decreased interest in weaning
- Tooth decay from milk pooling in mouth
- Digestive issues like diarrhea
- Ear infections
Stick to the recommended 16-24 ounces of milk per day, and respon
Conclusion
The ideal amount of milk for a healthy 9 month old is 16-24 ounces per day from breastmilk and/or formula. Whole cow’s milk is not recommended before 12 months. Watch your baby’s hunger cues to determine if more or less milk is needed. Milk remains an important source of nutrition and hydration at 9 months as solid foods are introduced. Consult your pediatrician if you have questions or concerns about your baby’s growth, nutrition, or development. With an appropriate milk intake and introduction of solid foods, your 9 month old will continue to thrive.
