At 1 month old, babies are still very new to the world and their nutritional needs are fairly simple. However, knowing how much to feed them can be confusing for new parents. This article will provide a detailed chart on how much a 1 month old should eat in order to help parents ensure their little one is getting the right amount of nutrition during this critical phase of rapid growth and development.
How often should a 1 month old eat?
Most 1 month old babies need to eat every 2-3 hours, around 8-12 times per day. This frequent feeding helps provide the calories and nutrients they need to support their growth and development. Some babies will show signs of hunger more frequently, such as rooting, putting hands to mouth, and increased alertness or fussiness. It’s important to respond to these feeding cues and offer the breast or bottle when baby shows signs of hunger.
Breastfed Babies
For exclusively breastfed babies, feeding on demand is recommended. This means offering the breast whenever baby seems hungry, and allowing them to feed for as long as they want at each feeding. At 1 month old, breastfed babies will likely feed 8-12 times in 24 hours, including 1-2 feedings overnight. The amount baby eats per feeding can vary quite a bit, but will likely be around 2-5 ounces (60-150 mL) on average. Here are some general breastfeeding guidelines for 1 month olds:
- Feed on demand, as often as baby wants
- Feedings typically last 10-40 minutes
- Consume around 25-35 oz (750-1050 mL) per day
- Growth spurts may increase feeding frequency and amount
Mothers can tell if baby is getting enough milk by monitoring their output of wet and dirty diapers and ensuring they are gaining weight appropriately.
Formula Fed Babies
For formula fed infants, it’s also recommended to feed on demand to match baby’s hunger cues. At 1 month old, formula fed babies will likely consume around 24-32 oz (720-960 mL) per day. Here are some guidelines for formula feeding amounts by age:
| Age | Amount Per Feeding | Number of Feedings Per Day | Total Daily Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 2-5 oz (60-150 mL) | 8-12 | 24-32 oz (720-960 mL) |
The number of daily feedings and amount per feeding is just an estimate and will vary by each individual baby. It’s important to watch baby’s hunger and fullness cues and adjust bottle feeding accordingly. Some 1 month olds will need more frequent, smaller feedings while others may take larger volumes less often. The most important thing is responding when baby seems hungry and stopping when they show signs of fullness.
Signs Baby is Hungry
At 1 month old, babies will display certain behaviors when they are ready to eat. Recognizing these early feeding cues is important so you can respond right away when baby is hungry. Signs of hunger in a 1 month old include:
- Moving head side to side
- Opening and closing mouth
- Sticking out tongue
- Rooting (moving mouth as if searching for nipple)
- Sucking on fist, fingers, or clothing
- Increased alertness or activity
- Fussiness or crying
Crying is a late sign of hunger, so try to look for early cues and respond before baby gets overly upset and frustrated. Feeding before they reach this point will make the experience more pleasant for both you and baby.
Signs Baby is Full
It’s also important to recognize when your 1 month old has had enough to eat. Stopping the feeding when they show signs of fullness can help prevent overfeeding, spit up, and gas. Signals that baby is full include:
- Slowing down or stopping sucking
- Spitting out nipple or pushing bottle away
- Keeping mouth closed when nipple offered
- Turning head away from breast or bottle
- Increased drowsiness or falling asleep
- Decreased alertness
- Relaxed open hands
- Crying or arching back (sign of overfeeding)
Paying attention to these cues allows you to stop feeding before baby gets overly full or frustrated. Over time, you’ll get to know your baby’s unique patterns so you can respond to their hunger and fullness signals.
Weight Gain and Growth
Since 1 month old babies are growing so quickly, tracking growth and weight gain is important. Typically, newborns lose some weight in the first couple weeks after birth. By 1 month, they should be back to birth weight or gaining steadily. Average weight gain at this age is:
- Birth to 1 month: 5-8 oz per week (150-240 g)
- 1 month old baby: 8-12 lbs (3.5-5.5 kg)
Weigh ins with baby’s pediatrician will help you track their growth trajectory. At 1 month appointments, the doctor will measure weight, length, and head circumference and plot these points on a standard growth chart. As long as baby is staying along their curve, feeding amounts are appropriate. If weight gain slows or crosses percentiles, feeding may need to be adjusted.
Supplementing with Formula
Some breastfed babies may need supplemental formula in addition to nursing at 1 month old. This can help ensure they are getting enough nutrition if:
- Mom’s milk supply is still building
- Latch or nursing difficulties causing low intake
- Baby is showing signs of dehydration
- Weight gain is inadequate
Supplementing is temporary in most cases. For a 1 month old, starting with 1-2 oz formula after or between breastfeedings can provide extra nutrition without interfering with milk supply. Work with baby’s doctor to determine if and how much supplementing may be needed.
Common Feeding Issues
While most babies have settled into a good feeding routine by 1 month old, some common feeding problems can arise:
- Slow weight gain – If weight gain drops off, supplementing or feeding more frequently may help. Check with pediatrician.
- Spit up – Frequent spitting up is normal at this age. Try burping mid-feeding and keeping baby upright after eating.
- Gas – Gentle tummy massage, burping, and gas drops can provide relief from gas pains.
- Congestion – Nasal congestion can make eating difficult. Use saline drops and nose suctioning to help clear nostrils before feeding.
- Colic – Excessive crying may be a sign of colic. Talk to doctor about options for relief.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to baby’s pediatrician if you have any concerns about feeding, nutrition, or growth at 1 month old. They can provide support and guidance to ensure your little one is healthy and well fed.
Sample Feeding Schedule
To help give you an idea of what a daily feeding schedule could look like for a 1 month old, here is a sample:
| Time | Feeding | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 7 AM | Breastfeed | Nurse for 15-20 minutes on each side |
| 9 AM | Breastfeed | Nurse for 10-15 minutes per side |
| 11:30 AM | Formula (supplement) | 2-3 ounces |
| 1:30 PM | Breastfeed | Nurse for 10-15 minutes per side |
| 4 PM | Formula | 3-4 ounces |
| 6:30 PM | Breastfeed | Nurse for 15-20 minutes per side |
| 9 PM | Formula | 3-4 ounces |
| 11 PM | Breastfeed | Nurse for 10-15 minutes per side |
Remember this is just a guide. Always feed your baby based on their hunger cues rather than sticking to a rigid schedule. Their needs will vary from day to day.
Bottle Feeding Tips
If you are bottle feeding your 1 month old with pumped breastmilk or formula, here are some helpful tips:
- Choose a slow flow nipple to prevent overfeeding
- Hold baby semi-upright in a cradled position
- Gently stroke cheek or touch lips to encourage rooting
- Let baby draw nipple into mouth (don’t force nipple in)
- Pace feedings by tipping bottle horizontal periodically
- Offer breaks to burp and prevent swallowing too much air
- Watch for fullness cues and end feeding accordingly
Proper bottle feeding technique provides a smooth, enjoyable feeding experience and minimizes gassiness or overeating. Don’t prop bottles – always hold baby during feedings.
Breastfeeding Tips
Here are some tips to make breastfeeding go smoothly with your 1 month old:
- Aim for proper latch – flanged lips, wide open mouth
- Use laid-back/biological nurturing positions to promote latch
- Nurse 8-12 times per day, on demand
- Offer both breasts at each feeding
- Alternate starting breast at each feeding
- Watch for swallowing to ensure baby is drinking
- Use compression to keep baby drinking actively
- Break suction carefully by inserting finger in corner of mouth
If you are struggling with breastfeeding challenges like pain, low supply, or poor latch, see an IBCLC or lactation consultant for assistance.
What to Do if Baby Won’t Eat
It’s common for babies to go through brief nursing or bottle strikes. If your 1 month old is suddenly refusing to eat well, try these tips:
- Delay feeding 15-20 minutes then try again
- Offer a different feeding position
- Gently massage and undress baby to wake them up
- Examine inside of mouth for issues like thrush
- Rub baby’s back or feet to provide stimulation
- Soften nipple with warm water or your breath before offering
- Switch to a different bottle nipple type
- Express a little milk onto nipple so baby tastes it
- Avoid overfeeding to prevent aversions – follow baby’s fullness cues
If appetite changes last longer than a day or two, contact baby’s doctor to rule out any medical issues.
Sleepy Baby Tips
1 month old babies spend a lot of time sleeping, often dozing off during feedings. If your baby is extra sleepy, try these tips for keeping them awake and eating:
- Change baby’s diaper or undress to wake them
- Gently rub baby’s feet, arms or back
- Shift positions periodically during feeding
- Express milk into baby’s mouth to stimulate sucking
- Compress your breast during letdown to keep milk flowing
- Offer breast compressions when sucking slows
- Feed in a quiet, alert space with minimal distractions
- Pump and offer bottled breastmilk for more focused feeding
- Avoid overheating baby during feeding
- Cool down formula or milk for alertness
If excessive sleepiness interferes with feeding, contact baby’s pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues.
Increase Milk Supply
Some moms need to boost breastmilk production to keep up with baby’s needs at 1 month old. Here are some tips for increasing low milk supply:
- Nurse on demand 8-12 times per day
- Offer both sides at each feeding
- Pump after or between feedings for extra stimulation
- Massage and compress breasts during feeding
- Ensure proper flange fit and pump settings
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
- Avoid long stretches between feedings
- Supplement with formula if needed
- Get rest – nap when baby sleeps
- Reduce stress as much as possible
Medications like galactagogues may help increase milk production as well, but talk to a lactation consultant or doctor before taking.
When to Call the Doctor
Consult baby’s pediatrician if you observe any of the following feeding issues:
- Poor weight gain or weight loss for 2+ weeks
- Consistently falling asleep at most feedings
- No interest in feeding for 24+ hours
- Excessive spit up or vomiting
- Choking or coughing during feeds
- Difficulty breathing while feeding
- Blood in stool
- Difficulty latching or nursing
- Severe colic or crying during/after feeding
- Refusal to eat
Your pediatrician can help determine if an underlying health issue is affecting baby’s feeding or nutrition. Prompt medical guidance is key to getting feeding back on track.
Conclusion
The first month is an amazing time of growth, learning, and bonding with your newborn through feeding. Paying close attention to baby’s hunger and fullness signals, following their lead, and responding appropriately will help ensure they are getting the nutrition they need. With time and practice, you’ll become more in tune with their unique rhythms. Don’t hesitate to reach out for lactation support or talk to the pediatrician if you have any concerns. With patience and love, you and your little one will get the hang of feeding and be thriving in no time.
