Quick Answer
The short answer is that 30ml is typically not enough for a newborn baby. The average newborn needs around 60-90ml per feeding in the first few days. However, every baby is different and some may need more or less. It’s best to feed on demand, allowing baby to take as much as they want at each feeding rather than sticking to a set amount.
How Much Milk Does a Newborn Need?
Newborns have very small stomachs, only about the size of a marble at birth. They need to eat frequently, about 8-12 times per day. In the first few days after birth, a newborn will need about 60-90ml per feeding on average. However, some newborns may need as little as 30ml or as much as 120ml per feeding.
Here are some general guidelines on newborn feeding amounts:
– First 24 hours: 30-60ml per feeding
– 2-3 days old: 60-90ml per feeding
– 4-28 days old: 90-120ml per feeding
– 1-6 months old: 120-180ml per feeding
However, every baby is different. It’s best not to focus too much on the exact amount, but rather feed on demand allowing baby to take as much as they want at each feeding. Watch for hunger cues and keep feeding until baby seems satisfied.
Signs Baby Needs More Than 30ml
If your newborn is consistently taking only 30ml or less at feedings, it could be a sign they need more. Here are some clues that your baby may need more milk:
– Seems hungry again shortly after feeding
– Excessive crying or fussiness
– Not having enough wet and dirty diapers
– Not gaining weight appropriately
If you are concerned your baby is not getting enough, speak with your pediatrician. They can check your baby’s weight and advise if any changes need to be made.
Some common reasons a newborn may need more than 30ml include:
Growth Spurts
It’s normal for newborns to go through growth spurts and need more milk at times. This is the baby’s way of telling your body to produce more. Feeding on demand will allow your supply to adjust.
Low Milk Supply
Some mothers may have difficulty producing enough breastmilk. If this is the case, speak with a lactation consultant. They can provide tips on improving supply. Supplementing with formula may also be recommended.
High Metabolism
Some babies simply have a faster metabolism and need more nourishment. If your baby is taking less than 30ml, seems hungry, and is not gaining weight well, they may need more milk at each feeding.
Medical Conditions
In rare cases, an underlying medical problem could cause increased hunger. Reflux, food allergies, diabetes and other conditions may need to be ruled out by a doctor.
Tips for Feeding a Hungry Newborn
If your newborn seems hungry after taking only 30ml or is not gaining weight well, try these tips:
– Offer both breasts at each feeding. Switch sides halfway through so baby gets the calorie-rich hindmilk.
– If bottle feeding, try a different nipple size to control flow rate. Pace feeding so they don’t swallow too much air.
– Make sure baby is latched deeply onto the breast. Get help from a lactation consultant to improve latch and positioning.
– Express some breastmilk after nursing so baby gets the fatty hindmilk they may not have drained.
– Gently massage breasts while nursing to help with letdown and milk flow.
– Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to boost milk supply. Oatmeal, fenugreek and fennel may also help.
– Offer a pacifier when showing hunger cues between feedings. Excessive sucking could mean a need for more milk.
– Speak with your pediatrician if concerns remain. They may recommend supplementing with formula.
When to Give More than 30ml
Rather than sticking to a set amount, it is best to follow baby’s hunger cues and feed on demand in most cases. However, here are some general guidelines on when a newborn may need more than 30ml:
– If they are crying or seem hungry soon after finishing 30ml
– If they suck vigorously at the breast but only transfer 30ml
– If feeding less than 8 times in 24 hours
– If they are not having enough wet and dirty diapers
– If weight gain is not occurring at a steady rate
– If the 30ml offered does not result in a satisfied, content baby after feeding
Aim for a minimum of 60ml at each feeding, and offer more if baby is displaying hunger cues. Speak to a pediatrician if you are concerned. They can assess weight gain and determine if more milk is needed.
When Might 30ml be Enough?
While most newborns will need more than 30ml per feeding, in some cases 30ml may be sufficient:
Sleepy Baby
Some babies are very sleepy at first, particularly if born a bit early. They may need to be woken every 2-3 hours and take less until they become more alert.
Supplementing with Solids
Once solids are introduced around 6 months, the amount of breastmilk or formula needed may begin decreasing. A combination of 30ml milk plus some solid food may satisfy some babies at this stage.
Older Baby with Full Diet
By 12 months, babies have a much wider diet and milk alone is no longer their sole source of nutrition. 30ml may provide sufficient hydration and nutrients if baby is also eating three solid meals plus snacks.
Near Weaning
As babies near 1 year old, some begin self-weaning from breast or bottle. As milk intake decreases, 30ml may be enough coupled with solid food if the baby seems satisfied.
Small Baby
Occasionally there may be a newborn who is simply smaller and does not take more than 30ml at a time in the early weeks. As long as they are gaining weight well and meeting diaper counts, 30ml may be adequate if it satisfies baby.
Offering More than 30ml if Needed
If it becomes clear your newborn needs more than the 30ml offered, there are ways to safely provide them with more nourishment:
Breastfeed on Demand
Allow baby unlimited time at the breast as needed. Nurse from one side until empty before switching. Offer both sides at each session. The more often you breastfeed, the more milk will be produced.
Bottle Feed Expressed Breastmilk
Pump after nursing or between feedings. Give baby the expressed breastmilk in a bottle if still showing hunger cues. Use the lowest flow nipple to prevent overfeeding.
Try a Supplemental Nursing System
This device tubes breastmilk or formula to baby while nursing directly at the breast. It provides supplementation without interfering with breastfeeding.
Give Formula Supplementation
Discuss supplementing with some formula with your pediatrician if needed. Formula can help ensure baby gets enough nourishment, especially if there are breastfeeding challenges.
Consult With a Lactation Consultant
A lactation consultant can observe a full feeding and provide tips to improve milk transfer. They can also create a customized plan to help increase milk supply if needed.
Signs Baby is Getting Enough Milk
It’s normal to worry about your newborn getting adequate nourishment. Here are some signs your baby is getting enough milk, even if taking less than 30ml per feeding:
– Having the recommended number of wet and dirty diapers per day
– Weight gain and growth along their curve
– Good energy levels and alertness when awake
– Satisfied and content after feedings
– Strong sucking reflex and enthusiasm while feeding
– Sleeping peacefully between feeds
As long as your baby is gaining weight appropriately and seems satisfied, they are likely getting sufficient milk. Have your pediatrician monitor their growth at regular checkups for reassurance.
When to Seek Help
Occasionally, underlying issues may make it difficult for a newborn to get enough milk. Contact your pediatrician or lactation consultant right away if your newborn:
– Is excessively sleepy, weak or fussy
– Consistently feeds less than 8 times in 24 hours
– Produces fewer than the recommended diapers
– Is not gaining at least 30g per day in the first months
– Shows signs of dehydration like dark urine or dry mouth
– Seems hungry soon after feeding 30ml
Any concerns about poor weight gain, dehydration or lethargy warrant an urgent call to a pediatrician. Your baby may need supplemental formula or other interventions to get back on track.
FAQs
Is 30ml every 2 hours enough for a newborn?
Feeding 30ml every 2 hours is likely not enough for most newborns. They need 60-90ml about 8-12 times per day, or whenever showing hunger cues. Sticking to a 2 hour schedule rather than feeding on demand can lead to an underfed baby.
How can I get my newborn to take more than 30ml?
Try pacing the bottle to control flow rate, offer a lower-flow nipple, breastfeed on demand, supplement after nursing, express milk between feeds, massage breasts during nursing, offer a pacifier for extra sucking, and get professional lactation help if needed.
Is it normal for a newborn to eat less some days?
It is normal for intake to vary slightly day to day. As long as baby is gaining weight overall and has enough wet diapers, a occasional day of lower intake is not necessarily concerning. Bring it up with your pediatrician if it becomes a pattern however.
What if my newborn falls asleep after taking only 30ml?
It’s normal for newborns to fall asleep easily when full. Gently rouse them and offer more if they still seem hungry. Allow them time to wake up and show interest in feeding again. Feed on demand.
When do babies start eating more than 30ml at once?
By 1 week old, most babies will start reliably taking 60-90ml per feeding. Amounts gradually increase over the first month as the newborn stomach expands and babe gets more efficient at feeding. Talk to your pediatrician if yours needs less.
Conclusion
While some newborns may occasionally have days where they need less, most healthy full term babies will require 60-90ml per feeding within the first week. Offering just 30ml at a time and/or stretching feedings to every 2-3 hours can lead to poor weight gain. It is best to follow baby’s hunger cues and allow them to feed on demand until satisfied. If your little one consistently takes less than 30ml or you have concerns about their intake and growth, seek advice from their pediatrician or a lactation consultant. With professional support and careful monitoring, parents can ensure baby gets just the right amount of nourishment in those critical early months.
