🍼 Infant Feeding Volumes by Age: How Much Should My Baby Be Eating?
Feeding your baby is one of the most personal, frequent, and sometimes confusing parts of early parenting. Whether you’re nursing, pumping, formula feeding, or doing a mix of all three, one of the most common questions parents ask is:
👉 "How much milk should my baby be getting?"
Fortunately, research-backed guidance from the American Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) helps us understand what’s normal and expected when it comes to infant milk intake—especially for breastfed babies. Here's what to expect in terms of feeding volumes by age, and how it compares between breastmilk and infant formula.
Days 1–3: The Colostrum Phase
Breastmilk (Colostrum):
In the first 24–72 hours, babies take in very small volumes—just 5–15 mL (0.2–0.5 oz) per feeding. This thick, golden milk is packed with antibodies and perfect for a newborn’s marble-sized stomach.
➡️ According to the ABM Clinical Protocol #3, “the average total colostrum intake on day 1 is 30 mL (1 oz), increasing to 300–400 mL/day (~10–13 oz/day) by day 5.”
Formula:
Formula-fed newborns typically start with ½ to 1 oz per feeding, increasing gradually to 1.5–2 oz every 2–3 hours by day 3.
Day 4 to 1 Month: Mature Milk Arrives
Breastmilk:
As mature milk transitions in, volume increases quickly. By the end of the first week, babies typically consume 60–90 mL (2–3 oz) per feeding. Total daily intake ranges from 450–900 mL (15–30 oz) by 1 month.
Formula:
Most formula-fed infants take in about 2–4 oz per feeding during this time, feeding every 3–4 hours. Daily volume also averages around 24–32 oz per day by the end of the first month.
1 to 6 Months: Consistent Intake
Breastmilk:
Interestingly, ABM notes that daily milk volume for exclusively breastfed babies remains stable from 1 to 6 months, averaging 750–800 mL/day (25–27 oz). Some variation is normal—healthy intake ranges from 478–1,356 mL/day (16–46 oz) depending on the baby.
➡️ This consistency shows how breastmilk naturally adapts in composition to meet your baby’s growing needs.
Formula:
Formula-fed babies during this age range usually consume 4–6 oz per feeding, about 5–6 times per day, for a total of 24–36 oz/day. Unlike breastmilk, formula doesn't adjust nutritionally, so total volume tends to increase more to meet calorie needs.
6 to 12 Months: Adding Solids, Adjusting Intake
Breastmilk:
As solids are introduced around 6 months, breastmilk remains the primary source of nutrition. ABM emphasizes that breastfeeding should continue on demand, with typical intake still around 600–900 mL/day (20–30 oz), even as baby begins exploring food.
Formula:
Formula-fed babies may continue consuming 24–32 oz/day, though some may reduce intake slightly depending on how much solid food they eat. The AAP recommends continuing formula or breastmilk through at least 12 months.
Important Notes for Parents
✅ Volume is only part of the story.
Feeding patterns, diaper output, weight gain, and developmental cues are just as important. Babies regulate their intake naturally, especially when feeding at the breast.
✅ Paced bottle feeding matters.
If you're bottle feeding breastmilk or formula, use paced techniques to mimic breastfeeding rhythms and reduce the risk of overfeeding.
✅ Breastfed babies don’t need to "increase" their volume over time.
Instead, breastmilk composition changes to meet the baby's needs—more calories, antibodies, and nutrients packed into stable volumes.
✅ Formula-fed babies may increase intake more rapidly since formula composition is static and satiety cues may be less clear.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your baby isn’t just about ounces—it’s about connection, growth, and supporting their development in a way that works for your family. If you're unsure whether your baby is getting enough, or if you're experiencing challenges with bottle-feeding, pumping, or latch, help is available.
At Little Cardinals Speech and Feeding, I specialize in supporting families with feeding therapy, bottle and breastfeeding assessments, and infant nutrition strategies. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
References:
ABM Clinical Protocol #3: Supplementation (2022 Revision)
ABM Clinical Protocol #1: Guidelines for Glucose Monitoring and Breastfeeding (2010)
American Academy of Pediatrics
CDC Infant Nutrition Guidelines
