How much milk does a baby need?
Babies are born with a tiny stomach — about the size of a cherry on day one — so newborns take small amounts often. Intake rises quickly in the first weeks and then stays fairly steady until solids start at around 6 months.
| Age |
Per feed (approx.) |
Feeds per day |
| Day 1 |
5–7 ml (about 1 teaspoon) |
8–12 |
| Day 3 |
22–27 ml (about 1 oz) |
8–12 |
| 1 week |
45–60 ml (1.5–2 oz) |
8–12 |
| 1 month |
90–120 ml (3–4 oz) |
7–8 |
| 2–4 months |
120–150 ml (4–5 oz) |
6–7 |
| 4–6 months |
120–180 ml (4–6 oz) |
5–6 |
| 6–12 months |
180–240 ml (6–8 oz), plus solids |
4–5 |
Formula: the weight rule
On average, formula-fed babies drink about 2.5 oz of formula per pound of body weight a day (about 165 ml per kg), and most do not need more than 32 oz (about 950 ml) a day. The calculator uses this for formula.
Expressed breast milk
Breastfed babies drink a fairly steady amount — around 750 ml (25 oz) a day on average from 1 to 6 months, with a normal range of roughly 570–900 ml. Divide by the number of feeds to plan bottle sizes; most babies take 90–120 ml (3–4 oz) per bottle.
Follow your baby, not the numbers
- Hunger cues: rooting, sucking on hands, lip smacking — crying is a late sign.
- Full cues: turning away, closing the mouth, relaxed hands, falling asleep.
- Good signs: 6 or more wet nappies a day after day 5, steady weight gain.
- Never add extra formula powder or cereal to bottles.
Worried about growth? Use the baby growth percentile calculator. Starting solids? See the baby food chart.
Frequently asked questions
How many ml of milk should a newborn drink?
About 5–7 ml per feed on day one, rising to 22–27 ml by day three and 45–60 ml by the end of the first week, fed 8–12 times a day.
How much formula should a 2 month old drink?
Usually 120–150 ml (4–5 oz) every 3–4 hours — around 700–900 ml a day depending on weight, and not more than about 950 ml.
Can I overfeed a breastfed baby?
It is hard to overfeed at the breast. With bottles, use paced feeding — hold the bottle more horizontally and let your baby take breaks.
Sources: CDC: How much and how often to feed infant formula · CDC: How much and how often to breastfeed
Reviewed for accuracy against the sources above. This page is general information, not medical advice — talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about your own needs.
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