Typical feed amounts by age
On the first day a newborn’s stomach holds about as much as a cherry, so feeds are small and frequent. The amount climbs fast over the first few weeks, then levels off until solids are introduced at around 6 months.
| Age |
Approx. amount per feed |
Feeds a 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 amounts by body weight
As a rule of thumb, babies on formula take roughly 2.5 oz per pound of body weight each day (around 165 ml per kg), and most need no more than 32 oz (about 950 ml) in a day. The formula result is based on this rule.
Bottles of expressed breast milk
Breastfed babies take a fairly constant volume — on average about 750 ml (25 oz) a day between 1 and 6 months, within a usual range of about 570–900 ml. Split that by the number of feeds to size your bottles; most babies do well on bottles of 90–120 ml (3–4 oz).
Watch your baby’s cues first
- Signs of hunger: rooting, sucking fists, smacking lips — crying comes late.
- Signs of fullness: turning the head away, shutting the mouth, open relaxed hands, dozing off.
- Reassuring signs: at least 6 wet nappies a day from day 5 onwards, and steady weight gain.
- Do not add extra scoops of formula or cereal to a bottle.
Concerned about weight gain? Try the growth percentile calculator. Ready for first foods? Check the baby food chart.
Common questions
How much does a newborn take at each feed in the first week?
On day one it is roughly 5–7 ml a feed; that grows to 22–27 ml around day three and reaches 45–60 ml as week one ends, over 8–12 feeds a day.
What is a normal formula amount at 2 months?
Typically 120–150 ml (4–5 oz) a feed, spaced 3–4 hours apart — about 700–900 ml over a day depending on weight, and usually no more than about 950 ml.
Is it possible to give a breastfed baby too much?
Overfeeding directly at the breast is unlikely. With a bottle, try paced feeding: keep the bottle closer to horizontal and let your baby pause.
Should I worry if my baby drinks less than the chart?
Not if your baby has enough wet nappies and is gaining weight steadily. If you are unsure, check with your doctor or health visitor.
References: CDC: How much and how often to feed infant formula · CDC: How much and how often to breastfeed
Checked against the sources listed above. This is general health information and not medical advice — please ask your doctor or a registered dietitian what suits you.
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