How Much Milk Should a Newborn Drink?

One of the most common worries for new parents is whether their baby is getting enough milk. This comprehensive guide covers exactly how much milk newborns need from the first hours of life through the end of the first month, for both breastfed and formula-fed babies.

Editorial trust

How this guide is maintained

Written by the Baby Milk Calculator editorial team and reviewed against primary public-health guidance. This page is for general education, not individualised diagnosis or treatment.

Last review

April 21, 2026

Primary sources

4 official references

Written by

Baby Milk Calculator editorial team

Reviewed against

Reviewed against current public guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC, and WHO

Good for

General reference and planning

SourcesHealthyChildren.org / American Academy of PediatricsCDC

Read editorial policy Review calculation method Request a correction

The First 24-48 Hours: Colostrum Is Enough

In the first day or two after birth, your breasts produce colostrum -- a thick, golden liquid packed with antibodies and nutrients. It may seem like a tiny amount, and that is by design.

Day 1: A newborn's stomach holds just 5-7 ml (about 1 teaspoon) per feeding.
Day 2: Stomach capacity grows to roughly 10-13 ml (2-3 teaspoons).
Day 3: Your baby can take in approximately 22-27 ml (0.75-1 oz) per feed.

Babies are born with extra fluid reserves. Colostrum's small volume is perfectly matched to their tiny stomachs. Frequent feeding (8-12 times per day) stimulates your milk supply and ensures your baby gets this nutrient-dense first milk.

Week 1: Milk Comes In

Between days 2 and 5, your transitional milk begins to replace colostrum. You may notice your breasts feeling fuller and heavier. For formula-fed babies, amounts increase similarly during this period.

Day	Amount per Feed	Feeds per Day	Daily Total (approx.)
Day 1	5-7 ml (1 tsp)	8-12	40-80 ml
Day 2-3	15-30 ml (0.5-1 oz)	8-12	120-360 ml
Day 4-5	30-60 ml (1-2 oz)	8-10	240-600 ml
Day 6-7	45-90 ml (1.5-3 oz)	8-10	360-720 ml

These are approximate ranges. Every baby is different, and breastfed babies cannot have their intake measured directly at the breast.

Weeks 2-4: Establishing a Routine

By the second week, most babies settle into a more predictable feeding pattern. Your mature breast milk is now fully established.

Per feeding: 60-120 ml (2-4 oz)
Feeds per day: 8-12 for breastfed babies; 6-8 for formula-fed babies
Daily total: Approximately 450-720 ml (15-24 oz) of breast milk or formula

By the end of the first month, many babies consume about 90-120 ml (3-4 oz) per feeding with 7-9 feedings per day. Use our milk intake calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your baby's weight.

Breast Milk vs Formula Amounts for Newborns

There are some differences in how much breastfed and formula-fed newborns consume:

Breastfed Babies

Feed more frequently (8-12 times/day)
Take smaller amounts per feed
Intake stays relatively stable at 750-800 ml/day from 1-6 months
Self-regulate intake more effectively

Formula-fed Babies

Feed slightly less often (6-8 times/day)
Take larger amounts per feed
Intake gradually increases with weight
Follow the 150 ml/kg/day guideline in the first months

Learn more about the differences in our formula vs breast milk guide.

Signs Your Newborn Is Getting Enough Milk

Since you cannot measure how much a breastfed baby takes at the breast, these reliable indicators help confirm adequate intake:

Wet diapers: 1 wet diaper per day of life for the first 4 days, then 6 or more per day
Stool changes: Dark meconium transitions to yellow, seedy stools by day 3-4
Weight: Regains birth weight by 10-14 days, then gains 150-200 g per week
Feeding behavior: Baby appears satisfied and content after most feedings
Audible swallowing: You can hear your baby swallowing during breastfeeding

For a more detailed checklist, read our guide on signs your baby is getting enough milk.

Common Newborn Feeding Challenges

Feeding a newborn does not always go smoothly. Here are some common issues parents encounter:

Latching difficulties: A proper latch is essential for efficient milk transfer. A lactation consultant can help resolve latch issues.
Cluster feeding: Babies may want to feed every 30-60 minutes for several hours, especially in the evenings. This is normal and helps boost milk supply.
Sleepy baby: Some newborns are very sleepy and need to be woken and encouraged to feed every 2-3 hours.
Spit-up: Some spitting up is normal. Overfeeding is a common cause, particularly with bottle feeding. Paced feeding can help.
Milk supply concerns: Low supply is less common than many parents fear. Frequent feeding and proper latch are the best ways to build supply.

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your pediatrician if you notice any of the following:

Fewer than 6 wet diapers per day after day 4
No stool for more than 24 hours in the first month
Baby has not regained birth weight by 2 weeks
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken fontanelle, no tears)
Baby is excessively sleepy and difficult to wake for feeds
Persistent vomiting (not just spit-up) after feedings
You are concerned about your baby's feeding for any reason

Primary sources

Official references for this page

These links are the main public-health and paediatric references used to maintain this guide.

01
Amount and Schedule of Baby Formula Feedings
HealthyChildren.org / American Academy of Pediatrics
AAP guidance on formula intake by weight and feeding cadence.
02
How Much and How Often to Feed Infant Formula
CDC
CDC guidance on first days, first months, and 6-12 month formula feeding.
03
How Often and How Much Should Your Baby Eat?
HealthyChildren.org / American Academy of Pediatrics
AAP overview of breast milk and formula feeding frequency and volumes.
04
Signs of Feeding Difficulties in a 1 Month Old
HealthyChildren.org / American Academy of Pediatrics
AAP warning signs for underfeeding, overfeeding, and dehydration.

Calculate Your Baby's Milk Needs

Get a personalized feeding recommendation based on your baby's age and weight.

Open Milk Calculator

Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Every baby is unique. Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider about your baby's specific nutritional needs and any feeding concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much colostrum does a newborn need?

In the first 24 hours, a newborn's stomach is roughly the size of a cherry and holds about 5-7 ml (around 1 teaspoon) per feeding. By day 3, stomach capacity increases to about 22-27 ml (0.75-1 oz). These small amounts of colostrum are perfectly designed to meet your baby's needs.

How often should a newborn eat?

Newborns typically feed 8-12 times in a 24-hour period, roughly every 2-3 hours. Breastfed babies may feed more frequently than formula-fed babies because breast milk digests more quickly. Always feed on demand rather than on a strict schedule in the early weeks.

Is my newborn getting enough milk if they seem hungry all the time?

Frequent feeding in newborns is normal and does not necessarily mean your baby isn't getting enough. Cluster feeding (wanting to eat very frequently for a few hours) is common, especially in the evenings. Key signs of adequate intake include 6+ wet diapers per day after day 4, steady weight gain, and a satisfied demeanor after most feeds.

Should I wake my newborn to feed?

In the first few weeks, most pediatricians recommend waking your newborn if they sleep longer than 3-4 hours during the day or 4-5 hours at night, especially until they have regained their birth weight. After that milestone, you can generally let your baby sleep and feed on demand. Always follow your pediatrician's specific advice.

Explore more feeding guides

Use these supporting resources to answer the next question parents usually ask after this topic.

Browse all guides