In this article:
How Much Breast Milk Should A Newborn Have?
Breastfeeding may be difficult at the beginning as you and your baby are learning a new skill. But if you get the hang of it, breastfeeding is a brilliant, self-contained system. When your infant suckles, your breasts are stimulated to create the exact quantity of milk required to suit your child's nutritional demands. When a baby requires more (because of a growth spurt), they suckle more, prompting your body to increase production.However, it is difficult to determine precisely how much an infant consumes during nursing. Fortunately, there are standards to ensure your baby eats enough. First, recognise the baby's hunger signals, which may include rooting, licking their lips, putting their hand to their mouth, wanting to suck, and fussiness.During the first few days after birth, newborns will only consume up to half an ounce of colostrum (early breast milk) every feeding. Over the following three days, they will consume around 56 grams at each meal. When your mature breast milk arrives a few weeks after delivery, your baby will most likely consume 480 to 720 ml at each feeding, gradually increasing to 960 ml to 1200 ml by the time they are two months old. To estimate how much milk your baby needs, use this simple calculation: Multiply the baby's weight by two and a half. For example, a 3.5 kg newborn should consume around 4800 ml per day. However, it is difficult to assess this unless you are bottle feeding.As your baby grows and your milk production increases, they will be able to consume more milk in less time during a single meal. That's when you might detect a more consistent pattern. For example:- 1-3 months: Your baby will nurse 7-9 times per 24 hours.
- 3 months: Feedings occur six to eight times each day.
- 6 months: Your baby will nurse approximately six times per day.
- 12 months: Nursing may reduce to four times per day. The introduction of solids around 6 months helps to meet your baby's increased nutritional needs.
How Much Formula Should A Newborn Have?
The usual newborn feeding quantity for formula in ounces is around two and a half times the baby's weight in pounds. Newborns should consume 240 to 420 ml every feed during the first week of life, increasing to 480 to 720 ml per feed by the first month. Expect to increase approximately an ounce every month until the baby can consume 1440 to 1920 ml of formula at once, which normally occurs around 6 months of age. According to Dr Leenatha Reddy, Consultant- Pediatric & Neonatologist, Kinder Hospitals, Bangalore, the maximum formula a newborn will ever require is 7600 ml per day. Keep in mind that newborns' requirements and appetites differ. If your infant constantly seems hungry after feedings (e.g., licking their lips and becoming fussy), consult your paediatrician. It's conceivable that the baby only wants to suck, which can be met with a pacifier, or that they're ready to start eating solids (which usually occurs around 6 months). It's also worth noting that your child may not drink from their bottle every time—which is OK. If the infant is squirming, preoccupied, or turning away from the bottle, they are probably full. Formula-fed babies should also eat on demand. On an average, that happens every 2-3 hours. A typical feeding regimen can look like this:- Your infant will eat every 2-3 hours
- At two months, feedings occur every three to four hours
- At four to six months, your baby will nurse every 4-5 hours
- Feeding occurs every 4-5 hours for babies 6 months and older
What If You Are Breastfeeding And Formula Feeding?
There are no defined regulations for how frequently and how much breast milk and formula a baby should get from their mother when they combo-feed. At least eight feedings of one kind of milk each day are recommended (this frequency will decrease as the infant grows bigger). Because breast milk and formula are essentially nutritionally similar, the key is to discover the right combination for you and your baby.Here are some pointers to keep in mind- Infants under one year should not be given drinks other than formula or breast milk. This includes liquids and dairy milk. These other liquids do not provide the nutrients that babies require and may irritate your baby's stomach. Water can be introduced at 6 months by presenting a cup.
- Do not put baby cereal into a bottle: It can pose a choking hazard.
- Do not offer your infant any type of honey until after their first birthday. Honey can be hazardous for babies, occasionally resulting in infant botulism. (a rare but serious illness caused by swallowing spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum)
- Do change your expectations based on your baby's specific needs. Premature babies are more likely to follow feeding patterns appropriate to their adjusted age. If your baby suffers from reflux or fails to flourish, you may need to consult your paediatrician about the best feeding schedule and amount for your infant.
How To Establish A Feeding Schedule?
As your baby’s tummy grows, they may develop a feeding habit that allows them to consume more breast milk or formula in a single session.For now, however, concentrate on studying your baby's hunger signs, such as:- Searching your chest for a nipple
- Behaviours include putting a fist in their mouth, smacking or licking their lips, and fussing that can swiftly escalate
- Once your baby is a few months old, you may be able to establish a sleep and feeding plan that works for you
Signs Your Baby Is Eating Enough
When it comes to babies, the frequency with which you feed them is determined by how much breast milk or formula they like. Again, keep an eye out for signals that your baby is hungry, and pay attention to cues even during feeding. You'll know they're still hungry if they're vigorously sucking and swallowing. When your baby stops sucking, relaxes their hands, and gets that dreamy "milk-drunk" expression, you'll know they've eaten enough.According to Dr Leenatha Reddy, Consultant- Pediatric & Neonatologist, Kinder Hospitals, Bangalore, checking your baby's nappy might also indicate whether or not he or she is eating enough. After the first month, observing a wet diaper every three to four hours (or five to six wet nappies per day) is a positive indicator. Stools may be more varied. Some newborns defecate every time they feed, while others just once a day—and this varies depending on whether the baby consumes breast milk or formula.Common Feeding Challenges And Solutions
- Cluster feeding: Cluster feeding occurs when a baby feeds many times in a short period, usually in the late afternoon or evening. This is typical and common during growth spurts when newborns need more frequent feedings to keep up with their fast development.
- Growth spurts: Babies endure growth spurts every 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. During these periods, they may demand more milk, necessitating more frequent feeding. It is critical to respond to your baby's increased appetite at these times.
- Nighttime feeding: Newborns often need to be fed every 2-4 hours at night. As they develop, the frequency of nocturnal feedings diminishes, and they may be able to sleep for long periods. Remember that each baby is unique, and some may need more overnight feedings than others.
Special Considerations
Vitamin D Supplementation for Breastfed Infants
Breastfed newborns may need vitamin D supplementation since breast milk alone often does not contain enough of this critical ingredient. Consult your paediatrician about dose and timing.Babies' feeding regimens may vary greatly and the best strategy is to heed their hunger signals. Regular check-ups with your paediatrician are vital for monitoring your baby's growth and development. They can provide personalised guidance and reassurance, ensuring your child gets the nutrients they need to flourish.Every parent's main concern is how, when, and what to feed their infant. However, most babies can tell when they're hungry or full, and they'll let you know.You only need to try to offer them the correct options at the right moment while paying attention to their cues. If you have any questions or concerns, your paediatrician will assist you throughout the journey.FAQs on Baby Feeding Schedule: How Much Should a Newborn Eat?
- Should I wake the baby for feedings?Experts tell parents not to wake a sleeping baby, especially if the baby has regained their birth weight and is still feeding every three to four hours throughout the day. It's common for babies to lose weight in their first few days of life and subsequently regain it.
- Is the infant eating too much?While babies are intuitively aware of when they are hungry and when they have eaten their fill, well-meaning adults may encourage them to overeat, particularly when using a bottle. To prevent this, look for indicators that the baby is full, such as moving their head, pushing the bottle away, or whining. And don't be overly concerned about making sure the baby finishes every last drop. Try halting halfway through the bottle, sitting the baby up, and burping them to see if they still want more.