Newborns have tiny stomachs, so their milk intake starts small and increases rapidly in the first weeks. Guidelines vary slightly by source, but most experts recommend 30-90 ml per feed initially, with total daily amounts building to 500-800 ml by the end of the first month.

Feeding by Age

Follow your baby's hunger cues like rooting or sucking motions rather than strict schedules, as every newborn is unique.

Age Range| Amount per Feed| Feeds per Day| Total Daily (approx.)
---|---|---|---
Day 1-3| 15-60 ml| 8-12| 150-300 ml35
Week 1| 30-90 ml| 8-12| 300-500 ml17
Weeks 2-4| 60-120 ml| 6-8| 500-800 ml15

These are for formula or expressed milk; breastfed babies often take smaller, more frequent feeds without measurable ml.

Signs of Adequate Intake

Watch for 6+ wet diapers daily, steady weight gain (20-30g per day after day 4), and contentment post-feed. Parents on forums like Reddit share relief in trusting cues over numbers, noting healthy growth despite varying intakes.

Formula Calculation Tip

A common rule: 150 ml per kg of body weight daily, divided into feeds (e.g., 4kg baby = 600 ml total). Always consult a pediatrician, as preemies or jaundiced newborns may need adjustments.

Breastfed vs. Formula Differences

Breastfed newborns may cluster feed (frequent short sessions) to boost supply, totaling similar volumes indirectly. Formula-fed babies often space feeds more predictably.

TL;DR: Start at 30-60 ml per feed every 2-3 hours (8-12x/day), scaling to 90+ ml by week 2; aim for 500-800 ml daily by month 1, guided by wet diapers and weight checks.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.