Most healthy newborns drink small, frequent feeds—usually about 1.5–3 ounces (45–90 ml) every 2–3 hours in the first weeks, but the exact amount depends on their age, weight, and whether they are breast- or formula-fed.

Quick Scoop: Typical Newborn Milk Amounts

Think in ranges and patterns, not exact numbers—babies are not robots. Still, there are reliable averages parents and pediatricians use as guideposts.

By age (first weeks)

  • Birth–3 days: Very tiny amounts; stomach is cherry-sized, so 1–10 ml per feed on day 1, slowly increasing to about 15–30 ml (0.5–1 oz) per feed, 8–12 times per day.
  • End of first week: Many babies take around 30–60 ml (1–2 oz) per feed every 2–3 hours (still 8–12 feeds in 24 hours).
  • 1–4 weeks: Roughly 45–90 ml (1.5–3 oz) per feed every 2–3 hours; many reach a total of about 500–600 ml (16–20 oz) per day by the end of the first month, sometimes up to ~700–800 ml.

Simple daily formula often used

  • A common rough formula is about 150 ml of milk per kg of body weight per day (for example, a 3.5 kg baby might average ~500–550 ml per day, divided into many small feeds).
  • This is a guide only , not a target—some babies need a bit more or a bit less.

Breast vs Formula: Does It Change the Amount?

Breastfed and formula-fed babies often end up in similar daily ranges, but how they get there can look different.

  • Breastfed newborns:
    • Tend to feed more often (8–12+ times/day), especially in the first weeks.
    • The amount per feed is harder to measure, so parents look at diaper counts, weight gain, and baby’s behavior rather than ounces.
  • Formula-fed newborns:
    • Typical guidance: 1.5–3 oz (45–90 ml) every 2–3 hours in the first weeks.
* Totals of roughly 450–800 ml (15–27 oz) per day by the end of the first month are common ranges, not strict rules.

The big picture: if diapers and weight gain look good and baby seems content between many feeds, the amount is usually fine—even if it doesn’t match an “average” perfectly.

How To Tell If Your Newborn Is Getting Enough

Because every baby is different, signs matter more than a specific number of ml or ounces.

Look for these green flags

  • Wet diapers:
    • After day 4–5, at least 5–6+ wet diapers in 24 hours is usually a good sign.
  • Poops:
    • In the first weeks, several stools per day are common for many babies, though patterns can vary.
  • Weight:
    • A small drop after birth is normal, but baby should start regaining and generally be back near birth weight by around 2 weeks, then gaining steadily.
  • Behavior during and after feeds:
    • Strong suck, swallowing sounds, then relaxing and seeming satisfied or sleepy after many feeds.

Red flags – call the doctor or nurse urgently

  • Very few wet diapers (fewer than 4–5 per day after the first week).
  • Very sleepy, hard to wake for feeds, or very weak suck.
  • Persistent vomiting (not just small spit-ups) or high fever.
  • Baby not gaining weight or continuing to lose weight.

Those signs can point to dehydration or feeding problems and need quick medical advice.

Why There’s So Much Conflicting Advice (Like on Forums)

If you browse parenting forums, you’ll see everything from “My newborn only takes 20 ml” to “Mine gulps 90 ml!”—and both babies can be fine.

Common reasons numbers differ:

  • Different weights: A 2.7 kg baby and a 4.2 kg baby will not drink the same amounts.
  • Growth spurts: Babies may cluster feed (want milk very frequently) for a day or two, making it seem like usual advice is wrong.
  • Bottle nipple speed & pacing: Fast-flow nipples can make babies drink more quickly and sometimes too much before they feel full, which can cause extra spit-up.
  • Parental fear of “too little” or “too much”: Many threads show parents given multiple different numbers by well-meaning staff, which can be confusing.

A good rule: use medical guidelines as a starting point , then personalize with your baby’s pediatrician or midwife.

Practical Rules of Thumb You Can Use Today

Here’s a simple way to think about “how much milk should a newborn be drinking” without math overload.

  1. Frequency first, then volume.
    • Aim for feeds about every 2–3 hours in the first weeks (8–12+ feeds per day), whether breast or bottle.
  1. Start small, increase gradually.
    • For formula in the first week: 15–30 ml (0.5–1 oz) per feed, working up to 30–60 ml (1–2 oz) as baby shows hunger and tolerates it.
  1. Use weight-based estimates as a check, not a command.
    • Around 150 ml/kg/day is a common estimate, but being somewhat above or below can be normal if baby is thriving.
  1. Watch baby more than the bottle.
    • If baby stops sucking, pushes the nipple away, or seems unsettled and gassy, they may be full or overwhelmed, even if the “planned” amount isn’t finished.
  1. Ask early, ask often.
    • Pediatricians and lactation consultants expect these questions, especially in the first 2–4 weeks; bringing notes on how much and how often can help them give tailored advice.

Mini FAQ: Common “What If” Scenarios

These are general pointers only; always check with your baby’s doctor for personal medical advice.

  • “My newborn chugs 90 ml (3 oz) at 3–4 days old—too much?”
    • Some babies can handle larger feeds, but at this age many still do better with smaller, more frequent amounts (for example, 30–60 ml) to reduce spit-up and discomfort.
  • “My baby only takes 20–30 ml per feed but wants it very often.”
    • In the very early days this can be normal, especially with breastfeeding or small babies, as long as diaper output and weight gain are okay.
  • “Everyone online says something different—who do I trust?”
    • Use reputable pediatric or infant-feeding sites and, most importantly, your own pediatrician; online forum experiences can be helpful emotionally but are not one-size-fits-all medical guidance.

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

If you share your baby’s age in days or weeks, approximate weight, and whether you’re using breast, formula, or both, a more tailored range can be suggested—but medical decisions should always go through your baby’s healthcare provider.