How much should a baby eat?
Updated October 14, 2026
Short answer
In the first days a formula-fed newborn takes about 1–2 oz every 2–3 hours; by 2 months about 4–5 oz every 3–4 hours; by 6 months about 6–8 oz, 4–5 times a day. A common guide is 2.5 oz per pound of body weight per day, rarely more than 32 oz. Breastfed newborns nurse 8–12 times in 24 hours.
Formula amounts by age
| Age | Per feed | How often |
|---|---|---|
| First days | 1–2 oz (30–60 ml) | every 2–3 hours |
| 2 weeks – 1 month | 2–4 oz (60–120 ml) | every 2–4 hours |
| 2 months | 4–5 oz (120–150 ml) | every 3–4 hours |
| 4 months | 4–6 oz (120–180 ml) | every 3–4 hours |
| 6 months | 6–8 oz (180–240 ml) | 4–5 times a day, plus solids |
A rule of thumb from the AAP: about 2.5 oz of formula per pound of body weight per day (about 150 ml per kg), and most babies don’t need more than 32 oz (about 950 ml) a day. Every baby is different — feed to hunger cues rather than forcing the last ounce. Our baby formula calculator does the math for your baby’s weight.
Breastfed babies
- Newborns nurse 8–12 times or more in 24 hours in the early weeks — often in clusters in the evening.
- You can’t see ounces at the breast, so pediatricians judge intake by diapers (6+ wet a day from about day 5) and weight gain.
- Most babies regain their birth weight by about 2 weeks.
- For pumped-milk bottles: between 1 and 6 months, breastfed babies take about 25 oz (750 ml) a day on average (range roughly 19–30 oz), and that amount stays fairly flat. Divide by the number of feeds — 8 feeds ≈ 3 oz each.
Signs your baby is getting enough
- Enough wet and dirty diapers for their age (see diapers by day).
- Steady weight gain on their growth curve.
- Content after most feeds; alert and active when awake.
Early hunger cues are rooting, hands to mouth and lip smacking. Crying is a late cue. Turning away, slowing down or falling asleep usually means full.
Starting solids
The AAP and WHO recommend starting solids at around 6 months, when your baby can sit with support, holds their head steady and shows interest in food. Breast milk or formula is still the main nutrition until 12 months. Introduce common allergens (like peanut and egg) early, as advised by your pediatrician.
Tracking feeds
TallyTot logs nursing by side, bottles (breast milk, formula or mixed), pumping and solids — with “last fed 2h ago” on the home screen and daily totals in the doctor summary.
Sources: CDC “How Much and How Often to Feed Infant Formula”; AAP / HealthyChildren.org “Amount and Schedule of Baby Formula Feedings”; Kent et al., Pediatrics 2006 (breast-milk intake); WHO complementary feeding guidance. General information, not medical advice.
FAQ
How many ounces should a 1-month-old drink?
Usually about 3–4 oz per feed, every 3–4 hours — roughly 2.5 oz per pound of body weight per day.
How much breast milk should go in a bottle?
Breastfed babies take about 25 oz (750 ml) a day on average between 1 and 6 months. Divide by the number of feeds — 8 feeds is about 3 oz each.
When do babies start solid food?
Around 6 months, when they can sit with support, hold their head steady and show interest (AAP, WHO).