Guides · Feeding
How much formula should a baby drink? Amounts by age
Formula-fed newborns usually take 1–2 oz (30–60 ml) per feed in the first week, 3–4 oz (90–120 ml) by the end of the first month, and 6–8 oz (180–240 ml) at 4 or 5 feedings a day by 6 months (AAP). A rough rule is 2½ oz per pound of body weight daily, up to about 32 oz.
Formula amounts by age
Figures below come from the AAP formula-feeding guidance, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) feeding guide and, for the second half of the first year, the NHS. Oz to ml conversions use 1 oz ≈ 30 ml.
| Age | Per feed | How often | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | About ½ oz (15 ml) | Every 2–3 hours | AAP |
| First week | 1–2 oz (30–60 ml), no more than about this | Every 2–3 hours, at least 8 times in 24 hours | AAP |
| End of first month | At least 3–4 oz (90–120 ml), about 32 oz a day | Every 3–4 hours | AAP |
| 2–4 months | Rising gradually; no fixed figure published | Daytime gaps of up to 4–5 hours; most no longer need a middle-of-the-night feed | AAP |
| By 6 months | 6–8 oz (180–240 ml) | 4–5 feedings in 24 hours | AAP |
| 7–9 months | About 600 ml of milk a day in total (UK guide), alongside 3 meals | Around 4 milk feeds | NHS |
| 10–12 months | About 400 ml of milk a day in total (UK guide), alongside 3 meals | Around 3 milk feeds | NHS |
These are averages. Babies regulate their intake from day to day, so let your baby tell you when they are done.
The weight rule: 2½ oz per pound
The AAP gives a second way to estimate: on average a baby takes in about 2½ oz (75 ml) of formula a day for every pound (453 g) of body weight. Example: a 10 lb (4.5 kg) baby takes about 25 oz (750 ml) over 24 hours, which you divide by the number of feeds.
The AAP also says a baby should usually drink no more than an average of about 32 oz (960 ml) of formula in 24 hours. If your baby consistently wants more or less than the rule suggests, discuss it with your pediatrician.
Hunger and fullness cues
Initially it is best to feed on demand, whenever the baby shows hunger. Fidgeting or getting easily distracted during a feed usually means a baby is finished. If they drain the bottle and keep smacking their lips, they might still be hungry.
Overfed babies can have stomach pains, gas, spit-up or vomiting. The AAP notes it is better to offer less, because you can always give more, and that some babies just want to suck for comfort after a feed. See our newborn feeding schedule for hunger and fullness signs.
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Download free →Night feeds and sleepy newborns
If your baby sleeps longer than 4 to 5 hours in the first few weeks and starts missing feeds, the AAP advises waking them to offer a bottle. Between 2 and 4 months, or once a baby weighs more than about 12 lb (5.4 kg), most formula-fed babies no longer need a middle-of-the-night feed, although this varies a lot. Match feeds to naps with the wake window calculator.
Preparation and safety
Always mix formula exactly as the label says and never dilute it. The CDC says to carefully follow formula instructions. Our baby formula guide covers preparation, storage and sterilization, and baby formula types explains the differences between formulas. If you also breastfeed, read combination feeding.
When to talk to your pediatrician
- Your baby consistently wants much more or much less than the amounts above.
- Your baby is taking close to or over about 32 oz a day.
- Fewer wet diapers than expected, poor weight gain, or frequent vomiting after feeds.
Needs vary with age, growth and health. This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your baby's weight gain, wet diapers or feeding, talk to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.
Frequently asked questions
How much formula should a newborn drink?
In the first week most newborns take no more than about 1 to 2 oz (30 to 60 ml) per feed, and by the end of the first month at least 3 to 4 oz (90 to 120 ml) about every 3 to 4 hours, according to the AAP.
How much formula does a 6-month-old need?
By 6 months a baby may take 6 to 8 oz (180 to 240 ml) at each of 4 or 5 feedings in 24 hours (AAP). Solid foods are also introduced around this age.
How many ounces of formula per pound of body weight?
On average about 2½ oz (75 ml) per pound (453 g) of body weight per day, usually no more than about 32 oz in 24 hours (AAP). Talk to your pediatrician if your baby consistently wants more or less.
Can I overfeed a formula-fed baby?
Yes. Bottle-feeding is faster and may take less effort, so babies may keep sucking when full. Offer less and give more if your baby still shows hunger cues.
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