How Many Ounces Should A Baby Eat Chart

I remember googling “How many ounces should a baby eat chart” every day because my baby’s feedings were out of control. His feedings would change every day, and I kept forgetting what was considered normal.

Sometimes, he would be so hungry, and other days he wouldn’t eat enough.

I was exclusively pumping so I knew exactly how many ounces I was giving him at a time. I was also supplementing with formula. He was a great eater!

But, the first few weeks with both my pregnancies were hard. I cried almost every day because making milk is not an easy task. In my opinion, it is actually harder than pregnancy and labor.

Breastfeeding hurts, milk supply doesn’t increase without hard work, and my babies love to eat a lot. But, there are so many advantages to breastmilk so I kept going.

That doesn’t mean formula isn’t good. Formula is also great. Choose whatever feels right to you and your baby, and don’t let anyone judge you!

So , let’s get to it. I hope the how many ounces should a baby eat chart summarizes everything for you and makes your life easier than mine.

Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself. This post may contain affiliate links that should be no additional cost to you if you purchase something.

Also, this should not be taken as medical advice and is just for informational purposes. Please ask a doctor if you have any concerns about feeding your baby including what, when and how much.

1. Should I feed my baby formula or breastmilk?

This is a question that every new mom asks herself. I mean it is a major decision and many change their decisions after the baby comes.

Keep in mind, there is a huge difference between formula and breastmilk, but I can’t stress enough that it is totally your choice. You should not feel bad about your decision.

It depends on you and what you want for yourself and for your baby. You should NEVER let anyone make you feel bad about what you choose for you and your baby.

If you understand and agree with this, keep reading. So, let’s get to it!

Formula

Here are some facts about formula. Formula is processed skimmed cow’s milk. Formula has all the nutrients a baby needs. It is designed to replace breastmilk. It is the second healthiest milk to give a baby.

But, it is not close to breastmilk. No one can make anything like breastmilk, but they tried to make what they can from what they have.

Formula is still beneficial and can replace breastmilk with no harm done. It is still healthy and will give your baby all the nutritions he/she needs.

So, why am I saying that formula and breastmilk are not the same thing? Here is why.

Breastmilk

Breastmilk is the best milk to give to a baby. Not only does it have the perfect ingredients and nutritions for the baby, but it also protects babies from diseases and infections.

It is proven that breastmilk acts also as a probiotic providing good bacteria for the guts. Also, it helps prevents obesity in the future, and decreases the chance of sudden infant death by half.

Formula does not have these benefits. Research actually shows that babies who breastfed were less likely to get sick during their first year of life compared to the ones who formula fed.

Sometimes, because of low milk supply or for health reasons, people like me, feed their babies both breastmilk and formula.

It is perfectly safe to do this and this is called supplementing. It is a perfect way to feed your baby if your baby is not getting enough from you or sometimes it is just more convenient.

Personally, I supplemented the first time because I needed to go back to work and I didn’t have enough time to pump 8 times a day.

So, I pumped 6 times and supplemented with formula. Even though I was not officially working, the second time I pumped less.

I had a lot to do around the house because I had a toddler. So, I pumped 4 times a day and supplemented with formula for only 6 months. Then, I completely switched to formula because it is my decision and it is what was right for me and my baby at that time.

If you still feed bad for feeding your baby formula, read the following facts. Did you know???

Research suggests that formula fed babies are happier babies than breast fed one because it doesn’t take the baby a lot of work to get fed. Breastfeeding is quite exhausting for not just the mom but for the baby as well because it takes energy to keep sucking trying to get milk out.
Whether you breastfeed or formula feed, your baby will sleep the same amount of time as research suggests. It is a myth that formula makes your baby sleep better or the opposite.
Babies grow faster with formula. Research actually compared 5 breastfed monkies with 5 formula fed monkeys. The formula monkeys grew faster.
Formula fed babies do have an increased risk for obesity. I cannot change this one. Sorry guys! Just measure the bottles precisely to avoid overeating.
If you use formula while breastfeeding, it helps decrease stress and motivates mothers to keep breastfeeding.
Formula fed babies get vitamin d (this is not found in breastmilk) which helps bones get stronger.

2. How much breastmilk does a newborn need?

If you are pumping exclusively, you will be able to see the amount of milk you give to your baby.

On the first day, your baby will eat one teaspoon of colostrum. You may not even notice anything coming out of your breasts. This is okay. Look at your child and see if he/she is swallowing. This would mean milk is coming out.
Your baby will have about one ounce of breast milk eight to ten times on the third day.
When your baby is two weeks old, he/she will need about 1.5 – 3 ounces eight to ten times a day. In order to confirm your baby is eating enough, they should be at least wetting a diaper every four hours.
When your baby is one month, he/she should have about 2– 4 ounces seven to eight times a day.
From One To Three Months, your baby should have about 4 –5 ounces five to seven times a day.
From three to six months, your baby should have about 4 – 8 ounces four to six times a day
A six to twelve-month-old, babies should have about 6- 8 ounces four times a day with solids
A one year old to two year old should have about 14 to 19 ounces of breastmilk a day with solids.
A two year old to a three year old should have 10-12 ounces of breastmilk a day with solids.

Click here for my favorite baby bottles.

Make sure to wake your child up every 3 hours during the first month to feed your baby. Your babies need the milk to grow and develop.

When should I stop breastfeeding my child?

I know you know how I will answer this question. It is obviously up to you and your baby.

But, I am also going to add the science behind this question. It is best to breastfeed your child for at least a year. Some people decide to breastfeed their children until they are four years old.

There are so many health benefits for this! But, this comes with some negative aspects.

For example, many people find this uncomfortable to watch or feel the child is too big for breastfeeding. You need to make sure to not let anyone influence your decision.

You can share the health benefits of extended breastfeeding with the people you love.

Keep in mind, you do not need to make the same amount of milk for your baby as he/she grows up. At first, you breastfeed on demand and then it becomes less frequent.

To know more, look at the how many ounces should my baby eat chart below.

Some of these benefits include:

A decreased probability of mom having ovarian and/ or breast cancer.
The weight of mommy will keep decreasing and her body will recover even better after pregnancy.
A decreased probability of mom having high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and heart attacks in the future
The baby has a higher chance of having a healthy weight.
The baby is protected from diseases and illnesses and will have more antibodies.
The health benefits of breastfeeding continue even after two years of breastfeeding.

Here are some of the negative effects of extended breastfeeding.

Many find it socially awkward. You just need to educate them.
Your toddler may rely on you for emotional support.
You will be the first comfort for you child. This may delay self comfort.
It could have negative effects on you. You may be breastfeeding beyond two years for purposes only related to you. You may be becoming dependent on your child to satisfy you emotionally .

3. How much formula does a newborn need?

As mentioned before, formula is made from cow’s milk. It is processed so it could be safe for human beings. It has all the ingredients and nutrition a baby needs.

But, scientifically, human breast milk is much better because it provides protection from certain diseases and cancers in the future.

But, not everyone can do this. A fed baby is a happy baby, and that is what is important.

Formula feeding is quite easy. Here is a trick. Feed your baby 2.5 ounces for every pound the baby weighs per day.

For example, if your baby is 10 pounds, your baby should eat 25 ounces of formula per day. Keep in mind that your baby should not eat more than 32 ounces of milk a day.

How many ounces should a baby eat chart estimate

Newborns should have one to three ounces of formula every three to four hours.
One to Three-month-olds should have four to five ounces of formula every four to six hours.
Three to Six-month-olds should have four to eight ounces of formula every four to six hours.
Six months or older babies should have six to eight ounces of formula every six to eight hours.

4. How to tell your baby is hungry?

If you are exclusively breastfeeding, you will not be able to count the amount of breast milk coming out.

You should feed on demand, whenever the baby wants to feed, up until six months or when you start introducing solids. After introducing solids, begin a scheduled feeding routine.

To tell if your baby is still hungry after breastfeeding, look for the hunger cues.

Hunger cues include closed fists, sucking on anything like fingers or toys, leaning towards breasts, and opening/closing of the mouth. You baby should open his hands up when full and stop sucking or fall asleep.

Make sure to not allow your child to sleep for more than three hours without feeding during the first month. If your baby begins to cry, that is a sign of late hunger. That means the baby has been hungry for a long period of time.

5. How much formula does a newborn need?

As mentioned before, formula is made from cow’s milk. It is processed so it could be safe for human beings. It has all the ingredients and nutrition a baby needs.

But, scientifically, human breast milk is much better because it provides protection from certain diseases and cancers in the future.

But, not everyone can do this. A fed baby is a happy baby, and that is what is important.

Formula feeding is quite easy. Here is a trick. Feed your baby 2.5 ounces for every pound the baby weighs per day.

For example, if your baby is 10 pounds, your baby should eat 25 ounces of formula per day. Keep in mind that your baby should not eat more than 32 ounces of milk a day.

How many ounces should a baby eat chart estimates?

Newborns should have one to three ounces of formula every three to four hours.
One to Three-month-olds should have four to five ounces of formula every four to six hours.
Three to Six-month-olds should have four to eight ounces of formula every four to six hours.
Six months or older babies should have six to eight ounces of formula every six to eight hours.

6. How To Know If Baby Is Full

These are some signs that your baby is full.

Baby stops sucking.
The baby moves away from the nipple or bottle.
Hands relax and open up.
Your baby begins crying after feeding begins.
She/he falls asleep.
Your baby begins to vomit.
Your baby’s tummy is hard.
A wet burp
Hiccups begin.

To learn more about this topic, click here.

7. How much food does your baby need?

When should babies begin eating solids and how many ounces?

Some people begin introducing solids at four months. But, keep in mind, the baby’s digestive system is not yet ready for solids at that time.

So, introducing solids may cause bad effects like constipation and tummy aches. At six months, the baby is ready for solids. her digestive system is mature enough to accept solids.

Before beginning solids, you baby should be able to hold his head up and be able to sit straight up on high chair. The baby must be at least 13 pounds and should be able to move toward a spoon.

What foods do you introduce to your baby first?

I know you are searching for how much should a baby eat chart, but by the time your baby is four months, they may begin solids.

Begin with rice cereal or cereal from wheat. It is doesn’t cause any allergies. Then begin introducing purees like banana, peas, and carrots puree.

You don’t need to start with cereal first. You can start with purees. Also, put your baby in a high chair. Always, use a spoon to familiarize your baby with food utensils and start slowly.

You should start with the same types of puree. For example, feed your baby carrot puree for three days. See, if she has any allergies. Then introduce a new type of puree and wait to see if any reaction appear.

This way if your baby has an allergy, you will find out what is causing it quickly. If your baby does not want to eat a certain food, do not avoid it. Keep trying. Your baby will get used to the taste and this will save you a lot of problems in the future.

Click on baby first foods options to see what I used.

How much food does your baby need?

Only feed the baby about 1-2 teaspoons at first (4-6 months old). After a few days, gradually increase to 1-2 tablespoons.

From (6-8 months) give the baby 2 to 3 tablespoons fruit, 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetables, gradually increasing to 4 to 8 tablespoons, 1 to 2 tablespoons grain products and, 1 to 2 tablespoons protein-rich foods. Remember to increase gradually.

From (8-12 Months), begin with finger foods. Give 1/2 to 3/4 cup fruit, 1/2 to 3/4 cup vegetables, 1/4 to 1/2 cup grain products, and 1/4 to 1/2 cup protein-rich foods.

Make sure your child is ready for finger foods. Some readiness signs include tries to use a spoon, doesn’t choke or gag on thick purees, and doesn’t spit out some food.

Click on Organic Peas and Carrots to see what finger foods I bought.

8. How Many Ounces Should A Baby Eat Chart

A baby eat chart summarizes everything for you. You can find it below.

If you would like to know more about this topic, watch this video “How Much Milk Does My Baby Need?” (how much should my baby eat chart) [8 min 43 sec]

	AMOUNT PER FEEDING	NUMBER OF FEEDINGS
NEWBORN	1-3 OUNCES	EVERY 3-4 HOURS
1-3 MONTHS	4 -5 OUNCES	EVERY 4 -6 HOURS
3-6 MONTHS	4-8 OUNCES	EVERY 4 -6 HOURS
6-12 MONTHS	6-8 OUNCES in addition to solids	EVERY 6 – 8 HOURS

Newborn	Formula or Breastmilk Only/ No solids allowed!
6 Months	Formula/ Breastmilk and Puree Solids, you can start earlier with solids (4-6 months)
One Year old	Formula/Breastmilk or Whole Milk and Finger Foods

Solid Foods	What To Eat	Amount To Eat
0-4 Months	0 Solid Food	0 Solid Food
4-6 Months	Rice / Wheat Cereal / Stage 1 Puree	1-2 Teaspoons Can Gradually Increase
6-8 Months	Puree and Cereal	4-9 Tablespoons in all Divide Into 2 Meals
8-12 Months	Finger Foods	3 Meals and 2 Snacks

In Conclusion “How Many Ounces Should A Baby Eat Chart”

As a result, above is the how many ounces should a baby eat chart. You can alter them a bit to fit you and your child’s needs.

Do what is best for you and do not let anyone affect your choice. Feeding your baby is the best whether it is formula or breastfeeding.

It is recommended you breastfeed for a year, but many people decided not to do it at all or to do it for 7 years. Furthermore, extended breastfeeding is great regardless of the criticism you may get from people.

Do what you want! Believe in yourself! Leave a comment below. Are you deciding to breastfeed or formula feed? How long are you deciding to breastfeed?

How do you feel about your choices? What did you wean early? share your experiences with the people around you. Let us help women out there!