How Much Formula Does Your Baby Need?

Read time: 4 minutes

What should I know about how much infant formula my baby needs?

• Understand how to estimate about how much formula your 0 to 6 month old needs per day
• Learn about how formula needs change after 6 months of age
• Know how hunger and fullness cues are an important part of how much formula your baby drinks

As parents, we want to do everything right for our babies – and yet sometimes, formula feeding can feel quite confusing! How much formula does my baby really need? Are they getting enough? When does my little one need more?

The good news is that you’re probably doing a wonderful job following your ‘feeding intuition’ and just want that extra assurance that you and your baby are on the right path. We’re glad you stopped by!

When it comes to feeding your baby, responding to baby’s hunger cues and feeding on demand is best. But we know you’re here for a little extra guidance and specific numbers, so let’s dig in.

Read on to understand how much formula your little one may need and when to adjust.

How much formula for a 0 - 6-month-old?

Your little one will slowly be able to eat more and more at a time, but initially their stomach is tiny, so small, frequent feedings are best!

How much formula for a newborn?

When your baby is born, their tummy is tiny, holding only a few tablespoons at a time! It’s no wonder that little babies need to eat often to get enough calories and nutrients.

In the first 1 to 2 weeks , babies need to eat about 10 to 12 times per day with about 1 to 2 fluid ounces in each feeding.

By around 3 weeks old, your baby’s stomach has grown so that it can fit between 2 to 4 fluid ounces at a time. Since they can eat a little more, they may be feeding around 8 to 10 times per day.

At 4 to 5 weeks old, your baby is able to have around 3 to 4 fluid ounces at a time, and sometimes up to 5 fluid ounces! At this age you may be feeding your little one about 7 to 9 times per day.

By 6 weeks old , baby can usually drink about 3 to 5 fluid ounces per bottle and will continue to eat about 7 to 9 times per day.

How do I calculate formula feeding for my baby?

During the first 6 months when solid foods are not yet in the picture, there’s a simple rule of thumb to help figure out how much formula your baby needs:

Start with offering 2.5 fluid ounces of formula per pound of body weight each day.^{1, 7}

Remember that your baby may periodically take more or less than this amount depending on their hunger and growth spurts.

Here is an example for a baby who weighs ten pounds:

• 10 pounds x 2.5 fluid ounces = 25 fluid ounces total per day

To figure out the number of fluid ounces per bottle, divide this number by the number of feedings your baby has in a day.

If your baby feeds 8 times per day, you would divide 25 by 8, which comes out to a little over three fluid ounces per feeding:

• 25 fluid ounces total per day divided by 8 feeding times per day is about 3 fluid ounces per feeding

Remember, younger babies will drink more often since their tummies are small, and older babies may be able to handle more at a time.

Listen and watch for their hunger and fullness cues to help you understand if they're full and when to stop, and when they’re still hungry and may want more.

Learn about your baby’s hunger and fullness cues here : Understanding Your Baby's Hunger and Fullness Cues: Responsive Feeding

How much formula for a 6 - 12-month-old?

Once your baby reaches six months of age, complimentary solid foods are introduced.² You may find that they naturally take a little less formula as they get closer to 1 year.³ This is normal!

Just remember, formula and/or breastmilk should remain the primary source of nutrition, with solid foods secondary to that, up until your baby is one year old.⁴

Want to make sure your baby is drinking the right amount of formula? Ask our Happy Experts, who are registered dietitian nutritionists and infant feeding experts, for free. Chat now!

Formula feeding chart by baby’s age in months

Please note that all babies are different, and that your little one may drink more or less than what is suggested in the chart below. Following your baby’s hunger and fullness cues is the best way to help meet your baby’s needs.

Always check with your pediatrician to ensure your baby is getting enough and developing appropriately.

Age

Number of feedings per day

Amount of formula per feed

Birth-1 week

10-12

1-2 fluid ounces

1 week - 3 weeks

8-10

2-4 ounces

3 weeks-1 month

7-8

2-4 ounces

1-3 months

5-6

4-5 ounces

3-6 months

4-5

6-7 ounces

6-9 months

3-4

6-8 ounces

9-12 months

3

7-8 ounces

Sources:^{5, 6, 8}

*Note that The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests babies should not be drinking more than 32 ounces of formula per day.¹ If you notice your little one is taking in more than this, reach out to your pediatrician to discuss.

Formula Feeding Tips

Follow your baby’s hunger and fullness cues to know how much formula they need

Keep in mind, each baby is different and the above formula amounts are just averages. Babies’ appetites may change, just as ours do! Your baby may eat more or less on any given day.

By responding to your baby’s hunger cues (sucking on hands; opening and closing mouth; rooting) and fullness cues (starts and stops the feeding often; unlatching or spitting out the nipple; fidgets and is distracted; closes mouth), you will likely be giving your baby exactly what they need.⁹

Try paced bottle feeding

This method of bottle-feeding helps prevent overfeeding by putting your little one in control and allowing them to eat exactly how much they need.¹⁰

With a few simple steps, a slow-flow nipple, and a bit of practice, paced bottle feeding will come naturally to you and your little one.

Read about how to do it here: What is Paced Bottle Feeding?

How will I know baby is getting enough formula?

Your baby’s weight gain is the most important sign that your baby is getting enough formula. You’ll also want to look at diapers to know how your little one is doing.

For a newborn, look for 5 or more wet diapers and at least 1 dirty diaper per day. An older baby may have 5 or more wet diapers per day along with 1 dirty diaper every day or even every 2 to 3 days.¹¹

Remember that every baby has a different stooling pattern, so just watch your little one’s pattern and be aware when it changes.

FAQs

Here is a little bit more information to help with feeding your baby the right amount of formula for their individual needs.

How much formula for a 3-month-old?

A 3-month-old will drink about 4 to 6 bottles per day, each holding between 4 to 6 fluid ounces.

Some babies prefer smaller bottles more frequently, especially if they have transitioned from breastfeeding to formula. Other babies may prefer more formula per bottle but feeding less frequently. And they may want more or less from day to day depending on growth spurts!

As long as your baby is growing optimally per their pediatrician, they are getting the right amount!

How much formula for a 6-month-old?

A 6-month-old may be taking in about 4 to 5 bottles per day, each holding between 5 to 7 fluid ounces.

Remember that all babies are different, so your 6-month-old may have a little more or a little less than this amount.

Don’t forget that solid foods (purees, soft finger foods, etc) will be introduced around 6 months, but it is only for learning how to eat and learning about new tastes and textures – not necessarily to add calories. Most of their nutrition should come from formula between 6 and 8 months old.

How much formula for an 8-month-old?

An 8-month-old may be drinking about 3 to 4 bottles each day with about 6 to 8 fluid ounces in each.

During this time, your little one will also be eating more and more solid foods in the texture and size they can handle. Aim to provide about 2 meals and one snack of solid foods for your baby. However, remember that most of their nutrition and calories should still be coming from formula at this age.

Let’s Chat!

We know parenting often means sleepless nights, stressful days, and countless questions and confusion, and we want to support you in your feeding journey and beyond.

Our Happy Experts are a team of lactation consultants and registered dietitian nutritionists certified in infant and maternal nutrition – and they’re all moms, too! They’re here to offer personalized support on our free, one-on-one, live chat platform Monday through Friday, from 8am–6pm ET. No appointment needed, no email or sign-up required. Chat Now!

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