How much is enough? A week-by-week breakdown that meets both baby’s needs—and your peace of mind.

Feeding a newborn isn’t just about ounces. It’s about observing a rhythm.

You're standing in the kitchen at 3 a.m.
Bottle in one hand. Doubt in the other.
“Is she getting enough? Too much? Should I be tracking every feed?”

These aren’t just questions.
They’re quiet anxieties that sneak in between diaper changes and drowsy cuddles.
And they’re universal.

Because whether you're nursing, pumping, or formula-feeding, there’s one shared concern: Am I feeding my baby the right amount at the right time?

This guide walks you through newborn feeding amounts by age, in ounces and patterns—not as rigid rules, but as reassuring reference points.

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How Many Ounces Should A Newborn Eat? A Week-By-Week Look

Let’s zoom out first.

Most newborns need about 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight each day.
For breastfed babies, the numbers vary more, but the feeding cues are often clearer.

So how do you translate that into a bottle or nursing session?

0–3 Days Old: Teaspoons, Not Bottles

In the first 48 hours, your baby’s stomach is the size of a cherry. Literally.

• Feedings per day: 8–12 times

• Per feeding: 0.5 to 1 ounce

• Total daily intake: 6–10 ounces max

This is the colostrum phase. Tiny feeds. Big nutrition.
Don’t stress about volume—focus on frequency and those early latch sessions.

4–7 Days Old: Graduating To Bigger Gulps

As milk transitions in, your baby may seem hungrier. That’s normal.
Their stomach is now about the size of a walnut.

• Feedings per day: 8–10

• Per feeding: 1 to 1.5 ounces

• Total per day: 10–15 ounces

You’ll likely notice longer stretches of sleep (finally) between feeds.
But still—expect cluster feeding in the evenings. It’s their way of leveling up milk supply.

2 Weeks Old: Welcome To Growth Spurt Mode

At this stage, babies start demanding more and often.

• Feedings per day: 7–9

• Per feeding: 2 to 3 ounces

• Total per day: 16–24 ounces

Watch for hunger cues—rooting, sucking motions, hand-to-mouth behavior.
Crying is actually a late hunger sign. The body whispers before it shouts.

3–4 Weeks Old: Patterns Begin To Form

Feeding starts to feel more like a rhythm and less like roulette.

• Feedings per day: 6–8

• Per feeding: 3 to 4 ounces

• Total per day: 20–24 ounces

If you're pumping, this is a good time to track intake more consistently.
And if you're breastfeeding, trust your body—but keep an eye on diaper output (6+ wet diapers is a great sign).

1–2 Months Old: Appetite Surges And Sleep Stretches

This is when new parents start wondering: “Do I feed every 3 hours now, or on demand?”

Answer: Either works—as long as your baby is gaining weight and thriving.

• Feedings per day: 6–7

• Per feeding: 4 to 5 ounces

• Total per day: 24–28 ounces

Bonus insight: If your baby is finishing bottles quickly and still acting hungry, it’s okay to increase volume slightly—but go slow.

3 Months Old: Efficiency Kicks In

Feeds get faster. Sleep gets longer. Your baby is becoming a feeding pro.

• Feedings per day: 5–6

• Per feeding: 5 to 6 ounces

• Total per day: 26–32 ounces

Now’s the time to focus on cues more than clocks.
Spacing may stretch to every 4 hours—and that’s okay.

What If My Baby Eats More Or Less Than These Amounts?

Let’s be real.

No two babies follow the same blueprint.

Some days, your baby may eat 28 ounces. The next day, 22.
That’s not failure. That’s growth—often nonlinear, always unique.

Three helpful truths to keep in mind:

1. Appetite fluctuates with sleep, development, teething, and even temperature.

2. Wet diapers and weight gain are your best feedback loops.

3. Your intuition matters. Seriously.

If your baby seems satisfied, is gaining well, and has plenty of wet diapers?
You're doing just fine—even if the math doesn’t match a chart.

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Breastfeeding Vs Formula: Do The Ounces Differ?

Yes—and here’s why.

Breastfed babies tend to regulate their intake more naturally.
They nurse to hunger and comfort. So ounce-counting becomes trickier.

Formula-fed babies may drink larger volumes per feed, since formula digests more slowly.

That’s why breastfed babies typically take 2–4 ounces per feed in the early weeks, even when formula-fed babies may take 4–5.

Different fuel. Same goal.
Trust the signals, not just the numbers.

Signs Your Baby May Be Overfed Or Underfed

Here’s what to watch for:

Underfed:

• Fewer than 6 wet diapers per day after the first week

• Constant fussiness or sleepiness

• Poor weight gain or weight loss

• Sunken soft spot on the head

Overfed:

• Frequent spit-ups

• Gassy, bloated tummy

• Discomfort post-feed

• Rapid weight gain beyond normal range

Remember: More isn’t always better. Feeding is a conversation, not a competition.

What About Night Feeds? When Do They Drop Off?

Most babies still need at least 1–2 night feeds until 4–6 months.
Especially breastfed ones.

But as babies grow and stomachs stretch, they may naturally start sleeping longer between feeds.

The key is to respond, not pre-empt.

If the baby wakes hungry, feed. If the baby sleeps through, celebrate.
No need to wake them if they're gaining weight well—unless advised by your pediatrician.

Real Talk From Real Parents (And Experts)

Thousands of moms on platforms like Parentune have shared this common theme:

“I wish someone had told me that feeding isn’t just about ounces—it’s about confidence.”

And they’re right.

Tracking ounces is useful, yes. But it’s not the goal.

The goal is a baby who is growing well—and a parent who feels equipped, not exhausted, by the process.

That’s why Parentune exists—to give you community-backed, expert-verified support for questions just like this one.

The Bottom Line: What Should You Remember?

• Start small, feed often. Newborn stomachs grow fast—but they start tiny.

• Track diapers, not just bottles. They’re your best feedback tool.

• Adjust with age, but trust the cues. Numbers guide, but babies lead.

• Overfeeding is possible. Especially with bottles—pace matters.

• Your confidence counts. More than any ounce chart ever could.

Final Thought

Feeding isn’t a perfect science.
It’s a dance. A rhythm. A thousand small adjustments you make with love, instinct, and a bit of data.

And when it feels overwhelming, remember: You’re not alone.
You’re part of a larger community that’s walked this path—stumbled, recalibrated, and found their way.

Parentune is one such space.
And your presence in it? That’s your baby’s first lesson in being held, nourished, and known.