How Much Milk Does a Newborn Need DaybyDay Guide

How Much Milk Does a Newborn Need? (Day-by-Day Guide)


One of the biggest worries for new parents is: am I feeding my baby enough? You are not alone — this is one of the most searched questions by new mums and dads worldwide. The good news is, nature has a smart system, and once you understand it, everything becomes much less stressful.

 

The Truth About Newborn Stomach Size

Your newborn's stomach is much smaller than you might think. Here is a helpful way to picture it:

• Day 1: the size of a marble (5-7ml per feed)
• Day 3: the size of a ping pong ball (22-27ml per feed)
• Day 7: the size of an apricot (45-60ml per feed)
• 1 Month: the size of a large egg (80-150ml per feed)

This is why newborns need to feed so frequently — their stomachs fill up quickly and empty fast!

 

Day-by-Day Milk Guide (First Two Weeks)

Day

Feeds Per Day

Per Feed (Breast)

Per Feed (Formula)

Day 1

8-12x

5-7ml colostrum

Not needed

Day 2-3

8-12x

7-14ml

30-60ml

Day 4-7

8-12x

30-60ml

60-90ml

Week 2

8-10x

45-90ml

75-105ml

1 Month

7-9x

80-120ml

90-120ml

 

How to Know If Your Baby Is Getting Enough

Since you cannot see how much a breastfed baby is drinking, here are the real signs to watch:

1. Nappy output: 6+ wet nappies daily from day 5 onwards
2. Weight: back to birth weight by day 10-14
3. Behaviour: settled after feeds, not constantly fussy
4. Breast changes: softer after feeds, signs of letdown
5. Audible swallowing during feeds

 

What is Colostrum and Why It Matters

In the first 2-3 days, breastfeeding mums produce colostrum — a thick, golden milk that is packed with antibodies and perfectly sized for your newborn's tiny stomach. Even just a few millilitres per feed is enough and extremely beneficial. Do not be alarmed by the small amounts!

 

Signs of Underfeeding

• Fewer than 6 wet nappies per day after day 5
• Continuous crying and rooting even after feeds
• Not regaining birth weight by week 2
• Yellowish skin (jaundice) getting worse
• Dark concentrated urine

 

Signs of Overfeeding (Formula)

• Spitting up large amounts after every feed
• Bloated or hard tummy
• Excessive wind and discomfort

Breastfed babies self-regulate, so overfeeding is very rare with breastfeeding.


Written by First Choice Club Team – Baby Care Experts”


Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes…


First Choice Club  |  Baby & Parenting Tips

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24 Mar