How Much Breastmilk Does My Baby Need?
Breastfeeding Parents: Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
Breastfeeding parents may sometimes worry whether their baby is getting enough milk, especially since mothers who nurse at the breast cannot measure how much their baby is drinking. Rest assured, your body is designed to produce the right amount of milk to meet your baby’s needs .
For mothers who express breastmilk, there can also be questions about how much milk to prepare for each feed, particularly when returning to work or sending the baby to a caregiver. Understanding your baby’s natural feeding patterns can ease these concerns and help you plan.
This article will help parents gauge how much milk their baby needs at various stages of development, reinforcing that breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant nutrition (WHO, 2021).
Newborn Stage
Newborns are born with tiny tummies perfectly designed for frequent, small feedings of breastmilk. Breastmilk is not only rich in nutrients but also easily digestible, which is why newborns feed frequently—sometimes even every hour. This is completely normal and helps establish a strong milk supply. As your baby grows, the frequency of feeds will naturally decrease.
The infographic below by the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group (BMSG) illustrates the expected consumption for a newborn in the early weeks. In addition to feeding frequency, parents can check if their baby is getting enough milk by monitoring diaper output. A good number of wet and dirty diapers is a reassuring sign that the baby is well-fed.
BMSG Infographic on Normal Expectations of a Breastfed Newborn. Obtain more infographics here.
Here’s a quick summary of typical breastmilk intake for newborns:
- Day 1: 5-7 ml (about the size of a cherry)
- Days 2-3: 20-30 ml (about the size of a strawberry)
- Day 4 to 3 weeks: 45-60 ml
- 4-6 weeks: 80-150 ml
Remember, there is a range of what is considered normal, and each baby is different. Monitoring diaper output and your baby’s growth will give you the best indication that they’re getting enough milk. Trust your body and your baby!
First 6 Months
Once your breastmilk supply is well-established, babies typically drink between 570-900 ml of breastmilk over a 24-hour period, based on research done globally (KellyMom, n.d.; Australian Breastfeeding Association, n.d.). It’s important to remember that breastfed babies regulate their intake and tend to take exactly what they need.
For mothers who are expressing milk and want to estimate how much to prepare for bottle feeds, a simple approach is to divide your baby’s estimated daily milk intake (e.g., 900 ml) by the number of feeds per day. However, remember that babies who nurse at the breast may feed differently than when given a bottle. Breastfeeding provides both nutrition and comfort, and babies often feed more frequently at the breast, as they may not take as much at once compared to bottle feeds.
This is why paced bottle feeding is essential for babies who receive expressed breastmilk in a bottle. Unlike breastfeeding, where babies can control the flow and stop when they’re full, bottle feeding can be faster, making it harder for them to self-regulate. Paced feeding mimics the natural rhythm of breastfeeding and helps prevent overfeeding (Thoyre et al., 2012).
For more personalized guidance, parents can explore Kelly Bonyata’s milk calculator, which provides an average daily intake of 739 ml (or 25 oz) (KellyMom, n.d.).
After 6 Months or the Introduction of Solids
Even after your baby starts solids, breastmilk remains the primary source of nutrition for the first year. Solids are introduced gradually and should complement—not replace—breastmilk (WHO, 2021).
As babies become more accustomed to solids, some may demand less milk. This can happen for a few reasons:
- Baby is enjoying solids and may prefer them temporarily.
- Baby is full from eating a lot of solids during a meal.
To ensure that your baby continues to get the benefits of breastmilk, offer breastmilk first, ideally about an hour before solids. This ensures that breastmilk remains their main source of nutrition and that they won’t fill up on solids before breastfeeding.
As babies transition to a diet including more solids, they can also start drinking water. Breastmilk amounts may remain similar to the earlier months (0-6 months), but you may notice a gradual reduction in milk intake as they approach one year old. Keep monitoring your baby’s diaper output and growth to ensure they’re thriving.
As babies begin to transition to solids, it’s essential to know how to introduce these foods properly. For helpful guidance on starting solids, visit this resource on starting solids.
After 1 Year
Breastmilk continues to provide vital nutrients, immune support, and comfort for babies beyond 1 year. At this stage, babies may still seek nursing, and this is beneficial—not just nutritionally but also emotionally. Nursing encourages a continued bond between mother and baby, offering comfort and security.
Babies who nurse at the breast may continue to cue for feeds, and this is something to be embraced. Even when babies primarily eat solid foods, breastmilk remains valuable, and there’s no set amount that a baby “should” be drinking. It’s also perfectly fine for mothers to stop expressing milk if they feel ready, but for those who wish to continue, providing expressed breastmilk remains a healthy option.
For mothers returning to work, it’s reassuring to know that your baby can nurse when you’re home and thrive on food and water during the day. Whether your baby continues to nurse frequently or simply latches when you’re home, they’ll still benefit from the many advantages of breastmilk.
My Baby is Now 1 Year Old. Should I Introduce Toddler Formula?
Introducing toddler formula at this stage is not necessary. Research shows that older babies and toddlers can thrive on a balanced diet of solid foods, water, and the breastmilk they continue to receive (Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association, 2019). If you’re thinking about incorporating dairy, full-fat cow’s or goat’s milk can be offered after 1 year, but this is entirely optional. Keep an eye out for any signs of dairy sensitivities, especially if introducing cow’s milk for the first time, as some babies may be sensitive to cow’s milk protein (Morris et al., 2019).
That said, fresh dairy isn’t required if your baby is still nursing and enjoying a variety of solid foods.
In short, breastfeeding remains one of the best things you can offer your baby, regardless of their age. Trust your body and your baby to guide you through this wonderful journey of nourishment and bonding.