One of the most common questions in the first weeks of motherhood — and one that deserves a calm, clear answer. Whether you're breastfeeding, expressing, formula feeding, or a combination, knowing typical milk volumes helps you feel more confident and less anxious in those early days.
The most important thing to say upfront: every baby is different. Use the ranges below as a guide. Your midwife, lactation consultant, Child and Family Health Nurse, or GP should always be your first point of contact for concerns about your specific baby.
Average newborn milk intake by age
| Baby's age | Volume per feed | Feeds per 24 hours | Approximate daily total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | 5–15 mL | 8–12 | ~60–180 mL |
| Day 3–4 | 15–30 mL | 8–12 | ~120–360 mL |
| Week 1–2 | 30–60 mL | 8–10 | ~300–600 mL |
| Weeks 3–4 | 60–90 mL | 7–8 | ~500–750 mL |
| 1–2 months | 75–120 mL | 6–8 | ~600–900 mL |
| 2–4 months | 120–150 mL | 6–7 | ~750–1,050 mL |
| 4–6 months | 150–180 mL | 5–6 | ~750–1,080 mL |
These are averages. Some babies consistently drink more or less and remain perfectly healthy. Growth curve progress and nappy output are more reliable indicators than volume alone.
Breastfed babies: what to know
The first few days after birth, your baby drinks colostrum — a thick, golden-yellow milk produced in small quantities but rich in antibodies and nutrients. Your baby's stomach is genuinely tiny at birth (roughly the size of a marble on day 1), so the small volumes of colostrum are perfectly calibrated for it.
Around day 3–5, your mature milk "comes in" and volume increases substantially. This is often accompanied by breast fullness, leaking, and your baby's feeding becoming more settled.
If you're expressing or pumping
Pumped volumes don't always reflect your total supply — many mums express less than their baby takes at the breast, because the let-down response to a pump is typically weaker than to a baby. Don't use a single pumping session as a measure of your supply.
If you're pumping and want to support your milk production from the start, skin-to-skin contact before expressing and looking at photos or a video of your baby while pumping both support the oxytocin response and improve output.
Formula-fed babies: the 150 mL per kg per day guideline
For formula-fed babies, a widely used clinical guideline is approximately 150 mL of formula per kilogram of body weight per day. This guideline is referenced in Australian neonatal and infant feeding guidelines and gives a useful daily total to work from.
How to use this guideline in practice
If your baby weighs 4 kg: 4 × 150 mL = 600 mL per day total. Divided across 7 feeds: approximately 85 mL per feed.
If your baby weighs 3 kg: 3 × 150 mL = 450 mL per day total. Divided across 8 feeds: approximately 55–60 mL per feed.
This is a starting point, not a strict prescription. Feed to your baby's cues — a baby who pulls away before the bottle is empty or seems consistently unsatisfied is telling you to adjust up or down.
Formula volumes by age
| Baby's age | Volume per feed | Feeds per day |
|---|---|---|
| First week | 30–60 mL | 8–10 |
| 2–4 weeks | 60–90 mL | 7–8 |
| 1 month | 90–120 mL | 6–7 |
| 2 months | 120–150 mL | 5–6 |
| 3–4 months | 150–180 mL | 5–6 |
| 4–6 months | 180–210 mL | 4–5 |
Always prepare formula strictly according to the tin instructions. Never add extra scoops to increase concentration.
How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk
Volume tracking is useful but not always possible — particularly when breastfeeding, where you can't directly measure intake. These signs are more reliable indicators that your baby is feeding adequately:
Nappy output (most reliable indicator)
- Day 1–2: At least 1–2 wet nappies per day; dark, sticky meconium stools
- Day 3–4: At least 3 wet nappies; stools transitioning to yellow/green
- Day 5 onwards: 6 or more wet nappies per day; soft yellow stools (breastfed) or firmer yellow/tan stools (formula)
Weight gain
Most newborns lose up to 7–10% of their birth weight in the first few days — this is normal. They should regain their birth weight by 10–14 days, then continue gaining approximately 150–200 g per week in the first three months.
Behaviour after feeds
A well-fed baby typically appears relaxed after most feeds — releasing the nipple spontaneously, appearing satisfied, and settling reasonably easily. Persistent crying, constant feeding without apparent satisfaction, and general unsettledness can sometimes (though not always) signal that intake is insufficient.
Breast and bottle cues
A baby who is feeding well will generally suck rhythmically and swallow audibly during a feeding session. You should hear regular swallowing, particularly during let-down for breastfed babies.
Cluster feeding and growth spurts
There will be days — typically around 2–3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months — when your baby seems to want to feed almost continuously. This is cluster feeding, and it's a normal part of development. It's not a sign that supply is low or that your baby isn't getting enough. It's a temporary phase that typically lasts a few days and results in increased supply to meet your growing baby's needs.
Frequently asked questions
How many mL should a newborn drink per feed?
In the first week, most newborns take 30–60 mL per feed. By one month, this typically increases to 75–120 mL. These are averages — your baby may consistently take slightly more or less and still be perfectly healthy.
How many mL should a newborn drink in 24 hours?
In the first week, approximately 300–600 mL total across 8–10 feeds. By one month, approximately 600–900 mL across 6–8 feeds. For formula-fed babies, a useful guideline is 150 mL per kilogram of body weight per day.
Is 30 mL enough for a newborn?
In the first few days, yes — stomach capacity is very small (5–15 mL on day 1, growing rapidly). By the end of the first week, most babies will need 45–60 mL per feed to feel satisfied.
Is 60 mL enough for a newborn?
At one week old, 60 mL per feed is within the typical range. By two to three weeks, most babies will want 60–90 mL per feed. If your baby consistently seems unsatisfied after 60 mL, try offering a little more.
How do I know if my newborn is getting enough breast milk?
The most reliable signs are: 6+ wet nappies per day from day 5 onwards, soft yellow stools, audible swallowing during feeds, and steady weight gain. If you're concerned, a weighted feed with a lactation consultant can give you a precise intake measurement.
How much formula should a 1-month-old have?
At one month, approximately 90–120 mL per feed, with 6–7 feeds per day. Using the 150 mL per kg per day guideline: a 4 kg baby needs approximately 600 mL per day total, or around 100 mL per feed across 6 feeds.
Why does my newborn seem hungry all the time?
Frequent feeding in the newborn period is completely normal. Stomachs are small, breast milk digests quickly, and babies have a strong sucking reflex for both nutrition and comfort. Cluster feeding — where a baby feeds almost continuously for a few hours — is particularly common in the evenings during growth spurts.
When should I worry about my baby's milk intake?
Speak with your midwife, Child and Family Health Nurse, or GP if your baby is not producing adequate wet nappies, hasn't regained birth weight by two weeks, appears lethargic or difficult to rouse for feeds, or if you have any concern about their growth. Early support is much easier to action than waiting.
This guide is for general educational purposes. Always follow the advice of your healthcare professional for your baby's individual needs.
