From the Guidelines
A newborn should consume approximately 1-2 ounces (30-60 ml) of milk per feeding every 2-3 hours during the first week of life, totaling about 8-12 feedings per day, which translates to roughly 16-24 ounces (480-720 ml) of milk daily by the end of the first week. This recommendation is based on the most recent guidelines from the study published in 2022 1, which emphasizes the importance of frequent feedings for newborns, with 8-12 feedings every 24 hours. The study also highlights the need to start with small amounts and gradually increase as the baby's stomach grows, which is crucial for preventing overfeeding and allowing the baby's digestive system to adjust. Key signs to guide feeding frequency and amount include:
- Signs of hunger, such as rooting and sucking motions
- Signs of fullness, such as turning away and closing the mouth
- Wet diapers, with 6-8 per day indicating adequate intake
- Regular bowel movements It is essential to note that breast milk or formula composition changes to meet the baby's evolving nutritional requirements during this period, as stated in the study 1. Always consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice, especially if there are concerns about weight gain or feeding issues.
From the Research
Daily Milk Intake for Newborns
- The daily milliliter (mL) intake of milk recommended for a newborn during the first week is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, a study on colostrum ingested during the first day of life by exclusively breastfed healthy newborn infants found that the daily mass of milk ingested by newborn infants was estimated at 15+/-11 g 6.
- Assuming a density of breast milk approximately equal to that of water (1 g/mL), this corresponds to a daily milk intake of approximately 15 mL.
- It is essential to note that this value is based on a single study and may not be representative of all newborns.
- Additionally, the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months of life, but it does not provide a specific daily milk intake recommendation for newborns during the first week 2.