From the Guidelines
A 7-month-old infant typically needs about 24-32 ounces (720-960 ml) of breast milk or formula per day. This amount is usually divided into 3-5 feedings throughout the day, with each feeding consisting of 6-8 ounces, as suggested by pediatric health guidelines 1. At this age, solid foods should also be part of the infant's diet, but milk remains the primary source of nutrition. The recommended milk intake may decrease slightly as solid food intake increases, but milk should still provide most of the baby's nutritional needs. Some key points to consider include:
- The amount eaten per feeding will increase ~1 oz per month and plateau at ~7–8 oz per feed 1.
- Complementary feeding: beginning ~6 months, introduce one new food at a time, with foods introduced first being iron rich or fortified 1.
- On average, complementary foods should be offered 2–3 times/day at 6–8 months, and 3–4 times/day at 9–11 months 1. This amount of milk ensures adequate calories, protein, fat, calcium, and other essential nutrients needed for proper growth and development during this critical period. Babies at this age are growing rapidly and developing new skills, requiring sufficient energy and nutrients that milk provides. If you notice your baby consistently refusing milk or wanting significantly more, consult with your pediatrician as individual needs may vary based on growth rate, activity level, and solid food consumption.
From the Research
Normal Daily Milk Intake for a 7-Month-Old Infant
The normal daily milk intake for a 7-month-old infant can vary depending on several factors, including the infant's weight, breastfeeding practices, and overall health.
- According to a study published in 2023 2, the mean daily breast milk intake among all the studies included was 670 mL per day and 117 mL/kg per day.
- Another study from 1984 3 found that breast milk intake of infants not supplemented with cow's milk or formula averaged 875 mL/day at 7 months.
- A 1978 study 4 reported that the amount of human milk ingested by the nursing infant is about 600 mL per day.
Factors Influencing Milk Intake
Several factors can influence the daily milk intake of a 7-month-old infant, including:
- Infant age: Breast milk intake tends to decrease as the infant gets older 2, 3.
- Infant body weight: Breast milk intake is often higher in infants with higher body weights 2.
- Breastfeeding practices: The frequency and duration of breastfeeding sessions can impact the overall milk intake 2, 3.
Comparison with Other Studies
Other studies have reported varying estimates of daily milk intake for 7-month-old infants.