From the Guidelines
Newborns typically need 150-200 milliliters (mL) of milk per kilogram of body weight per day. This means a 3.5 kg (7.7 pound) newborn would require approximately 525-700 mL of breast milk or formula daily, as supported by the guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition 1.
Key Considerations
- The recommended intake is usually divided into 8-12 feedings per day, resulting in about 45-90 mL per feeding during the first week, gradually increasing to 60-120 mL per feeding as the baby grows.
- Feeding needs vary based on the individual baby's weight, growth rate, and metabolism.
- This volume recommendation ensures adequate hydration and provides sufficient calories and nutrients for proper growth and development.
- Babies regulate their own intake naturally when fed on demand, and caregivers should watch for signs of hunger (rooting, sucking motions, fussiness) and satiety (turning away, closing mouth, falling asleep) rather than forcing a specific volume.
- Wet diapers (6-8 per day) and steady weight gain are good indicators that a baby is receiving adequate fluid intake.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
The guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition 1 and other studies 1 emphasize the importance of adequate fluid and nutrient intake for newborns. However, the most recent and highest-quality study 1 provides the most relevant guidance on this topic.
Clinical Implications
In clinical practice, it is essential to monitor newborns' fluid intake and adjust it according to their individual needs, taking into account their weight, growth rate, and metabolism. Caregivers should be aware of the signs of adequate hydration and nutrient intake, such as wet diapers and steady weight gain. By following these guidelines and recommendations, healthcare providers can ensure that newborns receive the necessary fluids and nutrients for optimal growth and development.
From the Research
Newborn Feeding Recommendations
The recommended milliliter (mL) intake for a newborn is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, some studies provide information on the average amount of breast milk consumed by infants.
- The average amount of human milk ingested by a nursing infant is about 600 ml per day 2.
- Infants breastfed 11 +/- 3 times in 24 hours, and a breastfeeding was 76.0 +/- 12.6 g (range: 0-240 g) 3.
- The volume of milk consumed by the infant at each breastfeeding depended on several factors, including the productivity of the breast, the time of day, and whether the infant breastfed during the night or not 3.
Factors Affecting Milk Intake
Several factors can affect the amount of milk a newborn consumes, including:
- The productivity of the breast: Left and right breasts rarely produce the same volume of milk 3.
- The frequency of breastfeeding: Infants should be encouraged to feed on demand, day and night, rather than conform to an average that may not be appropriate for the mother-infant dyad 3.
- The introduction of complementary feeding: The recommended age for introducing complementary feeding varies widely between countries, ranging from 4 to 7 months 4.
Nutritional Requirements
Newborns have specific nutritional requirements, including:
- Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and other nutrients: Human milk may not provide adequate amounts of these nutrients for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants 5.
- Fat content: The average lipid content of mature human milk ranges from 3.2 to 3.5% 2.
- Essential fatty acids: The linoleic acid content of human milk can vary widely, but an average of 10% is apparently adequate for the essential fatty acid requirements of the infant 2.