From the Guidelines
Newborns should be fed 3-4 oz per feeding by 2 months, with the amount eaten per feeding increasing by approximately 1 oz per month, and plateauing at around 7-8 oz per feed. This recommendation is based on the most recent guidelines from the Current Obesity Reports, which provides an overview of pediatric health guidelines from 0 to 18 years 1. According to these guidelines, newborns feed about every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times every 24 hours, and the amount eaten per feeding will increase gradually over time.
Key Considerations
- The amount of milk per feeding increases by approximately 1 oz per month, starting from a lower initial amount, which is not explicitly stated in the guidelines but can be inferred to be around 1-2 oz per feeding in the first few days of life.
- By 2 months, infants typically feed about every 3-4 hours, taking 3-4 oz per feed.
- It is essential to monitor the baby's hunger cues, such as rooting, putting hands to mouth, and increased alertness, to determine if they need to be fed.
- Signs that the baby is getting enough milk include 6-8 wet diapers daily, regular bowel movements, steady weight gain, and appearing satisfied after feedings.
Feeding Frequency and Volume
- Newborns need to eat frequently, with most requiring 8-12 feedings per day, spaced out every 2-3 hours.
- The guidelines emphasize the importance of sustained breastfeeding and, if bottle-fed, avoiding bottle propping and only using breastmilk or formula in bottles 1.
- As the baby grows, the feeding frequency and volume will adjust, with infants typically feeding every 4-5 hours at 6+ months, and taking 3-5 feedings per 24 hours.
From the Research
Recommended Volume of Milk per Feeding for a Newborn
There is no specific information provided in the studies regarding the recommended volume of milk per feeding for a newborn.
General Information on Newborn Feeding
- The studies focus on the benefits and harms of exclusive breastfeeding versus supplementation with additional foods or fluids for healthy full-term infants 2, 3, 4.
- Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life by health organizations 3, 4.
- The addition of other fluids or foods before six months is common in many countries, but the evidence suggests that it may not be beneficial and could potentially harm the duration of breastfeeding 3, 4.
- The weight loss of newborns in the first 48 hours of life can be used as a decision-making tool to determine the need for supplementation 5.
- Using the 24-hour weight as a reference for weight loss calculation can reduce supplementation and promote exclusive breastfeeding in infants born by cesarean section 6.
Key Findings
- No evidence was found to support the use of additional foods or fluids for healthy full-term infants in the first six months of life 3, 4.
- Exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of infant morbidity and mortality 3, 4.
- The use of 24-hour weight as a reference for weight loss calculation can reduce supplementation and promote exclusive breastfeeding 6.