Daily Breast Milk Intake for a 2-Month-Old Infant
A 2-month-old infant should consume approximately 24-32 ounces (700-950 mL) of breast milk per day, feeding on demand every 3-4 hours, which typically results in 6-8 feedings per 24 hours. 1, 2, 3
Volume Guidelines by Age
At 2 months of age, breast milk intake has stabilized from the rapid increases seen in the first weeks of life:
- Day 1: Less than 100 mL total (approximately 3 ounces) 1
- Days 4-5: 500-600 mL per day (17-20 ounces) 1
- 1 month: 600-800 mL per day (20-27 ounces), or approximately 624 mL per day in exclusively breastfed infants 1, 4
- 2-3 months: 700-900 mL per day (24-30 ounces), with research showing approximately 735 mL per day at 3 months 1, 4
The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines indicate that after 1 month, intake reaches 600-800 mL per day, and this volume continues to increase slightly through the first several months. 1
Feeding Frequency at 2 Months
Feeding frequency typically decreases from the newborn period to every 3-4 hours by 2 months of age. 2 This translates to approximately 6-8 feedings per 24 hours, though individual variation is normal and expected. 3, 5
Research demonstrates that breastfed infants average 11 ± 3 feedings in 24 hours (range: 6-18), with significant individual variation being completely normal. 5 The key principle is feeding on demand rather than adhering to rigid schedules, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 3
Per-Feeding Volume Expectations
Individual feeding volumes vary considerably:
- Average per feeding: 3-4 ounces (approximately 76 grams, with a range of 0-240 grams) 3, 5
- Infants typically consume 67% of available milk in the breast at each feeding 5
- Left and right breasts rarely produce equal volumes, so asymmetric feeding patterns are normal 5
Important Clinical Considerations
Night Feedings Matter
Night feedings are common at 2 months and make an important contribution to total daily milk intake. 5 Parents should be counseled that nighttime feeding is physiologically normal and beneficial at this age, not a problem to be eliminated.
On-Demand Feeding is Essential
The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that infants should be fed on demand rather than on rigid schedules, allowing the infant's hunger cues to guide feeding frequency and volume. 3 Research confirms that breastfed infants should be encouraged to feed on demand, day and night, rather than conform to an average that may not be appropriate for the individual mother-infant dyad. 5
Self-Regulation of Intake
Breastfed infants can largely regulate their food intake, which can positively affect later eating behavior and reduce obesity risk. 6 The American Heart Association recommends responding to satiety cues and not overfeeding, as infants and young children can usually self-regulate total caloric intake. 7
Monitoring Adequacy
Signs of adequate intake include:
- Appropriate weight gain (return to birth weight by 2 weeks, then steady gain)
- 6-8 wet diapers per 24 hours
- Regular stools
- Infant appears satisfied after feedings 1
Weight loss exceeding 10% in the newborn period may indicate inadequate intake, but requires assessment of feeding technique and frequency before supplementation. 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not supplement with formula unless medically necessary, as this can interfere with establishing breastfeeding and milk supply. 2
- Avoid introducing juice before 12 months of age, as it offers no nutritional benefits and can displace needed calories from breast milk. 3
- Do not force rigid feeding schedules—the lack of relationship between feeding frequency and 24-hour milk production means some infants naturally feed more or less frequently while consuming adequate volumes. 5
- Do not introduce complementary foods before 6 months—the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months. 7, 2
Measurement Method Considerations
When assessing intake concerns, be aware that the deuterium dilution method tends to yield higher estimates than test-weighing methods, so the measurement technique used can affect reported values. 4 For clinical purposes, focus on growth parameters and infant satisfaction rather than precise volume measurements in most cases.