Average Daily Breastmilk Intake for Infants
A breastfed baby typically consumes 24-30 ounces (700-900 mL) of breastmilk per day after the first month of life, with intake stabilizing around this volume through the first 6 months. 1, 2
Volume by Age
The daily breastmilk intake follows a predictable pattern as infants mature:
- Day 1: Less than 100 mL total for the entire first day, with feeding occurring 8-12 times per 24 hours 1
- Days 4-5: Intake increases rapidly to 500-600 mL per day (17-20 oz) 1
- After 1 month: 600-800 mL per day (20-27 oz) 1
- After 6 months: 700-900 mL per day (24-30 oz) 1
Research using the deuterium dilution method confirms these guideline recommendations, showing mean daily intake of 624 mL at 1 month, 735 mL at 3 months, 729 mL at 6 months, and 593 mL at 12 months among exclusively breastfed term infants. 3
Key Clinical Context
Breastfed infants show remarkable three-fold variation in daily milk intake while maintaining normal growth, ranging from approximately 450-1200 mL per day. 4, 5 This wide variation is physiologically normal and should not prompt intervention if growth is adequate. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that infants should feed on demand (8-10 times per 24 hours) rather than conform to rigid volume targets. 6, 1
Feeding Frequency Considerations
- Infants typically breastfeed 11 ± 3 times per 24 hours (range 6-18 times), with individual feeding volumes ranging from 0-240 g 4
- Night feedings make an important contribution to total daily intake and should not be discouraged 4
- Feeding frequency does not correlate with 24-hour milk production—some infants take larger volumes less frequently, while others feed more often with smaller volumes 4, 5
Important Clinical Pitfalls
Avoid supplementation unless breastfeeding technique and frequency have been optimized first or when medically indicated. 1 The need for phototherapy in an otherwise healthy infant is not an indication for formula supplementation unless bilirubin concentrations approach exchange transfusion levels. 6
Weight loss exceeding 10% may indicate inadequate intake but requires assessment of feeding technique and frequency before supplementation, as this threshold is not always pathological. 1 Inadequate intake in the first days after delivery can contribute to longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates. 6, 1
Monitoring Adequacy
Signs of adequate intake include appropriate weight gain, 6-8 wet diapers per 24 hours, regular stools, and infant satisfaction after feedings. 2 The postnatal weight nadir typically occurs after 2-3 days with an average weight loss of 6-7% in breastfed infants. 1
Human breastmilk provides approximately 0.62 kcal/g (20 kcal/oz), with fat content averaging 41.1 ± 7.8 g/L, independent of feeding frequency. 1, 4