Daily Breastmilk Intake for an 8-Month-Old Infant
An 8-month-old infant should consume approximately 700-900 mL (24-30 ounces) of breastmilk per day, distributed across 3-5 feedings every 4-5 hours. 1
Volume Recommendations by Age Context
At 8 months of age, breastmilk intake has reached a plateau phase:
- After 6 months of age: Breastmilk intake reaches 700-900 mL per day 1
- Feeding frequency: Typically 3-5 feedings per 24 hours, occurring every 4-5 hours 2
- This volume represents a stabilization from earlier months, as intake after 1 month reaches 600-800 mL/day and continues to increase through 6 months 1
Research Evidence Supporting These Volumes
A comprehensive 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis provides additional context:
- Exclusively breastfed infants at 6 months: 729 mL per day and 107 mL/kg per day 3
- At 12 months: 593 mL per day and 61 mL/kg per day 3
- The 8-month range would fall between these values, supporting the 700-900 mL guideline 3
Individual variation is substantial, with older studies showing breast milk intake ranging from 562-735 g/day between 5-7 months 4, reinforcing that the recommended range accommodates normal physiological variation.
Integration with Complementary Foods
At 8 months, breastmilk is no longer the sole source of nutrition:
- Complementary foods should be offered 2-3 times per day at 6-8 months of age 2
- By 8-9 months, the diet should include breastmilk plus whole grain cereals, vegetables, meats (including fish and poultry), eggs, fruits, and nut butters distributed among 3 meals 2
- Continue breastfeeding while introducing solid foods—the breastmilk volume remains substantial even as complementary foods increase 2
Feeding Approach and Monitoring
Feed on demand rather than adhering to rigid schedules, allowing the infant's hunger cues to guide feeding frequency and volume 1, 5:
- Infants can self-regulate their total caloric intake when fed responsively 5
- Individual breastfeeding volumes vary widely (0-240 g per feeding), depending on breast productivity, time of day, and whether night feedings occur 6
Signs of Adequate Intake
Monitor these indicators rather than fixating on exact volumes:
- Appropriate weight gain for age 5
- 6-8 wet diapers per 24 hours 5
- Regular stools 5
- Infant appears satisfied after feedings 5
Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not supplement with formula unless medically necessary, as this interferes with breastfeeding and milk supply 1, 5
- Avoid introducing juice before 12 months, as it offers no nutritional benefits and displaces needed calories from breastmilk 5
- Do not force rigid feeding schedules—demand feeding optimizes intake and supports continued milk production 1, 6
- Between-individual variation in milk intake increases significantly after introduction of solid foods, so comparing your infant to population averages may be misleading 4
Night Feedings at 8 Months
Night breastfeedings remain common and make an important contribution to total milk intake even at this age 6. Do not discourage night feedings if the infant demonstrates hunger cues, as they contribute meaningfully to the 700-900 mL daily target 6.