From the Guidelines
Newborns should be fed 2-4 ounces (60-120 ml) of formula per feeding, with the amount increasing by about 1 oz per month, and the frequency of feeding being every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times every 24 hours, as recommended by the pediatric health guidelines 1. The amount of formula a newborn should drink varies depending on their age and weight. According to the study published in Current Obesity Reports 1, newborns feed about every 2–3 h, or 8–12 times every 24 h, with the amount eaten per feeding increasing by about 1 oz per month. Some key points to consider when feeding newborns include:
- Feed your baby on demand, usually every 2-3 hours, which means about 8-12 feedings in a 24-hour period.
- Watch for hunger cues like rooting, putting hands to mouth, or making sucking motions.
- The amount eaten per feeding will increase ~1 oz per month and plateau at ~7–8 oz per feed.
- By 2 months, infants feed about every 3–4 h taking 3–4 oz per feed. It's essential to follow the pediatric health guidelines and monitor your baby's weight, wet diapers, and overall health to ensure they're getting enough formula. Always prepare formula according to package instructions, as improper dilution can cause serious health problems 1.
From the Research
Formula Intake for Newborns
- The provided studies do not directly address the amount of formula newborns should drink.
- Studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 focus on vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration in children, but do not provide information on formula intake for newborns.
- There is no specific guidance on the amount of formula newborns should consume based on the provided evidence.