Feeding amounts by month: charts for breastfeeding and formula
Updated
Charts are convenient, but one thing is worth saying up front: a norm is the middle of a wide range, not a target. A baby taking 30 ml less than the "correct" amount while gaining weight well is feeding normally. Judge by weight gain and nappies, and treat the chart as orientation.
Formula feeding chart by month
The volumes below are averages. The real calculation runs from weight: roughly 150 ml per kilogram of body weight per day in the early months, with the proportion falling towards six months. Ready-made formulas differ in energy density, so it is worth confirming the final figures with your paediatrician.
| Age | Per feed | Feeds per day | Daily total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 weeks | 60–90 ml | 7–8 | ~500–700 ml |
| 1 month | 90–120 ml | 6–7 | ~700–800 ml |
| 2 months | 120–150 ml | 6 | ~800–900 ml |
| 3 months | 150–180 ml | 5–6 | ~900 ml |
| 4–5 months | 180–210 ml | 5 | ~900–1000 ml |
| 6 months | 200–220 ml | 4–5 | ~1000 ml + solids |
| 7–12 months | 200–240 ml | 3–4 | formula + solids |
Number of breastfeeds by month
At the breast, volume is not measured — feeds are counted instead. Responsive feeding stays the recommendation through the first year: the baby regulates both frequency and amount, and frequent feeding maintains supply.
| Age | Feeds per day | Night feeds |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 month | 8–12 | 2–4 |
| 1–3 months | 7–10 | 2–3 |
| 3–6 months | 6–8 | 1–2 |
| 6–9 months | 5–6 + solids | 0–2 |
| 9–12 months | 4–5 + solids | 0–1 |
When solids join in
The WHO recommends starting solids at around 6 months. Through the first year breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition, and solids are added to feeds rather than replacing them — which is why the feed counts above taper gradually after six months rather than dropping away.
Readiness is judged by signs rather than the calendar: steady head control, sitting with support, interest in what adults are eating, and the tongue-thrust reflex fading. Timing and the order of foods are worth discussing with your paediatrician.
Why your baby may not match the chart
- Birth weight and growth rate differ from baby to baby, and volume is calculated from weight.
- Growth spurts temporarily raise both frequency and volume — usually for a few days.
- Breastfed babies almost always feed more often than formula-fed ones.
- Illness, teething and hot weather temporarily reduce appetite.
- Some babies feed less often and take more; others feed often and take less. Both are normal.
When to see a doctor
Judge by weight gain and nappies rather than by deviation from a chart. Reasons to contact your paediatrician: fewer than 6 wet nappies a day after the first week, no weight gain or weight loss, lethargy, refusing several feeds in a row, or forceful vomiting after feeds. A temperature of 38 °C or above in a baby under 3 months needs urgent care.
Finding your own baseline instead of the chart’s
The most useful chart is the one built from your own baby. A week of noting feeds and volumes shows your actual baseline: how many feeds a day it comes to, what intervals have settled, and how both shift month to month. With those records, the conversation with your paediatrician becomes concrete.
Baby Tracker keeps these records for you
Feeds, sleep and nappies in two taps, a day-by-day view of the routine, and shared access for the whole family. Free, right inside Telegram — no install, no sign-up.
Open in TelegramFrequently asked questions
How much formula should a baby take by month?
Very approximately: 90–120 ml per feed at one month, 120–150 ml at two, 150–180 ml at three, 180–210 ml by six months. It is calculated from weight rather than read off a chart — roughly 150 ml per kilogram per day in the early months, with the proportion falling towards six months. Work out the exact volume with your paediatrician.
How many times a day should a 3-month-old feed?
Usually 5–7 times a day on formula and 7–9 on breast milk, night feeds included. The spread is wide and depends on how much is taken per feed.
Are there amounts for breastfeeding?
Volume at the breast is not measured — instead you look at feed frequency, wet nappies and weight gain. Responsive feeding remains the main recommendation through the first year.
When do solids start?
The WHO recommends starting at around 6 months, with breast milk or formula remaining the main nutrition until one year. Before then solids are added to feeds rather than replacing them.
What if my baby takes less than the chart says?
Look at weight gain, the number of wet nappies and general wellbeing rather than the chart. A baby gaining steadily and alert is eating as much as they need. With weight loss or fewer nappies, see your paediatrician.
Sources
This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. All volumes and intervals are averaged guides: they are calculated from an individual baby’s weight and age, so feeding, solids and weight gain belong in conversation with your own paediatrician.