Determining the right amount of milk for your baby, whether it's formula or expressed breast milk, is essential for bottle feeding. The quantity will vary based on their age and weight. Initially, newborns require small amounts, but as they grow older and bigger, their intake will increase.
Most babies naturally develop their own feeding pattern and routine, so it's crucial to feed them when they show signs of hunger instead of rigidly following a strict schedule.
In the early stages, newborns typically consume small amounts of milk, whether it's expressed breast milk or formula. Around one month old, they will likely need between 90 ml and 120 ml per feed. Breastfeeding mothers can gauge their baby's intake by monitoring wet and dirty diapers.
For formula-fed babies older than one week, the general guideline is between 150 ml and 200 ml per kilogram of body weight over a 24-hour period until they reach around 6 months old. For instance, a 5 kg (11 lbs) baby will typically require 750 ml to 1 liter of formula milk daily. However, the exact amount may vary depending on their weight and individual appetite since every baby is different.
There may be occasions when your baby wants to bottle feed more frequently than usual. This could be due to teething, illness, or a growth spurt they are experiencing.
Source: HIPP (2023)