How many oz should infant drink

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How do I know when my baby is hungry? Hunger cues A hungry baby often will cry. However, most babies will drink more and go longer between feedings as they get bigger and their tummies can hold more milk: Most newborns eat every 2 to 3 hours, or 8 to 12 times every 24 hours. At 4 months, babies usually take 4 to 6 ounces per feeding. So, if your baby weighs 10 pounds, that could translate to 20 to 25 ounces of formula a day; in a hour period you'll be feeding your baby about 3 to 4 ounces every four hours.

But remember, every baby is different — bigger babies tend to drink more than smaller babies, and your baby's appetite may vary day-to-day and feeding-to-feeding.

So treat these guidelines as rough approximations — there are no absolutes when it comes to how much formula to feed your little one at each meal — and always take your cues from your baby. If she becomes fidgety or easily distracted during a feeding, she's probably had enough. If she drains the bottle and starts smacking her lips for more, she might still be hungry.

Wondering just how much formula to give your baby? Use this formula-feeding chart as a guide. Your adorable bundle's tummy is tiny the size of a fist — hers, not yours , so it's best to start slowly when it comes to feedings. For newborns, offer just 1 to 3 ounces at each feeding every three to four hours or on demand.

Gradually up the ounces, adding more as the demand becomes greater, but never push a baby to take more than she wants. Your cutie will be taking in more formula at each feeding, anywhere from 3 to 7 ounces, depending on her age.

Her stomach capacity has increased, too, which means she'll likely stretch out the time between feedings. Have a serious sipper who consistently seems to want more than that? Discuss it with your doctor. The upper daily intake formula intake for babies 6 months and younger is 32 to 36 ounces per hour period, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics AAP. You can offer an ounce or two of formula every two to three hours, or eight to 12 feedings within a hour period. But those are more loose guidelines than hard rules.

Healthy babies, when allowed to drink and eventually eat to their appetites without any prodding by parents, will grow at the rate that's normal for them. Minus Related Pages.

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