How much should a newborn eat every day?

Feeding a newborn can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a new parent. You want to make sure your baby is cared for and getting enough to eat, but babies can’t tell you with words. So how do you know if you’re doing the right thing?

Most newborns have simple needs and clear ways to show you when they’re hungry.

Let’s go through what you need to know about feeding your baby in those important first days and weeks.

How much should a newborn eat?

Every baby is different, but there are some basic guidelines to help you figure it out.

If your baby drinks formula from a bottle

Although it varies a great deal from baby to baby, and dramatically changes each day of the newborn period, babies may only take a small amount from each bottle in the first 2 days after birth. This will grow to about 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters (mL)) per feeding as your baby reaches a few days old.¹

If your baby drinks breast milk from a bottle

They might start with about 1 ounce (30 mL) at each feeding. Over the first year, this will slowly go up to about 4.5 ounces (133 mL) per feeding.¹

If your baby drinks breast milk from the breast

In general, a good breast feeding schedule would be 10-15 min on each breast every 2-3 hours, give or take. The older they are, the longer they can last between feeds.

How often should you feed your newborn?

Most breastfed babies need to eat every 2 hours, counting from the start of one feeding to the start of the next. That adds up to about 10 to 12 feedings in 24 hours.¹

Babies who drink formula usually eat every 2 to 3 hours. This comes out to at least eight feedings in per day.¹ Every time a baby cries doesn’t mean they’re hungry. More on that below.

Quick tip: Your baby’s stomach is small at first. They need to eat often in the beginning. This is normal and healthy. As they grow, they’ll start to eat more at one time and wait longer between feedings.

Should you wake a sleeping baby to eat?

It depends. Yes, especially in the first few weeks. If your newborn sleeps for too long, they might miss a feeding. As they get older, encourage longer and longer feeding durations at night. This is a gentle initiation of sleep training.

If you breastfeed, try to wake your baby to feed if they sleep more than 4 hours at a time.² However, if your pediatrician says your baby’s weight is excellent, and feeding are ample during the day, allow the baby to naturally stretch out the feeds at night.

If your baby drinks formula, wake them up if they sleep longer than 4 or 5 hours.³

How long should each breastfeeding session last?

Most breastfeeding sessions last between 10 and 50 minutes. If your baby finishes much faster or takes much longer every time, talk with your doctor.^2,5

How long your baby eats can depend on⁴:

• Your milk supply
• How hungry they are
• How sleepy they feel when feeding

How to tell when your baby is hungry

Your baby might not be able to talk yet, but they do have special ways to tell you they’re hungry. You might notice them¹:

• Licking their lips
• Opening their mouth
• Sticking out their tongue
• Being fussy or restless
• Sucking on their hand or clothes
• Moving their head side to side
• Crying (this is a late sign of hunger)

It’s easier to feed your baby before they start crying. If you notice the other signs sooner, you can help them settle down and eat more calmly.¹

Of course, babies can cry for other reasons, too, like needing a diaper change or a snuggle.

How to know if your baby is getting enough

Those first few weeks can feel full of questions. Here are some signs that might mean your baby is not getting enough to eat²:

• They regularly miss feedings. For example, they sleep through the night without waking to eat, while not gaining weight.
• You can’t hear or see them swallowing while they eat.
• At 1 week old, they have fewer than 6 wet diapers and 4 poopy diapers each day. Their pee is dark instead of light.
• By 2 weeks old, they have not gained back their birth weight or haven’t gained 5 to 7 ounces each week.
• If you’re breastfeeding, your breasts still feel full and hard after feedings. (They should feel deflated after a feed.)
• The feeling of “let-down” (when your milk starts to flow) stops happening. This isn’t always a problem, but it can mean your body isn’t making enough milk.

Keeping to your baby’s scheduled pediatrician wellness visits is one way to ensure they’re reaching growth milestones and eating enough.

Bottom line

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Write down when your baby eats and how many diapers you change each day. This can help you see patterns and spot any problems. Visit your pediatrician for frequent weight checks until healthy routines are established.

If you ever feel worried about your baby’s feeding, or just want extra help, reach out to your care team. You can talk with your doctor or a lactation consultant.

Sources

1. Jain S, et al. How often and how much should your baby eat? Healthy Children. 2024.
2. Healthy Children. Warning signs of breastfeeding problems. 2024.
3. Healthy Children. Amount and schedule of baby formula feedings. 2022.
4. Healthy Children. Baby’s first month: Feeding and nutrition. 2021.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How much and how often to breastfeed. 2025.