How Much Milk Do Newborns Drink? Everything You Need to Know

Bringing a newborn into the world is one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences for any parent. However, with this new chapter comes many questions, especially regarding your baby’s health and nutrition. One of the most common questions new parents have is how much milk their newborn should be drinking.

Feeding is a crucial aspect of newborn care, and understanding how much milk your baby needs is essential for ensuring they’re thriving. In this article, we’ll explore how much milk newborns typically consume, whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, and how to meet your baby’s nutritional needs while ensuring you have the antenatal support and knowledge required.

We’ll also cover the role of antenatal care, helpful tips on pregnancy care, and how to best prepare for feeding during your antenatal appointments. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel more confident about your baby’s feeding schedule and be prepared for a healthy, nourishing start to their life.

How Much Milk Should a Newborn Drink?

The amount of milk your newborn needs will vary based on their age, weight, and whether they are breastfeeding or bottle feeding. In the first few days of life, a newborn’s stomach is tiny, and they require only small amounts of milk. As they grow, their feeding needs increase, but it’s important to know that all babies are different, and there is a wide range of normal when it comes to the quantity of milk consumed.

First Few Days: The Colostrum Phase

In the first few days after birth, your baby will be drinking small amounts of colostrum, a thick, yellowish fluid produced by the mother that’s packed with nutrients and antibodies. Colostrum is essential for your baby’s early health, offering them immune protection while their digestive system develops. Newborns generally need about 7-10 ml per feed during these early days (roughly the size of a teaspoon). This small amount is sufficient to nourish them as their stomachs are still tiny, about the size of a cherry.

During this time, it’s important to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet, as this will help your body produce enough milk for your newborn. Antenatal vitamins that you took during pregnancy may still be of benefit in supporting your overall health, particularly in terms of vitamin D and calcium, which are essential for breastfeeding mothers.

Week 1 to Week 2: Increasing Milk Intake

By the end of the first week, your milk supply should begin to transition from colostrum to mature milk, which is produced in larger quantities. Newborns typically consume around 30-60 ml per feed, feeding 8-12 times in a 24-hour period. This pattern of frequent feeding helps to stimulate milk production and ensures that your baby is getting enough nourishment. Antenatal support is vital at this stage to help guide you through the adjustment of your body and baby’s feeding habits.

It is also around this time that your baby’s feeding patterns may start to settle. Some babies feed for longer periods, while others may prefer to feed more frequently. Regardless of the pattern, the goal is for your baby to have regular wet nappies, and you should be seeing signs that your baby is content after each feed.

Week 2 to Month 1: Establishing a Feeding Routine

By the time your baby reaches around 2 weeks old, their stomach has grown, and they will require more milk per feed. Most newborns will drink between 60-90 ml per feed, typically every 2-3 hours. However, some babies may feed less frequently or more often, depending on their needs. It’s important to understand that your baby may sometimes seem hungry even after a full feed, and that’s perfectly normal.

For breastfeeding mothers, the frequency of feeds can help maintain your milk supply. Ensuring you have good antenatal care and understanding the basics of breastfeeding, like proper latch techniques, can help avoid discomfort for both you and your baby. Many new mothers find prenatal yoga helpful for relaxing the body and mind before the delivery, which may also positively affect breastfeeding and milk production.

How to Tell if Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk

As a new parent, you may worry about whether your baby is getting enough milk, especially during the early days. Some signs that your baby is feeding well and receiving enough milk include:

• Steady Weight Gain: Your baby should be gaining weight steadily after the first few days. Typically, newborns will lose a small amount of weight in the first few days, but they should start to regain this by the end of the first week.

• Wet Nappies: After the first few days, expect your baby to have at least 6-8 wet nappies a day. This indicates they’re getting enough fluid.

• Contentment After Feeding: A well-fed baby will generally be content and relaxed after a feed, though they may still want to suck for comfort.

• Alert and Active: A baby who is getting enough milk will be alert, active, and will respond to stimulation such as noise and light.

If you’re concerned that your baby isn’t drinking enough milk, don’t hesitate to reach out to your antenatal clinic or your health visitor for guidance.

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding: What’s the Difference in Milk Intake?

Whether you choose to breastfeed or formula-feed, both options can provide your newborn with the nutrients they need. However, the amount of milk your baby consumes may differ slightly depending on the feeding method.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding provides the perfect balance of nutrients and antibodies to your newborn. The amount of milk a baby drinks will vary based on the frequency of feedings, the baby’s appetite, and the efficiency of the milk transfer. If you’re concerned about your baby’s intake, it can help to seek advice from a lactation consultant during your antenatal checkups or after birth.

Formula Feeding

Formula milk is designed to mimic breast milk as closely as possible, though it may not provide the same level of immune protection. Formula-fed babies may need slightly more milk per feed because formula is digested more slowly than breast milk. The general recommendation for formula feeding is to start with about 60-90 ml per feed and adjust as needed.

Antenatal education can be a valuable resource in helping you prepare for both breastfeeding and formula feeding. Many parents also find antenatal massage a great way to relax and prepare their bodies for both the physical and emotional demands of caring for a newborn.

How Often Should Newborns Feed?

The frequency of feeds can vary, but newborns generally feed about 8-12 times per day during the first few weeks of life. Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, it’s important to feed your baby when they show signs of hunger, rather than sticking to a strict schedule. Signs of hunger include:

• Rooting (turning their head and opening their mouth when touched)
• Sucking on their hands or fingers
• Fussing or crying

During your antenatal scans and antenatal checkups, your healthcare provider will likely discuss feeding schedules and offer advice on how to establish a routine that works for you and your baby.

What If My Baby Is Drinking Too Much or Too Little Milk?

If your baby seems to be drinking significantly more or less milk than the average, it’s important to monitor their overall well-being and consult with your healthcare provider. Excessive feeding may be a sign of reflux or other feeding issues, while underfeeding can lead to poor weight gain and dehydration. Your antenatal support team can provide you with specific advice based on your baby’s unique needs.

Conclusion: Supporting Your Baby’s Feeding Journey

Feeding your newborn can feel overwhelming at times, but knowing how much milk they need and how often they should feed can help you feel more confident. Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, the key is to respond to your baby’s hunger cues and ensure they are getting enough nutrition to grow and thrive.

Don’t forget that antenatal care plays an essential role in preparing you for the early days of parenthood. With the right information, support, and patience, you’ll be able to provide your baby with the best start in life.