One of the most common questions parents have is: “How much breast milk does my baby need?” The answer changes as your baby grows. Let’s break it down by age, keeping in mind that every baby is unique and there’s a range of normal. These are general guidelines for healthy, exclusively breastfed babies (who aren’t eating other foods yet):
Newborn (0 – 4 days): Newborn tummies are tiny. On day 1, a baby’s stomach can only hold about 5–7 mL (that’s like a teaspoon). By day 3, capacity is around 22–30 mL (0.7–1 oz). Colostrum, the first milk, is produced in small amounts perfect for these early days. Newborns feed very frequently (8-12+ times per 24 hours). Per feeding, expect: - Day 1: ~2–10 mL per feed (basically a few drops to a teaspoon or two). - Day 2: ~5–15 mL per feed. - Day 3: ~15–30 mL (0.5–1 oz) per feed. By the end of the first week, babies take about 1.5–2 oz (45–60 mL) per feed and around 10–20 oz per day as milk transitions to mature milk. (Yes, your breasts are making ounces by day 7, even though it might be hard to tell – the rapid weight gain of the baby is proof!)
1 to 2 weeks old: Stomach capacity is growing. By ~2 weeks, babies may take ~2–3 oz (60–90 mL) each feeding. Total daily intake might be ~15–25 ounces per day. Many infants regain their birth weight by 10-14 days, which shows they’re getting enough.
1 to 6 months old (Infancy): Interestingly, the average daily milk intake stays relatively constant during this period. Research shows exclusively breastfed infants consume about 25 ounces (750 mL) per day on average between 1 and 6 months, with a typical range of about 19–30 ounces per day. This might surprise people, because formula-fed babies often increase volume over these months. But breast milk composition adjusts over time and breastfed babies tend to plateau in volume intake. For example, a 3-month-old might take roughly 24–30 oz per day, same as a 5-month-old. Per feeding, if baby eats 8 times a day, that’s around 3 oz per feed (25 oz/8) on average. Many nursing babies will take about 3–4 oz (90–120 mL) per feed from 1 to 6 months. Some feeds might be a bit more or less. It’s not usually necessary to keep increasing bottle size for a breastfed infant as they grow – 3-5 oz bottles are typically sufficient through 6 months (unless baby goes longer between feeds, then a larger bottle might be needed).
Growth spurts: Babies have periodic spurts (around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, etc.) when they may nurse more frequently for a few days to boost your supply. During a growth spurt, don’t be surprised if baby seems extra hungry – your milk supply will catch up with the increased demand after a couple of days. Even then, the overall daily intake still averages out in that 25-30 oz range, but cluster feeding can temporarily make it feel like baby needs a lot more.
6 to 9 months: Once solids are introduced (around 6 months), breast milk will gradually (slowly) contribute a bit less of the total nutrition, but it’s still the major source. Right at 6 months, babies often still take ~25 oz/day of breast milk. As solids intake increases (usually very gradually), you might see a mild dip in milk intake. One study found around 7 months, babies averaged ~30 oz/day (875 mL) if solids were small, and by 11-16 months about ~19 oz/day (550 mL) as solids became half their diet. So between 6–9 months, a rough daily range might be ~20–30 ounces of breast milk, plus whatever solids baby is eating. Per feed (if nursing 5-6 times a day along with solids), baby might take 4–5 oz at a session. Some babies naturally start nursing a bit less often (maybe 5 times instead of 8) if they are sleeping longer stretches or enjoying solids, but each baby differs.
9 to 12 months: By 9-12 months, many babies are eating a variety of solid foods (often 2-3 small meals a day). Breast milk or formula is still providing a significant portion of calories. A breastfed baby at this age might drink around 16–24 oz per day on average. Some will be on the higher end if they aren’t big on solids yet, some on the lower end if they enthusiastically take solids. In terms of nursing, they may nurse ~4–5 times a day at this stage. If you’re pumping for a 10-12 month old while at work, for example, you might leave about 3-4 bottles of 4 oz each for a full day apart.
Toddlers (12-24 months): The range widens a lot here. The nutrition from solid food increases, and breast milk becomes more of a complement. Studies of breastfed toddlers have found an average intake around 14–19 oz per day in the second year (12–24 months), though this can vary. Some 1-year-olds who adore nursing might still take over 20 oz most days, whereas others who eat lots of solids might only nurse a couple times (maybe ~8–12 oz). Both scenarios can be normal. Remember, after 12 months many parents also introduce cow’s milk, but if you continue breastfeeding, that milk is tailored for your toddler! Even a few ounces a day provides immunological benefits.
Beyond 2 years: There is less data, but small studies suggest that children aged 2-3 years who still breastfeed may take around 10–12 oz per day on average (some toddlers may only nurse once a day by then, perhaps ~5 oz, others who nurse multiple times could get more). At this stage, breast milk is more of a supplement to a regular solid diet.
A key point: Each baby is different. Some small but mighty infants might take 30+ ounces a day at 3 months; others might be satisfied with 20 ounces and still follow a healthy growth curve. Output (wet diapers, growth) and baby’s cues are the best indicators of adequate intake. Watch for at least 5-6 wet diapers in 24 hours and steady weight gain. If those are on track, baby is getting enough, whether they drink a bit below or above “average.”
Also, feeding frequency matters. Breastfed babies usually feed on demand, which can vary – some might take smaller, more frequent feeds, others go longer and take bigger feeds. For bottle-feeding expressed milk, a common guideline is to offer about 1 to 1.5 ounces of milk per hour between feedings. For example, if baby feeds roughly every 3 hours, a bottle of 3–4 oz is appropriate. This aligns with the average intake of ~25 oz/day (roughly 1 oz/hour).
As baby grows: They typically become more efficient nursers – a 6-month-old might finish a nursing session in 5-7 minutes that used to take a newborn 20 minutes. Don’t mistake shorter feeds for needing less milk; often it just means baby is better at extracting milk quickly.
Finally, once solids start, the mantra is “food before one is just for fun” – meaning breast milk (or formula) remains the primary nutrition in the first year. Even after one, many of the calories and certainly most of the immunological benefits come from breast milk or formula, with solids slowly taking over as the main source of energy by around 18 months and beyond.
Bottom line: From 1-6 months, expect around 24-30 oz per day in total. After 6 months, if introducing solids, total milk intake might gradually decrease to ~20 oz by a year (though with lots of individual variability). Always feed according to baby’s hunger cues – they know how to regulate their intake. If you’re ever unsure, consult your pediatrician or lactation consultant, especially if there are concerns about weight gain. But in most cases, healthy babies take exactly as much milk as they need, and these averages are just helpful benchmarks.