Quick answer
- Most babies drink about 2½ ounces of formula per pound of body weight per day.
- Most babies don’t need more than about 32 ounces in 24 hours.
- Newborns start at 1–2 oz per feed and reach about 3–4 oz every 3–4 hours by the end of the first month.
- By 6 months, many babies take 6–8 oz, four or five times a day.
Formula feeding chart by age
These are typical ranges for healthy, full-term babies. Your baby may take more or less on any given day, and that’s normal.
| Age | Amount per feeding | Feeds per day (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| First few days | 1–2 oz | 8–12 (every 2–3 hours) |
| 2 weeks–1 month | 2–4 oz | 7–8 |
| End of month 1–2 months | 3–5 oz | 6–8 (every 3–4 hours) |
| 2–4 months | 4–6 oz | 5–6 |
| 4–6 months | 5–7 oz | 4–6 |
| 6–9 months | 6–8 oz | 4–5, plus solids |
| 9–12 months | 7–8 oz | 3–4, plus solids |
How much formula by weight
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ rule of thumb is about 2½ ounces of formula per pound of body weight per day. Divide that by the number of feeds to estimate bottle size.
| Baby’s weight | Approx. formula per day |
|---|---|
| 7 lb | 17–18 oz |
| 8 lb | 20 oz |
| 10 lb | 25 oz |
| 12 lb | 30 oz |
| 13 lb and up | Around 32 oz (the usual daily maximum) |
Example: a 10 lb baby needs about 25 oz a day. Spread over 6 feeds, that’s roughly 4 oz per bottle.
Follow your baby’s cues
Charts are a starting point. Feeding on cue helps your baby learn to regulate their own appetite.
Hunger cues
- Rooting (turning toward your hand or chest)
- Sucking on hands or fingers
- Smacking or licking lips
- Fussing; crying is a late hunger sign
Fullness cues
- Turning away from the bottle
- Slowing down or falling asleep
- Closing lips or pushing the nipple out
- Relaxed hands and body
Signs your baby is getting enough
- About 6 or more wet diapers a day after the first week
- Steady weight gain at check-ups
- Seems content after most feeds
Call your pediatrician if your baby has fewer wet diapers, isn’t gaining weight, regularly drinks well over 32 oz a day, or vomits forcefully after feeds.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Watering down formula to make it last, or adding extra powder. Always mix exactly as the label says. See our formula prep guide.
- Pushing a baby to finish the bottle. Let them stop when they’re full.
- Propping the bottle instead of holding your baby.
- Reusing leftovers. Throw out formula left in the bottle after a feed.
What changes after 6 months
Once your baby starts solid foods at around 6 months, formula is still their main source of nutrition until 12 months, but the amount may level off or drop slightly as solids increase. See our starting solids guide.
Combo feeding?
If your baby also gets breast milk, they’ll need less formula. Track total bottles and diapers rather than formula ounces alone, and read our combo feeding guide and best formulas for combo feeding.
Frequently asked questions
How many ounces should a newborn drink?
In the first few days, most newborns take about 1–2 ounces per feeding every 2–3 hours. By the end of the first month, many take 3–4 ounces about every 3–4 hours.
How much formula should a 2-month-old drink?
Many 2-month-olds take about 4–5 ounces per feeding, 6–8 times a day. Using the weight rule, multiply your baby’s weight in pounds by 2.5 for a daily total.
How much formula should a 6-month-old drink?
About 6–8 ounces at each of four or five feedings a day, alongside new solid foods.
What is the maximum amount of formula per day?
Most babies don’t need more than about 32 ounces of formula in 24 hours. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby regularly wants more.
Do formula-fed babies need vitamin D?
Ask your pediatrician. Babies who drink less than about 32 ounces of formula a day, or who also get breast milk, may need vitamin D drops.
