How much formula should a newborn drink?
Newborns typically take about 1 to 3 ounces (30 to 90 mL) of formula per feeding in the first days to weeks, feeding 8 to 12 times a day, gradually increasing as they grow.
By the end of the first month most babies take 3 to 4 ounces per feeding, and total daily formula intake usually tops out around 32 ounces.
Strong
These amounts come from consistent national pediatric guidelines (CDC, AAP/HealthyChildren, NHS, MedlinePlus, Canadian Paediatric Society), not from controlled trials, but guideline consensus across countries is strong.
What the evidence says
In the first few days of life, most formula-fed newborns take about 1 to 2 ounces per feeding, offered roughly every 2 to 3 hours, which works out to 8 to 12 feedings in 24 hours. A newborn's stomach is tiny, so small, frequent feeds are normal and expected.
Over the first month, the amount per feeding gradually rises to about 2 to 4 ounces, with feedings spacing out to every 3 to 4 hours. A helpful rule of thumb used by pediatricians is roughly 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight per day, with total daily intake usually not exceeding about 32 ounces.
Every baby is different, so follow your baby's hunger and fullness cues rather than a strict number. Signs of getting enough include steady weight gain and, after the first few days, at least 5 to 6 wet diapers a day. If your baby consistently seems to want much more or less than these ranges, or you have concerns about weight gain, check in with your doctor or public health nurse.
Sources
-
Guideline
How Much and How Often to Feed Infant Formula
CDC, 2026
First-days amounts, feeding frequency, and belly-size guidance
-
Guideline
Amount and Schedule of Baby Formula Feedings
HealthyChildren.org (AAP), 2023
Per-pound rule of thumb and daily 32 oz ceiling
-
Guideline
How much formula does my baby need?
HealthyChildren.org (AAP), 2023
Feeding progression from newborn through several months
-
Guideline
Formula milk: common questions
NHS, 2023
Feed-on-demand approach and wet diaper check
-
Guideline
Feeding your baby in the first year
Canadian Paediatric Society, Caring for Kids, 2023
Canadian guidance on iron-fortified formula use
-
Guideline
Infant formulas
MedlinePlus, 2025
Starting volumes and progression by month
✓Reviewed by CH, MD, FRCPC
Reviewed by a specialist physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who has read this answer against the sources listed above and confirmed it reflects them. That is not medical advice about your child. How we review
Answer checked July 29, 2026