Understanding how much milk a newborn should drink each day can be a concern for many new parents. Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding, knowing how much is enough is crucial for your baby’s health and well-being.
This article will help you answer questions like “How much milk should a newborn drink” and “How much formula for a newborn?” with UK-specific guidelines to ensure you are giving your little one the right start.
We also highlight our Newborn Care Service, which provides personalised care designed to meet your baby’s individual needs.

Breastfed Babies: How Much Milk Should a Newborn Drink?
Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed a newborn and, for many, the recommended method of providing nutrition. However, it can be challenging to know exactly how much breast milk your baby is consuming since you can’t measure the amount directly. Here are some guidelines to help you understand how much milk a breastfed baby should be getting.
1. Birth to 1 Week During the first week, a newborn’s stomach is very small—about the size of a cherry (1-2 teaspoons) on day one and growing to the size of a walnut (about 1-2 ounces) by the end of the week. Colostrum, the nutrient-rich “first milk,” is produced in small quantities, and that’s perfectly normal. Babies typically need to feed every 2-3 hours, which results in 8-12 feeds per day.
2. 1 to 4 Weeks From week two, your baby will start drinking more as your milk supply increases. Most breastfed babies take around 500-600 ml of breast milk per day by the end of the first month. It’s normal for your newborn to feed frequently—every 2-3 hours during the day and night. This helps establish your milk supply and ensure your baby is getting enough nutrients.
3. Signs Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk
- Your baby has 6 or more wet nappies per day by the end of the first week.
- Consistent weight gain after the initial weight loss in the first few days.
- Your baby appears satisfied after feeds.
- Frequent bowel movements, especially in the early weeks.
The NHS recommends trusting your baby’s hunger cues. Breastfed babies are good at self-regulating, so offer the breast whenever they seem hungry.
Formula-Fed Babies: How Much Formula for a Newborn?
For parents who choose or need to use formula, understanding how much to give can also be a concern. Unlike breastfeeding, formula allows you to measure the exact amount of milk your baby is consuming. Here’s a breakdown for formula-fed newborns.
1. Birth to 1 Week In the first week, newborns generally need very small amounts of formula. Initially, this can be around 30-60 ml (1-2 oz) per feed every 2-3 hours. Your baby’s stomach is tiny at birth, so frequent, small feedings are normal.
2. 1 to 4 Weeks From the second week onwards, your baby’s intake will increase. By the end of the first month, intake can range between 450-800 ml daily (15-27 oz).
3. Formula Feeding Tips
- Always prepare formula according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring it’s the correct temperature.
- Look for hunger cues such as lip-smacking, rooting, or sucking on hands.
- Never force your baby to finish a bottle; babies, like breastfed infants, know when they’re full.
- Formula-fed babies may take slightly fewer feeds compared to breastfed babies since formula is digested more slowly.
How to Tell if Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk
Whether you are breastfeeding or formula-feeding, ensuring your newborn is getting enough milk involves observing your baby’s behaviour, appearance, and health. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Steady Weight Gain: It’s normal for babies to lose a little weight after birth in the first week, but they should regain it by two weeks. From then, expect a steady increase in weight.
- Plenty of Wet and Dirty Nappies: By the end of the first week, babies should have at least 6 wet nappies and 3 or more dirty nappies daily.
- Contentment After Feeding: A well-fed baby should appear calm and satisfied after feeding. Fussiness might indicate they need more milk or are not comfortable.
- Alert and Responsive: Your baby should be alert when awake and respond to your voice, showing signs of interest in their surroundings.
Common Questions About Newborn Feeding
1. How Often Should I Feed My Newborn? Newborns typically need feeding every 2-3 hours, regardless of whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. This equates to 8-12 feeds per 24 hours.
2. Can I Overfeed My Newborn? Overfeeding is rare in breastfed babies because they regulate their intake naturally. However, with formula, there’s a slightly higher risk of overfeeding. Look for signs that your baby is full, like turning away from the bottle or falling asleep mid-feed.
3. What If My Baby Seems Hungry All the Time? Frequent feeding is common, particularly in the early days and during growth spurts. If you’re concerned, speak to your health visitor or GP for guidance.
4. Should I Wake My Baby for Feeds? For the first few weeks, waking your baby for feeds may be necessary if they are not gaining weight steadily. Consult your midwife or health visitor for personalised advice.
UK-Specific Feeding Guidelines and Support
In the UK, the NHS encourages breastfeeding for at least the first six months. Breastfeeding support is widely available through local clinics, health visitors, and organisations like the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and La Leche League UK. If you choose to formula-feed, the NHS provides clear guidelines on how to prepare and store formula safely.
Conclusion
Knowing how much milk a newborn should drink is vital for their healthy growth and development. Whether you choose to breastfeed or use formula, it’s essential to watch your baby’s cues and seek guidance from healthcare professionals if needed. Trust your instincts as a parent and remember that feeding is not only about nourishment but also about bonding and comfort. Pay attention to signs that your baby is thriving, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you need it.
By understanding the needs of both breastfed and formula-fed newborns, you’ll be better prepared to ensure your baby is getting the right amount of nutrition every day.
For any concerns, please contact Paediatric Diagnostics today. Our newborn care service is led by an experienced team of paediatricians and healthcare professionals, and provides personalised care designed to meet your baby’s individual needs.