How Much Breast Milk Does a Baby Need Per Feeding? Age-by-Age Guide for Moms

Between 1 and 6 months , an exclusively breastfed baby will typically consume about 25 ounces (750 mL) of breast milk per day , with a normal range of 19-30 ounces (570-900 mL) ⁽¹⁾ .

Unlike formula-fed babies, breast milk intake doesn’t significantly increase past the first month . This is because breast milk composition evolves , becoming more calorie-dense and nutrient-rich as your baby grows ⁽²⁾ . Instead of needing more ounces, babies continue to get the necessary nutrition from about the same volume of milk.

This daily total is divided across multiple feedings, which vary depending on your baby’s age and individual feeding patterns.

• Milk per feeding: 1-3 ounces (30-60 mL)

• Feedings per day: 8-12 times

• Total daily intake: ~19-24 ounces (570-710 mL)

Newborns have tiny stomachs! They drink small, frequent amounts of colostrum in the first few days, gradually increasing intake as mature milk comes in ⁽³⁾ .

• Milk per feeding: 2-4 ounces (60-120 mL)

• Feedings per day: 8-10 times

• Total daily intake: ~22-27 ounces (650-800 mL)

By 4 weeks, most babies regulate their intake , nursing every 2-3 hours ⁽⁴⁾ . They may take larger volumes per session , though total daily intake remains fairly stable.

• Milk per feeding: 3-5 ounces (90-150 mL)

• Feedings per day: 7-9 times

• Total daily intake: ~24-30 ounces (710-900 mL)

Babies may start nursing more efficiently , with feeds lasting 10-20 minutes rather than 30+ minutes. Some babies begin spacing out their feedings to every 3-4 hours.

• Milk per feeding: 4-6 ounces (120-180 mL)

• Feedings per day: 5-7 times

• Total daily intake: ~24-30 ounces (710-900 mL), though this may decrease as solid foods are introduced

12 Months and Beyond: How Much Breast Milk Does a Toddler Need?

After 12 months, breast milk continues to provide valuable nutrition, immune support, and comfort for toddlers. While solids become a primary source of calories, breast milk intake averages 12-16 ounces (350-475 mL) per day , with a normal range of 7-20 ounces (200-600 mL) ⁽¹⁾ .

Some toddlers nurse only a few times a day , while others continue breastfeeding frequently, especially during illness, teething, or developmental milestones . The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for at least two years , or as long as both parent and child desire ⁽²⁾ .

Since toddlers are typically consuming a variety of solid foods, breast milk intake naturally adjusts to complement their diet rather than replace meals ⁽³⁾ .

Babies don’t eat the same amount every day —sometimes they nurse more frequently, especially during growth spurts at 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months ⁽⁶⁾ . These increased nursing sessions help signal your body to produce more milk. 

Some babies prefer small, frequent meals , while others take in larger amounts per feed . Stomach size varies, which can affect how often a baby wants to nurse ⁽⁷⁾ .

Each person has a different breast storage capacity , which refers to how much milk can be held between feedings. This varies from person to person and has no impact on overall milk supply - only on how frequently a baby may need to breastfeed.

Storage capacity is not related to breast size. A parent with smaller breasts may have a larger storage capacity than someone with larger breasts, as capacity depends on glandular (milk-making) tissue, not fat tissue.

Unlike formula, breast milk adjusts dynamically to meet your baby’s nutritional needs ⁽⁹⁾ . It becomes richer in fats, proteins, and immune factors , ensuring your baby gets the right calories and nutrients, even if total volume doesn’t increase.

If you’re exclusively pumping or supplementing with bottles, feeding patterns may look slightly different:

• Pumped milk intake follows similar guidelines (25-30 oz/day), but bottle-fed breastfed babies may take slightly larger volumes per feed.

• Bottle-fed breastfed babies still eat every 2-3 hours, unlike formula-fed babies who tend to consume larger amounts less frequently.

Paced bottle feeding helps mimic the natural suck-swallow rhythm of breastfeeding, preventing overfeeding ⁽⁸⁾ .

Since you can’t measure ounces directly while breastfeeding, look for these signs of adequate intake :

✔ 6+ wet diapers per day (urine should be pale yellow) ⁽⁹⁾

✔ Consistent weight gain (5-7 oz per week for the first 4 months) ⁽¹¹⁾

✔ Baby is content after feeds (relaxed body, hands unfisted)

✔ Swallowing sounds during nursing (indicating active milk transfer)

✔ Regular poops (around 3-4 stools per day ON AVERAGE in the first 6 weeks)

How do I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk?
Your baby is likely getting enough breast milk if they are meeting the following milestones ^(12)(13) :

• Producing 6 or more wet diapers and 3–4 yellow, seedy stools per day by day 4 or 5

• Gaining weight consistently after the initial loss in the first few days

• Appears satisfied and relaxed after feedings

• Feeding at least 8–12 times in 24 hours in the first few weeks

• Your breasts may feel softer after nursing

Weight gain and diaper output are key indicators. If you’re unsure, consult with an IBCLC or your baby’s pediatrician.

Does breast milk intake increase as my baby grows?
Yes—and no. Breast milk intake increases during the first few weeks , reaching a peak of about 25–30 ounces per day around 4–6 weeks postpartum. After that, the volume stays relatively consistent, even as your baby continues to grow ⁽¹¹⁾ .

What does change is the composition of breast milk , which adapts to meet your baby’s nutritional needs. For example, milk becomes richer in fat and calories to match your baby’s developmental stage ⁽¹⁴⁾ .

How often should I breastfeed my newborn?
Newborns need to feed 8–12 times per 24 hours , or approximately every 2–3 hours , including during the night. This frequent feeding:

• Helps establish your milk supply

• Keeps baby well-fed and hydrated

• Supports growth and development ⁽¹²⁾

Some babies may cluster feed (feed more often for several hours) during growth spurts or in the evening. Follow your baby’s hunger cues: rooting, hand-to-mouth movements, and increased alertness often signal it’s time to nurse.

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” amount of milk per feeding . The key is to follow your baby’s hunger cues , monitor their weight gain, and trust that breast milk adapts to their needs without requiring major volume increases over time.

If you’re ever unsure about your baby’s milk intake, trust the diaper count, weight gain, and their overall behavior —and reach out to a lactation consultant if you need extra support. Did you learn something new? Leave us a comment with your thoughts and be sure to follow us at @legendairymilk on TikTok and Instagram for more breastfeeding education and support. 

1. https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/milkcalc/

2. https://www.llli.org/wp-content/uploads/4MILKCOMP.pdf

3. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx

4. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/php/faq/faq.html

5. https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_2

6. https://kellymom.com/hot-topics/growth-spurts/

7. https://www.lllc.ca/newborns-have-small-stomachs

8. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9693-feeding-your-baby-the-first-year

9. https://drbrownsbaby.com/blogs/articles/how-breast-milk-feeding-amounts-vary-age

10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16510619/

11. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057988/188347/Policy-Statement-Breastfeeding-and-the-Use-of?

12. Wambach, K., & Spencer, B. (2020). Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (6th ed.).