Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk? A Guide to Breastmilk Intake For the First Year
Published on February 22, 2025
Author: Robin Kaplan, M.Ed, IBCLC, FNC
One of the most common questions we get asked by clients is, “How much breastmilk does my baby need?” Whether your baby is breastfed, bottle-fed, or combination-fed, their breastmilk (and/or formula) intake stays fairly consistent during the first six months. However, after solids are introduced, it can get a bit confusing to determine how much milk they still need.
To help clear up the confusion, we’ve put together this month-by-month guide so you can feel confident about your baby’s nutritional needs throughout their first year.
ABOUT SDBFC
The San Diego Breastfeeding Center was established in 2009 by Robin Kaplan, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Functional Nutritionist, and parent. Her vision was to create a judgment-free, inclusive support system for families navigating infant feeding challenges. SDBFC offers a wide range of one-on-one breastfeeding, infant feeding, and nutrition consultations - as well as classes, support groups, online articles, and social media - making it your one-stop-shop for all things infant feeding!
Month-by-Month Breastmilk Intake Guide
While every baby is unique, their milk intake generally follows a predictable pattern during the first year. These patterns are based on factors like age, weight, growth spurts, and the introduction of solid foods. In the newborn stage, babies eat frequently as their tiny stomachs grow and adjust. By a few months old, their feedings become more efficient and predictable. Around six months, solids are introduced, but breastmilk or formula remains their primary source of nutrition. As babies near their first birthday, they gradually rely more on solid foods, though milk is still an essential part of their diet.
0-2 weeks (what to expect)
Small stomach capacity and frequent feedings (8-12 times per day).
Milk increases drastically over the first 2 weeks
Average intake (on average):
Week 1: 5ml/feeding for Day 1; 10-15ml/feeding for Day 2; 15-30ml/feeding Day 3; 30-45ml/feeding Days 4-7
Week 2: 60ml/feeding Days 8-10; 60-90ml/feeding Days 11-14
Additional blog articles about this stage:
I’ve Had My Baby - Now What? Breastfeeding During the First Week
I’ve Had My Baby - Now What? Breastfeeding During the Second Week
2 weeks - 12 weeks (what to expect)
Increased milk production and more predictable feeding patterns - Roughly every 3 hours during the day, cluster feeding in the evening, and then starting to get longer stretches in the middle of the night.
Growth spurts around 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months - more cluster feeding and less sleeping for a few days.
Average intake (based on weight). Divide the total daily amount by the number of feedings to figure out how much baby needs per feeding.
6lbs - 16oz-20oz per day
7lbs - 18oz-22oz per day
8lbs - 20oz-24oz per day
9lbs - 22oz-26oz per day
10lbs - 24oz-28oz per day
11lbs - 26oz-30oz per day
12lbs - 28oz-32oz per day
13lbs+ - 30oz-32oz per day
Additional blog articles about this stage:
I’ve Had My Baby - Now What? Breastfeeding During the Weeks 3-6
I’ve Had My Baby - Now What? Breastfeeding During Months 2-6
3-6 Months (what to expect)
Quicker chest/breastfeeding and bottle feeding sessions - babies are no nonsense with feeding. They are more efficient and are very interested in everything that is going on around them.
Potentially distracted while feeding during the day, which may cause them to wake more at night to feed.
Average milk (and/or formula) intake continues to be based on the baby's weight: same as above.
Additional blog articles about this stage:
I’ve Had My Baby - Now What? Breastfeeding During Months 2-6
6-9 Months (what to expect)
Introduction of solid foods, but breast milk (and/or formula) remains primary nutrition
Average milk (and/or formula) intake continues to be based on the baby's weight: same as above.
Additional blog articles about this stage:
Breastfeeding the Older Baby - What to Expect at 6-9 months
9-12 Months (what to expect)
Increased independence with solids and possible decrease in nursing frequency
As babies increase their solids frequency and intake amount, the amount of breastmilk (and/or formula) starts to decrease
Average intake: 24 oz/day, decreasing slowly to about 12oz/day by 12 months (if the baby is eating 3 full meals with snacks by this age)
Since breastmilk (or formula) intake varies based on solid food consumption, monitoring your baby's weight can help guide you to determine their milk needs. On average, babies gain 2-3 oz per week at this stage.
Additional blog articles about this stage:
Breastfeeding the Older Baby - What to Expect at 9-12 months
If you’re feeling unsure about how much breastmilk (and/or formula) your baby needs or how to balance breastfeeding/chestfeeding with solids, you’re not alone—we’re here to help!
As your baby grows, their milk intake and feeding patterns will continue to evolve, but you don’t have to navigate these changes alone. Whether you’re wondering if your baby is getting enough milk, adjusting to the introduction of solids, or trying to find the right balance between nursing and bottle-feeding, we’re here to support you. Schedule a one-on-one appointment (consider a virtual appointment, if you don’t live in San Diego!) with one of our lactation consultants for personalized care and expert advice tailored to your baby’s unique needs.
SDBFC is committed to providing high-quality lactation and functional nutrition consultations to parents in San Diego and beyond. Explore our postpartum, prenatal, and functional nutrition consultations, take a breastfeeding class or attend a workshop.
About the Author
Robin Kaplan has been an IBCLC since 2009, the same year that she opened up the San Diego Breastfeeding Center. Robin was the founding host of the Boob Group podcast and published her first book, Latch: a Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage in 2018. Melding her passions for supporting lactating parents and holistic health, Robin finished her Functional Nutrition Certification in 2023. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her two teenage boys, hiking, traveling, weaving, cooking, and searching for the best chai latte.
