Newborn Formula Feeding Guide: How Much and How Often to Feed by Age

Feeding a newborn comes with so many questions, and hey that’s completely normal. What’s also normal is the fact that every baby feeds differently too. So whether you’re a new parent or you have a growing brood we’re here to help answer those questions.

No matter how you choose to feed your baby, whether that’s combination feeding or exclusively formula feeding, most parents will worry if baby is getting enough milk or in some cases if they’re drinking too much! So let’s put your mind at ease. In this newborn formula feeding guide, we’ll break it all down for you; helping you understand how often babies feed, and how to know when they’re hungry or full.

Just remember, every baby is different, so their feeding patterns will vary. The information below is a general guide rather than a strict schedule to follow. If you’re worried about baby’s feeding, weight gain or general health you should always seek professional guidance from your health visitor or GP.

Newborn Formula Feeding Chart by Age

So let’s take a look at the amounts of milk you can expect your baby to drink and how often. The amounts below are approximate. Babies don't all drink the same amount of milk, and it's perfectly normal for feeding patterns to vary from day to day too.

^a Amount of freshly boiled and cooled water

^b 1 level scoop = 4.3g

Assumes weaning at 6 months.

During the first week, baby will feed little and often, but by the end of that first week most will need about 150ml-200ml per kilo of their weight; you can go by this up until they hit the 6 month milestone.

Do remember that every baby’s feeding pattern and intake will vary. Some babies naturally take smaller, more frequent feeds, while others prefer fewer, larger feeds. Try not to compare your baby's feeding intake with others.

How Much Formula Should a Newborn Drink?

During the first few days after birth, your baby's stomach is incredibly small, around the size of a cherry on day one. Unbelievable isn’t it! Because of this, newborns only need very small amounts of milk at each feed. As your baby grows, so does their stomach capacity, allowing them to gradually drink larger amounts of formula. Most babies naturally increase the amount they take over the first few weeks without parents needing to encourage them.

Rather than focusing on exact numbers, it's often more helpful to look at the bigger picture. Ask yourself:

• Is my baby feeding regularly?
• Are they having plenty of wet and dirty nappies?
• Are they gaining weight as expected?
• Do they seem settled after most feeds?

Remember that babies, just like adults, don't always have the same appetite every day. Some days they may seem hungrier than others, particularly during growth spurts. We know parents often compare how their baby is feeding versus other babies, but every baby is so different, so try not to focus on how other people feed.

How Often Should a Formula-Fed Newborn Feed?

Most newborns feed every 2–4 hours, including throughout the night. However in the first few days this could be even hourly. This usually works out at around 8–12 feeds in every 24-hour period, although every baby is different.

In the early weeks, it's best to feed your baby responsively rather than following a rigid timetable. This means offering a bottle when your baby shows signs they're hungry, instead of waiting until they've become very upset or trying to stick to exact feeding times. As babies grow, they often begin taking larger feeds, which naturally means they can go a little longer between bottles.

However, during growth spurts, which commonly happen around 2–3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months, you may notice your baby suddenly wants to feed more often for a few days. This is completely normal and usually settles on its own.

What is responsive bottle feeding?

Responsive bottle feeding means paying attention to your baby's cues instead of encouraging them to finish every bottle. This includes:

• Feeding when your baby shows early signs of hunger.
• Holding your baby close during feeds.
• Letting them pause naturally during a feed.
• Allowing them to stop when they've had enough.
• Avoiding pressure to finish the bottle if they seem full.

Using a paced feeding technique can also help your baby feed at a comfortable pace and better recognise when they're full.

Signs Your Baby Is Hungry or Full

Learning your baby's feeding cues can make bottle feeding feel much more relaxed for both of you. It’s also something you learn with time as you get to know your little one and their unique needs.

Hunger cues

Your baby may be hungry if they:

• Turn their head and open their mouth (rooting).
• Open their mouth when their cheek is touched.
• Suck on their hands or fingers.
• Smack or lick their lips.
• Become more alert or restless.
• Start making sucking or murmuring sounds.

Crying is usually a late hunger cue and we know how stressful preparing a bottle can be when baby is screaming for a feed. Try to keep a look out for these hunger cues, so you can feed your baby before they become distressed.

Fullness cues

Your baby may have had enough if they:

• Slow their sucking.
• Turn their head away from the bottle.
• Push the teat out with their tongue.
• Relax their hands and body.
• Fall asleep after feeding.
• Show little interest if the bottle is offered again.

It's important not to encourage your baby to finish every bottle if they're showing signs that they're full. Babies are usually very good at regulating how much milk they need.

How to Tell If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Formula

One of the biggest worries for new parents is whether their baby is drinking enough. While it's natural to keep an eye on how much milk they're taking, the amount in the bottle is only one part of the picture.

Your baby is likely getting enough formula if they:

• Have around 6 or more wet nappies every 24 hours after the first few days.
• Have regular bowel movements (every baby is different, so this can vary).
• Are gaining weight steadily and following their growth pattern.
• Seem alert and content when they're awake.
• Settle after most feeds, although it's perfectly normal for babies to want cuddles and comfort too.

Remember, some babies naturally take smaller feeds more often, while others prefer larger feeds with longer gaps in between. It's also common for appetite to vary from day to day.

If you're ever unsure about your baby's feeding, weight gain or bowel movements, speak to your health visitor or GP. They can assess your baby's growth and provide personalised advice.

Safe Bottle Feeding Tips

Preparing and feeding formula safely helps ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need while reducing the risk of harmful bacteria. Here are some key bottle feeding tips:

• Always prepare formula according to the manufacturer's instructions. Using too much or too little powder can affect your baby's health.
• Sterilise bottles, teats and feeding equipment before every use until your baby is at least 12 months old.
• Use freshly boiled tap water that has been allowed to cool for no more than 30 minutes when preparing powdered infant formula.
• If abroad you may need to consider boiling bottled water depending on the safety of the tap water where you are visiting.
• Use a freshly prepared feed within 1 hour if left at room temperature.
• Hold your baby during feeds rather than propping the bottle, as this supports bonding and helps reduce the risk of choking.
• Use paced bottle feeding, allowing your baby to pause and swallow comfortably throughout the feed.
• Throw away any formula left in the bottle after a feed.

What Changes After 6 Months?

At around 6 months of age, most babies are developmentally ready to begin trying solid foods alongside their usual milk feeds. Although your baby's diet gradually becomes more varied during weaning, milk remains an important source of nutrition throughout the first year. Formula or breast milk should continue to make up a significant part of your baby's daily intake while they learn to explore new tastes and textures.

If you're preparing to introduce solids, our Weaning Guide explains when to start, first foods to try and how milk and meals work together during this exciting stage.

When to Get Medical Advice

Most feeding questions can be answered by using a guide such as this one, but sometimes it's important to seek professional advice. Speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP, or contact NHS 111 if you're concerned that your baby:

• Is difficult to wake for feeds.
• Refuses several feeds in a row.
• Is feeding much less than usual.
• Has significantly fewer wet nappies than expected.
• Is losing weight or not gaining weight.
• Vomits repeatedly or forcefully after feeds.
• Has a fever or seems unusually sleepy.
• Shows signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, no tears when crying or fewer wet nappies.

Trust your instincts, you know your baby best. If something doesn't feel right, it's always worth seeking advice.

Choosing a First Infant Milk

If you're formula feeding or combination feeding, it's important to choose a first infant milk that suits your family’s budget and preferences. If you’re looking for a formula that is palm oil, fish oil and soy free, you may want to consider Kendamil.

As a family-run, British brand supporting British farmers, we offer both Classic First Infant Milk and Goat First Infant Milk for babies from birth. If you're unsure which type of infant formula is right for your baby, speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP.

Summary

Every baby has a unique feeding pattern, so there's no single "right" amount of formula that every newborn should drink. While a newborn feeding chart can provide a helpful guide, the most important thing is responding to your baby's individual needs. Remember to:

• Use feeding charts as a guide rather than a strict schedule.
• Feed responsively by watching your baby's hunger and fullness cues.
• Expect feeding patterns to change during growth spurts.
• Prepare and store formula safely.
• Monitor nappies, weight gain and your baby's overall wellbeing.
• Speak to your health visitor, midwife or GP if you have any concerns.

Feeding your baby is a learning journey, and it's perfectly normal to have questions along the way. With time, you'll become more familiar with your baby's unique feeding routine and cues.

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