Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » How much breastmilk should an 8 month old have in daycare?

How much breastmilk should an 8 month old have in daycare?

Understanding Breastmilk Needs for an 8-Month-Old in Daycare
As parents navigate the transition of returning to work while ensuring their infants receive adequate nutrition, a common question arises: How much breastmilk should an 8-month-old have while in daycare? The answer is nuanced, depending on various factors including the baby’s individual needs, feeding habits, and the duration of their time at daycare.
General Guidelines for Breastmilk Intake
At around 8 months, babies typically consume between 24 to 32 ounces of breastmilk per day. This amount can vary based on the introduction of solid foods, which usually begins around 6 months. By 8 months, many infants are eating a variety of solids, which can influence their breastmilk intake. However, breastmilk remains a crucial source of nutrition during this stage.
Daily Breastmilk Requirements in Daycare
For a full day at daycare, which often spans about 8 to 10 hours, parents should aim to provide enough breastmilk to meet their baby’s needs without overwhelming them. A common recommendation is to send about 16 to 24 ounces of breastmilk for an 8-month-old. This typically translates to two to four 4-ounce bottles, depending on how frequently the baby feeds while at daycare.
Factors Influencing Breastmilk Needs
1. Feeding Frequency: Babies at this age may still prefer to nurse frequently, but they also start to consume more solids. If your baby is eating well, they might require less breastmilk.

2. Individual Variation: Each baby is unique. Some may drink more or less than the average, so it’s essential to observe your baby’s cues and adjust accordingly.
3. Daycare Schedule: The length of time your baby spends in daycare will also affect how much milk you should send. For longer hours, consider increasing the amount slightly to ensure they have enough.
4. Hydration and Other Liquids: As babies begin to drink water and other liquids, this can also impact their breastmilk intake. However, breastmilk should still be a primary source of hydration and nutrition.
Practical Tips for Parents
– Start with a Baseline: If unsure, begin with sending around 20 ounces of breastmilk and adjust based on your baby’s consumption and feedback from the daycare staff.

– Communicate with Caregivers: Discuss your baby’s feeding habits with daycare providers. They can help monitor how much your baby is consuming and suggest adjustments if necessary.
– Monitor Baby’s Cues: Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues and growth patterns. If they seem satisfied and are gaining weight appropriately, you are likely providing the right amount.
In conclusion, while the general guideline for an 8-month-old in daycare is to provide 16 to 24 ounces of breastmilk, individual needs may vary. By considering your baby’s unique feeding habits and maintaining open communication with caregivers, you can ensure your little one receives the nutrition they need while you are apart.

How much breastmilk should I be pumping at 8 months?

Breast milk pumping guide: how much and when in the first year

Age Amount of milk Frequency of feeds
2 – 3 months 120 – 150ml Every 3 – 4 hours
4 months 120 – 180ml Every 3 – 4 hours
6 months 180 – 230ml Every 4 – 5 hours
6 – 9 months 180 – 230ml Every 3 – 4 hours during the day

How do I know if my 8 month old is getting enough breast milk?

Signs your baby is getting enough milk
Your baby’s cheeks stay rounded, not hollow, during sucking. They seem calm and relaxed during feeds. Your baby comes off the breast on their own at the end of feeds. Their mouth looks moist after feeds.

What is the 5 5 5 rule breastfeeding?

The Centers for Disease Control recently updated their recommendations on breast milk storage. Previously, many people followed the 5-5-5 rule: storing breast milk for five hours at room temperature, five days in the refrigerator, and five months in the freezer.

How much breast milk does an 8 month old need?

Most babies will have about 4 to 5 breast milk or formula feeds a day, equaling roughly 28 – 34 ounces a day [1].

What is the 6 6 6 rule for breastmilk?

Or the 6-6-6 rule. Basically, breast milk is good at room temperature for 4 or 6 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 or 6 days, and in the freezer for 4 or 6 or 12 months.

How much breastmilk should I leave for a babysitter?

Nurse here! 2-3 oz every 2-3 hours. So twelve hours anywhere from 12-18 oz depending on how your baby normally feeds.

How much breastmilk does a baby need at daycare?

For most who work an eight hour work day, you can expect baby to each about 12-16 ounces in an 8 hour period at daycare, so a comfortable freezer stash is 36-48 ounces.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

What is the 120 breastfeeding rule?

The 120-minute rule is a helpful guideline for exclusive pumpers. It suggests spending at least 120 minutes (or 2 hours) each day pumping. How you divide that time depends on your baby’s age.

What is the 444 rule for breast milk?

The 4-4-4 Rule. Or the 6-6-6 rule. Basically, breast milk is good at room temperature for 4 or 6 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 or 6 days, and in the freezer for 4 or 6 or 12 months. Different professional organizations have varying recommendations.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment