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How much milk should a 6 week old baby be taking?

Understanding Milk Intake for a 6-Week-Old Baby
When it comes to feeding a 6-week-old baby, understanding their nutritional needs is crucial for both their growth and comfort. At this age, babies are typically still in the early stages of their feeding journey, whether they are breastfed or formula-fed.
Daily Milk Intake Recommendations
For exclusively breastfed infants, the average daily intake ranges from 19 to 30 ounces (570 to 900 mL). This amount can vary significantly from one baby to another, as each child has unique nutritional needs. On the other hand, formula-fed babies generally require about 150 to 200 mL of formula per kilogram of body weight each day. For instance, if a baby weighs around 3 kg, they would need approximately 450 to 600 mL of formula over a 24-hour period.
Feeding Frequency and Amounts
At 6 weeks, babies typically consume about 2 to 4 ounces (60 to 120 mL) of milk per feeding, with feedings occurring every 3 to 4 hours. This means that a baby might have around 6 to 8 feedings in a day, leading to a total daily intake that aligns with the aforementioned averages. It’s important to note that breastfed babies may feed more frequently, often every 1 to 3 hours, due to the quicker digestion of breast milk.
Signs of Adequate Intake
Parents should look for signs that their baby is getting enough milk. These include consistent weight gain, a sufficient number of wet diapers (typically 6 to 8 per day), and general contentment after feedings. If a baby seems excessively fussy or is not gaining weight as expected, it may be worth consulting a pediatrician to reassess feeding practices.
Conclusion
In summary, a 6-week-old baby should be taking in approximately 19 to 30 ounces of breast milk or 450 to 600 mL of formula daily, with individual needs varying. Regular feedings of 2 to 4 ounces every few hours are typical, and parents should monitor their baby’s growth and behavior to ensure they are meeting their nutritional needs.

How many Oz should 6 week old gain?

Breastfed babies vs. formula-fed babies

Baby’s age Average weight gain in ounces Average weight gain in grams
5 days to 4 months 5–7 ounces per week 170 grams per week
4 months to 6 months 4–6 ounces per week 113–150 grams per week
6 months to 12 months 2–4 ounces per week 57–113 grams per week

Aug 28, 2020

Is a 5 week old hungry every 2 hours?

Breastfeeding a 5-week-old baby
“Babies can still breastfeed on demand—usually they will want to breastfeed every two to four hours at this stage,” she notes. “But sometimes they’ll want to feed every hour and other times will not eat for five hours.” All of this is common, she says.

Is it normal for a 6 week old to eat 4 ounces?

Bottle-fed babies
Babies might only take in half ounce per feeding for the first day or two of life, but after that will usually drink 1 to 2 ounces at each feeding. By the end of the first month, most babies consume at least 3 or 4 ounces per feeding, about every 3 to 4 hours.

Can I overfeed my 6 week old baby?

Overfeeding a baby often causes the baby discomfort because he or she can’t digest all of the breast milk or formula properly. When fed too much, a baby may also swallow air. This can produce gas, increase discomfort in the belly, and lead to crying.

How much pumped milk should a 6 week old have?

During the first week, most full-term babies take no more than 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60ml) at feedings. This is because newborns’ stomachs are so small. After 4 to 5 weeks, babies reach their peak feeding volume of about 3 to 4 ounces (90 to 120ml) and peak daily milk intake of about 30 ounces per day (900ml).

Is 5 oz too much for a 6 week old?

On average, a newborn drinks about 1.5–3 ounces (45–90 milliliters) every 2–3 hours. This amount increases as your baby grows and can take more at each feeding. At about 2 months, your baby may drink about 4–5 ounces (120–150 milliliters) every 3–4 hours.

How much should a 6 week old weigh?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), on average a 6-week-old baby boy weighs around 10.8 pounds, and girls weigh around 10.1 pounds. But that’s just the 50th percentile, so half of babies will be lighter than that and half will be heavier.

How much milk should a 6 week old drink?

Breast milk feedings and amounts by age

Age Time between feedings Ounces per feeding
0-1 Month 2-3 hours 1-3 ounces
1-3 Months 3-4 hours 3-4 ounces
3-6 months 4-6 hours 4-8 ounces
6-9 months 4-6 hours 6-8 ounces

How many ounces is normal for a 6 week old?

Age # of feedings per day / 24 hours Average Bottle Sizes (if applicable)
5-8 weeks/2 months on-demand ~2-4 ounces / 60-120 ml
9-12 weeks/3 months ~8-10 3-4 ounces / 90-120 ml
13-16 weeks/4 months ~6-10 3-4 ounces / 90-120 ml
5 months ~6-10 3-4 ounces / 90-120 ml

Can you overfeed a baby formula?

It is possible to overfeed a formula fed baby. Some babies will naturally drink more than their tummy is comfortable with. The how to bottle feed page will help you understand more about their feeding cues. If you allow your baby to end the feed themselves they are less likely to overfeed.

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.

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