Introduction
As a new parent, you may wonder how much breastmilk your baby needs to drink at each feeding. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are some general guidelines you can follow.
Factors to Consider
Several factors can affect how much breastmilk your baby drinks, including:
- Baby’s age: Newborns typically drink less than older babies.
- Baby’s weight: Larger babies tend to drink more than smaller babies.
- Baby’s hunger: A hungry baby will drink more than a contented baby.
- Breastmilk supply: If your breastmilk supply is low, your baby may need to drink more frequently.
General Guidelines
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most babies need to drink between 800 and 1,200 milliliters (27-40 ounces) of breastmilk per day. This amount can be divided into several feedings throughout the day.
Here is a general breakdown of how much breastmilk babies should drink at each feeding:
Age | Ounces per Feeding |
---|---|
0-3 months | 2-3 ounces |
4-6 months | 3-4 ounces |
7-9 months | 4-5 ounces |
10-12 months | 5-6 ounces |
Average Daily Breastmilk Intake
The following table shows the average daily breastmilk intake for babies of different ages:
Age | Ounces per Day |
---|---|
0-3 months | 25-35 |
4-6 months | 32-45 |
7-9 months | 38-50 |
10-12 months | 44-54 |
Signs of Hunger
If your baby is hungry, they may exhibit the following signs:
- Smacking their lips
- Sucking on their fists or other objects
- Turning their head towards your breast
- Crying
Signs of Fullness
If your baby is full, they may exhibit the following signs:
- Pushing your breast away
- Turning their head away from your breast
- Falling asleep at the breast
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to colic, gas, and diarrhea.
- Underfeeding: Underfeeding can lead to weight loss, dehydration, and fatigue.
- Ignoring your baby’s hunger cues: It is important to feed your baby when they are hungry, not when you think they should be hungry.
- Substituting bottles for the breast: If your baby is breastfeeding well, there is no need to substitute bottles.
FAQs
- How often should I feed my baby? Most babies need to be fed 8-12 times per day.
- How long should each feeding last? Each feeding should last for 10-15 minutes.
- Is it okay to wake my baby to feed them? If your baby is sleeping for more than 4 hours, you may need to wake them to feed them.
- What if my baby doesn’t want to eat? If your baby refuses to eat, try offering them something else, such as a pacifier or a bottle of expressed breastmilk.
- What if my breastmilk supply is low? If your breastmilk supply is low, you may need to supplement with formula.
- What if I have any other questions? If you have any other questions about how much breastmilk your baby should drink, please talk to your doctor.
Conclusion
It is important to breastfeed your baby according to their individual needs. By following the guidelines in this article, you can help ensure that your baby is getting the nutrition they need to thrive.