Formula amounts per feed by age
These are typical amounts. Some feeds will be bigger and some smaller, and that is normal. Your baby's hunger and fullness signs matter more than the exact number on the bottle.
The amounts in millilitres are rounded to the nearest 5 mL.
| Age | Per feed | How often |
|---|---|---|
| First week | 1–2 oz (30–60 mL) | Every 2–3 hours (8–12 times a day) |
| 1–4 weeks | 2–4 oz (60–120 mL) | Every 2–4 hours; reaching 3–4 oz per feed by the end of the first month |
| 1–2 months | 3–5 oz (90–150 mL) | About every 3–4 hours |
| 2–4 months | 4–6 oz (120–175 mL) | About every 3–4 hours |
| 4–6 months | 6–8 oz (175–235 mL) | About 4–6 times a day |
| 6–9 months | 6–8 oz (175–235 mL) | About 4–5 bottles a day, plus solid foods |
| 9–12 months | 6–8 oz (175–235 mL) | About 3–4 bottles a day, plus solid foods 3 times a day |
How much formula per day
A simple way to estimate the daily total is about 2 and a half ounces of formula for each pound of body weight, spread over the day. Most babies should not need more than 32 ounces (960 mL) in a day.
For example, a baby who weighs 10 pounds would take about 25 ounces (about 740 mL) in 24 hours. Once your older baby is eating solid foods well, formula often drops to about 24 ounces a day.
Many babies no longer need a middle-of-the-night feed after 2 to 4 months of age, or once they weigh more than 12 pounds.
Let your baby lead
Babies are good at knowing when they are hungry and when they have had enough. Watch for their signs instead of making them finish the bottle.
- Hungry signs: rooting, sucking on hands and lip smacking. Crying is a late sign of hunger.
- Full signs: turning away, slowing down, closing the mouth or pushing the bottle away.
- Getting enough: about 6 or more wet diapers a day after the first week, and steady weight gain at checkups.
How to mix formula safely
Follow the steps on the formula label exactly. Too much water or too much powder can make your baby sick.
- Wash your hands and use clean, sanitized bottles.
- Measure the water first, then add the powder. Never add extra water or extra powder.
- If your baby is under 2 months old, was born early, or has a weak immune system: boil the water, wait about 5 minutes, then mix. Cool the bottle before feeding and test a few drops on your wrist.
- For older babies, tap water (filtered or not) is usually fine. Use bottled or boiled water if your water may be unsafe.
- Do not warm bottles in the microwave.
How long mixed formula lasts
- Use mixed formula within 2 hours of making it.
- Once a feed starts, use the bottle within 1 hour, then throw away what is left.
- If you will not use it within 2 hours, put it in the fridge and use it within 24 hours.
- Use an opened can of formula within 1 month (check the label).
Other things to know
- No water, juice or cow's milk before 6 months. Cow's milk is not for babies under 12 months.
- Start solid foods at about 6 months when your baby shows signs of being ready.
- Never prop a bottle or put your baby to bed with a bottle.
When to call your baby's doctor
Call your baby's doctor if you notice any of these:
- Fewer wet diapers, very sleepy, or not interested in feeding
- Forceful vomiting, green vomit, or blood in the stool
- Not gaining weight, or always seems hungry even after the daily maximum
Use the free tool
For parents: formula types, how much to feed by age, and step-by-step mixing for powder, concentrate or ready-to-feed.
Open Baby Formula →Common questions
How many ounces should a 2 month old drink?
Around 1 to 2 months, most babies take about 3 to 5 ounces (90 to 150 mL) per feed, about every 3 to 4 hours. From 2 to 4 months this rises to about 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 175 mL) per feed.
What is the most formula a baby should have in a day?
Most babies should not need more than about 32 ounces (960 mL) of formula a day. If your baby always seems hungry after that amount, talk to your baby's doctor.
Should I wake my baby or make them finish the bottle?
Do not make your baby finish the bottle. Stop when they turn away, slow down, close their mouth or push the bottle away. Throw away any formula left in the bottle after the feed.
Can I leave a mixed bottle out?
Use mixed formula within 2 hours, and within 1 hour once the feed has started. If you will not use it within 2 hours, keep it in the fridge and use it within 24 hours.
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Amount and Schedule of Baby Formula Feedings. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Infant Formula Preparation and Storage (May 2026).
For education only, not medical advice. Always confirm against current guidelines and your child’s doctor. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.