How much milk she may take from a bottle at each age, how often, and how to give a bottle safely.
In short
- Follow her hunger, not the clock.
- She does not have to finish the bottle.
- Never leave her alone with a bottle.
How much and how often
Newborns need small amounts at first. In the first days, many take about 30 to 60 ml (1 to 2 oz) every 2 to 3 hours. Most newborns feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
After the first weeks, most formula-fed babies feed about every 3 to 4 hours. Every baby is different. A big feed does not mean a longer gap before the next one.
As she eats more solid food, she will want less milk. From 7 to 9 months, formula-fed babies may need around 600 ml a day. From 10 to 12 months, it is about 400 ml a day.
Hungry or full
When she is hungry, she gets restless, turns her head with her mouth open, or sucks her fist. Try to feed her before she cries. Crying is a late sign.
When she needs a break, she may spread her fingers and toes, let milk spill out, stop sucking, or turn away. When she is full, she pushes the bottle away or falls asleep.
Do not push her to take more than she wants. It can upset her and lead to overfeeding.
How to give a bottle
- Sit comfortably and hold her close. Keep her fairly upright, with her head supported.
- Brush the teat on her lips. Let her draw it in when she opens wide.
- Keep the bottle almost flat, just slightly tipped, so she swallows less air.
- If the teat goes flat, gently pull the corner of her mouth to release it.
- Let her take breaks, and burp her when she needs it.
- Never prop the bottle or leave her alone with it. She could choke.
- Throw away any formula left after the feed.
- Once she has drunk from a bottle of breast milk, use it within 1 hour. Then throw the rest away.
