Amount of Milk Recommended According to Your Baby’s Age
All parents want their babies to grow up to be healthy and strong. That’s why we sometimes ask ourselves, what is the recommended amount of milk to give babies according to their age?
Whether you provide your baby with milk formula or breast milk, you should know the correct amount that is recommended according to his or her age.
Although there is often a standard amount depending on the baby’s age in months, the amount can vary from child to child.
The correct amount of milk according to your baby’s age
Breastfeeding is recommended during the first six months. Unless you offer your breast milk through a baby bottle, the amount of milk that you’re feeding the child is hard to define.
Keep the following information in mind.
In one feeding session it’s normal for one or both breasts to be emptied. The baby’s intake of milk should last for around 10 minutes. The baby takes around 5 minutes to extract the milk and another 5 minutes to consume it.
Keep in mind that some children are able to suckle faster than others.
The recommended amount of milk according to your child’s age
If you cannot breastfeed for whatever reason, formula is your best ally. However, keep in mind that if your child drinks milk from the bottle, you should be aware of how much he consumes.
During the first weeks, it’s important to feed your baby as he demands. This means that you should provide your baby with breast milk or formula whenever he asks for it.
On the other hand, as babies grow, it’s important to control the amount of breast milk or formula you provide them with. This should be done in order to maintain a healthy weight.
That’s why it’s so important to know the amount of milk that is recommended by specialists:
For babies from the age of 0 to 2 months
At this age, babies usually consume between 2 to 5 ounces of milk during each sitting. This should occur every 3 to 4 hours. Some children however, only choose to eat every 4 to 5 hours. If you see fit, you can even wake your baby up in order to provide him with milk.
Babies between the age of 3 to 6 months
During this stage, babies consume between 4 to 6 ounces of milk during each sitting. It’s normal for babies to sleep for long periods during this stage. Some even sleep throughout the night. If this is the case of your child, don’t wake him up to feed him.
Babies between the age of 7 to 12 months
At this stage babies can have up to 3 to 5 bottles every day. This is equivalent to 8 ounces of milk during each sitting. If the child has already started consuming other types of food, you can provide him with milk at longer intervals.
After the age of 12 months, you can substitute formula for cow’s milk after consulting your pediatrician. The amount of milk that you provide can be up to 2 glasses per day. You can also supplement milk with yogurt or cheese.
How to know if your child is consuming the right amount of milk?
You may notice the following gestures if you’re providing your child with the recommended amount of milk. One sign that your child has had enough milk is when he closes his mouth or turns his face when you offer him the bottle.
The child may also fall asleep when he finishes eating. When he falls asleep he’ll look relaxed. Other useful indications include how many times the child is fed, weight gain and the number of times you have to change his diapers. Bowel movements should occur 3 to 5 times a day.
“During the first week it’s important to feed the baby as he demands. This means that you should provide your baby with milk every time he asks for it.”
Types of milk formula
There are different types of milk formula available. Here are a few examples:
- Ready-to-use: this milk is very practical because it doesn’t require any preparation. The downside is that it’s expensive.
- Concentrated liquid: this milk has to be mixed with an equal amount of water.
- Powdered milk: To prepare powdered milk, you should mix 2 ounces of water with a spoonful of milk powder. This is the most recommended option because it can be preserved for a long time. It’s also the most economical.
- Special milk formulas are available for children with specific needs. For example, there are formulas available for children with reflux. There are also formulas available for premature babies or babies who are born with a low weight. There are even special formulas made from soybeans and hypoallergenic materials.
These different milk options contain nutrients that are similar to those found in breast milk. They help strengthen the child’s immune system and defenses. They also contain important vitamins and minerals.
Symptoms of allergy to milk
There are certain signs of allergies such as rashes on the face or anus. Children may also have diarrhea or constipation. In some cases, their feces may be hard, few in quantity and very compact.
On other occasions, babies may become irritated or cry after eating. They may even vomit or experience uneasiness when it comes time to sleep. If you notice any of these symptoms, suspend the milk formula and contact your pediatrician.
Feeding your child with the right amount of milk should be one of your main priorities as a parent. Therefore, try to make sure that you’re well informed and comply with the established parameters.
Ask your doctor for advice if you have any questions or concerns.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Lázaro A, Martín B. Alimentación del lactante sano. Protocolos diagnóstico-terapéuticos de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición Pediátrica SEGHNP-AEP. 287-295.
- Organización Mundial de la Salud / Organización Panamericana de la Salud. La alimentación del lactante y del niño pequeño: Capítulo Modelo para libros de texto dirigidos a estudiantes de medicina y otras ciencias de la salud. 2010. ISBN: 978-92-75-33094-4.
- Tewari, Angela & Meyer, Rosan & Fisher, Helen. (2007). Soya milk and allergy: indications and contraindications.
