From birth until one year old, breast milk or formula is the staple food for babies. And it plays a very important role until the age of three. The World Health Organization even recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. We know how many questions new parents have about nutrition: How much milk should I give my baby? What should I do if I'm breastfeeding? How can I tell if my baby is getting enough? It's normal to feel a little lost! At Biostime, we're passionate about this topic, so we're eager to share our knowledge with you. That's what the #NewGenerationOrganic is all about.
Important notice: Breast milk is the ideal and natural food for infants.
Breastfeeding: how to manage milk quantities?
If you are breastfeeding your baby, you won't be able to precisely measure the amount of milk they drink. But don't worry, nature knows best! From birth, breastfeed on demand, whenever your baby wants to nurse, and without limiting the number of feedings. This way, you will provide them with everything they need. Every baby is different, but generally, a newborn nurses frequently but in small amounts because their stomach is small. Then, as they grow, the feedings will naturally become less frequent because your baby will have found their rhythm and will be able to drink larger quantities.
Trust your baby and trust yourself. If your baby hasn't had enough to drink, they'll let you know!
A helpful tip: it can be useful to follow your baby's growth curve with the pediatrician to ensure that weight gain is correct.
How much milk should I give to a bottle-fed baby?
If you have chosen to bottle-feed your baby, the amount of infant formula The amount of formula you give will vary depending on your baby's age and needs. Every baby is unique, and the quantities given are guidelines only and are not an exact science. Just like adults, some babies are small eaters and others are big eaters. So there's no need to force your baby to finish their bottle if they're no longer hungry; they'll know how to regulate their intake!
How much milk should be given in the first few days and weeks?
During the first week, the amount of milk increases daily, and the number of bottles is quite high, between 6 and 8 per 24 hours. For example:
- Day 1: 6 to 8 bottles of 10 to 30 ml
This will then evolve on average towards 6 bottles of 100 ml.
The amount of milk after 15 days, and until the end of the first month, is approximately 600 ml. This is equivalent to 6 bottles of 90 ml to 120 ml each.
Please note: the information provided is for guidance only. The volume and number of bottles will be determined by a healthcare professional to take into account the individual differences and needs of each baby.
How much milk is needed for the first few months?
During the first few months, the amount of milk you give your baby will gradually increase to meet their nutritional needs, and the number of bottles will decrease.
To help you, there is Appert's rule: quantity to offer per day = (baby's weight in grams/10) + 250 ml.
- From 1 to 2 months: 6 bottles of 120 ml per day
- From 2 to 3 months: 5 bottles of 150 ml per day
- From 3 to 4 months: 5 bottles of 180 ml per day
- From 4 to 5 months: 4 bottles of 210 ml per day
- From 5 to 6 months: 4 bottles of 240 ml per day
From 6 months onwards, even if solid foods are well established, milk remains the staple food. Your child should drink an average of 700 ml per day, which represents three 240 ml bottles. For bottle-fed babies, this is also the time to switch to a stage 2 infant formula like Biostime, which meets your baby's specific nutritional needs.
Listen to your child: if they finish their milk quickly at each feeding and still want more, it's probably time to increase the amount. In any case, talk to your pediatrician before making any changes.
And how are things going for you?
Do you have any experience or advice to share about breastfeeding your baby? Let's support each other by exchanging stories and sharing our doubts on our Instagram @biostimefr or at contact@biostime.fr . See you soon!
