From birth to one year of age, breast milk or infant formula is a baby's staple food. And it plays a very important role up until the age of three. The World Health Organization 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 if I'm breastfeeding? How do I know if my baby is drinking enough? It's normal to feel a little lost! At Biostime, we're passionate about this topic, so we're committed to sharing our knowledge with you. That's #NewBioGeneration.
Important notice: Breast milk is the ideal and natural food for infants.
Breastfeeding: How to manage milk quantities?
If you breastfeed your baby , you won't be able to measure exactly how much milk he'll drink. But don't panic, nature is well done! From birth, breastfeed on demand, every time your baby asks for it and without limiting the number of feedings. This way you will give him everything he needs. Every baby is different, but generally a newborn feeds little but very often because his stomach is small. Then, as he grows, the feedings will naturally become less frequent because your baby will have found his rhythm and will be able to drink more.
Trust him and trust yourself. If your baby hasn't had enough to drink, he'll let you know!
A little tip: it may be a good idea to follow your baby's growth curve with your pediatrician to ensure that weight gain is correct.
How much milk should I give a bottle-fed baby?
If you've chosen to bottle-feed your baby, the amount of infant formula you'll give will vary based on their age and needs. Each baby is unique, and the amounts given are guidelines only and are not an exact science. Just like adults, there are small eaters and big eaters. There's no point in forcing your baby to finish their bottle if they're full; they'll learn to regulate their intake!
How much milk for the first days and weeks?
The first week, the quantity of milk increases each day and the number of bottles is quite substantial, between 6 and 8 per 24 hours. This gives for example:
- 1st day: 6 to 8 bottles of 10 to 30 ml
This will then evolve on average to 6 bottles of 100 ml.
The amount of milk after 15 days, and until the end of the first month, is approximately 600 ml. Allow 6 bottles of 90 ml to 120 ml.
Please note: This information is provided for guidance only. The volume and number of bottles will be determined by a healthcare professional to take into account the differences and needs of each baby.
How much milk 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. The number of bottles you give will also 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, even if food diversification is 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 follow-on infant milk 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 ask for more, it's probably time to increase the dose. In any case, talk to your pediatrician before making any changes.
And for you, how is it going?
Do you have any experience or advice to share about breastfeeding your baby? Let's help each other by sharing our stories and moments of doubt on our Instagram @biostimefr or at contact@biostime.fr . See you soon!
