Summary: Baby feeding
A newborn's stomach capacity is only 5–7 ml on day one.
The general formula reference is 150 ml per kg of body weight per day.
Breastfeeding is offered on demand without fixed volumes.
Feed frequency decreases with age: from 8–12 feeds to 4–5 by 6 months.
# How much milk does my baby need by weight and age?
Milk needs change rapidly in the first months. The calculator estimates the amount based on current weight and age, following WHO and AAP paediatric guidelines.
5–7 ml Day 1 (cherry size)
150 ml/kg Daily formula reference
8–12 Feeds/day newborn
# Stomach size by age
| Age | Size ref. | Capacity | Feeds/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Cherry | 5–7 ml | 8–12 |
| Days 2–4 | Walnut | 22–27 ml | 8–12 |
| Days 5–30 | Egg | 45–60 ml | 8–10 |
| 1–3 months | Full | 90–120 ml | 7–8 |
| 3–6 months | Full | 120–150 ml | 5–6 |
| 6+ months | Full | 150–180 ml | 4–5 |
A reliable sign of adequate feeding is wet nappy count: 5–6 heavy nappies per day from day five indicate good hydration.
# Breastfeeding vs formula
Breastfeeding
Natural on-demand feeding.
- No fixed schedule
- Active antibodies
- Variable composition
- Hard to quantify
Formula
Scheduled feeds with measurable volume.
- Every 3–4 hours
- Stable composition
- Easy to track intake
- Requires sterile preparation
- Adequate weight gain: 150–200 g/week in the first month
- At least 5–6 wet nappies per day
- Baby is calm after feeds
- Urine is clear or very pale yellow