How much formula does your baby need?

In general, babies eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full. But formula-fed babies tend to be heavier than breastfed babies, appetites vary among babies, and each baby's nutritional needs change from day to day and month to month.

Your newborn may drink anywhere from 2-3 fluid ounces of formula about every three hours. In general, your baby will take in what he needs to meet his body’s demands. There is no need to be too concerned about fixed amounts. Instead, you should feed him when he is hungry. He will let you know when he is finished. If he drinks a bottle and still acts hungry, he probably is. You should offer him an extra ounce.

Most babies do fine with 3-4 fluid ounces per feeding during the first couple months. You should increase by about 1 ounce a month until he is drinking up to about 7-8 fluid ounces every four hours during the day at 6 months of age. The amount your baby drinks may change from feeding to feeding, based on his needs. So there is no need to worry about fixed amounts or a strict feeding schedule.