How Much Milk Does Your Newborn Really Need? Parents’ Guide To Newborn Milk Intake

Wondering how much milk your baby needs? Here’s your ultimate guide to newborn milk intake – whether you’re breastfeeding or using infant formula!

How much milk does my baby actually need? Should I cluster feed before bedtime? Does milk intake differ between breast milk and formula? Is my baby growing well according to the baby weight chart? New parents, we get it! Ensuring your little one is well-fed is essential, and while every baby is unique, it’s crucial to understand newborn milk intake and how much milk your baby needs to grow healthily.

If you’re first-time parents, don’t panic! We’ve got the lowdown on everything you need to know about newborn milk intake and how to make sure your baby gets the right nutrients in those crucial first weeks.

And while we’re at it, here are some other useful guides to help you navigate this exciting phase. Whether it’s preparing for your baby’s full-month or 100-day celebration, shopping for the best baby essentials, getting the best baby skincare products, or even understanding the right vitamins and supplements you’ll need for your child. And if you’re a breastfeeding Mama, here’s a comprehensive guide on the best nursing rooms in Singapore, and where you can find the best breast pumps.

Read more: What to Pack in your Diaper Bag: The Essential Checklist for When You’re Out with Baby

How much milk does your newborn need?

In the first few weeks, your newborn’s milk intake is crucial for their growth and development. Typically, newborns need to be fed every 2-3 hours, which adds up to about 8-12 feedings a day. But parents, remember, every baby is different! For example, my newborn was feeding every 1-2 hours! I’ll never forget how our days felt like a constant loop of feeds, burping, washing bottles, and sterilising them.

In general, newborns will consume about 30-60 ml per feeding in the first few days. Check out our handy guide here. As they grow, their intake gradually increases to around 60-90 ml by the end of the first month. It’s important to feed on demand, so paying attention to your baby’s cues is key. And once again, remember that every baby is unique, so their milk needs may change as they grow and hit those growth spurts!

Read more: Newborn Baby Essentials Shopping List Guide: Download Our Baby Checklist

Decoding baby’s cues: When to know when your newborn is hungry or full

One of the most exciting parts of the newborn stage is learning how to understand your baby’s cues. While newborns may not be able to verbally inform you when they’re hungry or full, they sure do know how to communicate in their own little way!

When your baby is hungry, you’ll notice some common hunger cues that include:

• Rooting: Newborns will typically turn their head and open their mouth as if searching for the breast or bottle.
• Sucking: This involves sucking on their hands or fingers, and making sucking motions or lip-smacking sounds.
• Fussiness: Also known as one of the most obvious cues, newborns will start to fuss or cry when they’re hungry.
• Clenched fists: Newborns will tend to clench their fists when they’re hungry.

Here’s an important tip from one Mama to another: Try to respond to your newborn’s cues and give them their milk before they get too upset, as it’s easier to feed them when they’re still calm! On the other hand, some cues to understand when your newborn is full and doesn’t want any more milk include:

• Slowing down: Newborns who are full will slow down their sucking or stop sucking altogether
• Refusing nipple/bottle: Newborns will turn their heads away or pull away from the nipple or bottle when they’re not hungry or satisfied
• Open hands: When newborns are full, their hands are relaxed and open, as opposed to clenched fists when they’re hungry.

Read more: 8 Best Baby Tracking Apps for Breastfeeding, Diapers & Pregnancy

How to check if your newborn is getting enough milk: Baby weight chart

One of the easiest ways to check if your newborn is getting enough milk is by tracking their weight. It’s totally normal for newborns to lose a little weight in the first few days after birth, but don’t worry, they’ll start gaining it back pretty quickly once they’re feeding regularly!

At your baby’s checkups, your paediatrician or nurses will measure their weight to make sure they’re growing well. Keep in mind that every baby grows at their own pace, so besides weight gain, there are other factors to keep in mind, such as how often your newborn feeds, how satisfied they are after feedings, and their general behaviour.

To help you along, here’s a handy guide and baby weight chart so you can make sure you’re on track with your newborn’s growth!

Breast milk vs infant formula: Which is best for my newborn?

Navigating your newborn’s milk intake is one thing, but deciding whether to give your little one breast milk or infant formula can feel like another challenge. Breastfeeding is often the preferred choice for infant feeding, as it provides the perfect balance of nutrients your baby needs during those crucial first months. Breast milk is rich in antibodies, which help boost your newborn’s immune system, and it’s easily digestible, supporting healthy digestion. Plus, it’s cost-effective!

Fun fact: Singapore actually has a milk bank that provides safe, pasteurised donated human milk to premature, sick, and vulnerable infants with insufficient mother’s own milk!

The KK Human Milk Bank has milk donated by nursing mothers, that is screened, processed and dispensed by prescription in accordance with the international guidelines and protocols adapted from the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). All donors are also kept anonymous, and each donor is required to meet a list of requirements to ensure the milk is healthy and safe for recipients. More information here.

That said, breastfeeding can come with its challenges. Some mothers may experience nipple pain, latching issues, or, like me, a low milk supply. On the other hand, infant formula feeding serves as an alternative that provides the same essential nutrients for your newborn’s growth and development. There are a variety of infant formulas available, and there are different types tailored for specific needs, such as sensitive stomachs, lactose intolerance and more.

However, formula feeding can be more expensive, with infant formulas in Singapore often costing upwards of $50 at supermarkets!

Read more: Where To Buy Lactation Cookies, Brownies, Bakes & Drinks To Help Improve Milk Supply

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to feeding your newborn. The best choice depends on various factors, including your lifestyle, work schedule, and personal preferences. Some parents even choose a combination of both breastfeeding and infant formula feeding to enjoy the best of both worlds! Remember, parents, fed is best! And don’t hesitate to reach out to healthcare providers or lactation consultants for support or advice on breastfeeding or infant formulas as you navigate feeding your newborn.

Navigating newborn milk intake can feel like a lot to juggle, but you’ve got this! Whether you’re breastfeeding, infant formula feeding or both, what’s most important is your little one is fed, happy and growing well!

Read more: I Fed My Baby Donated Breast Milk From 27 Donors

Now that you’re an expert on newborn milk intake, you’re all set to confidently navigate this exciting stage in your baby’s life!

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