How Much Should My Baby Drink

Breast Milk/Formula Amounts Before the Introduction of Solid Foods

A baby drinking breast milk or formula exclusively – that is, one who has not yet been started on solid foods – should be drinking about 2 ½ ounces of milk per day for each pound of body weight.

Average Amount of Daily Breast Milk/Formula by Body Weight for Babies Not Yet Eating Solid Foods

Signs of Readiness for Solid Foods

• At least 4 months old.
• Weight twice as much as her birth weight.
• Weighs 13-15 pounds.
• Can sit with support, allowing her to lean forward when she wants another spoonful and backward to refuse.
• Has control over her head and neck muscles and can turn her head to refuse food.
• Has stopped exhibiting the extrusion reflex when you put a spoon in her mouth. If, after several tries, food comes right back out of her mouth when you spoon feed her, she is not yet ready for solid foods.
• Is drinking at least 32-40 ounces of formula per 24 hours and still wants more.
• Is breastfeeding at least 8-10 times per 24 hours (after the first few weeks), empties both breasts at each feeding, and still wants more.
• The time between feedings becomes shorter and shorter over a period of several days.
• She can bring an object in her hand directly to her mouth.
• Shows interest in other eating around her.
• Becomes fussy in the middle of the night, whereas before she slept through with no problem. Or her sleep periods are becoming shorter instead of longer.