Baby Feeding Calculator

🍼 Compare With AAP's Average

An average to compare, not a target

AAP's average for 10 lb (a day, formula-fed)

about 25 oz

This is an average across babies, so this tool gives no amount per bottle. How much your baby takes comes from your baby's doctor and from your baby: offer feeds when your baby shows hunger and stop when your baby shows fullness. This tool is informational only and not medical advice.

What the sources say

“On average, your baby should take in about 2½ ounces (75 mL) of infant formula a day for every pound (453 g) of body weight.” American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org
“But they probably will regulate their intake from day to day to meet their own specific needs, so let them tell you when they've had enough.” American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org
“If your baby consistently seems to want more or less than this, discuss it with your pediatrician. Your baby should usually drink no more than an average of about 32 ounces (960 mL) of formula in 24 hours.” American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org
“In the first week after birth, babies should be eating no more than about 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 ml) per feed.” American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org

What is a Baby Feeding Calculator?

It shows the American Academy of Pediatrics' published average for a formula-fed baby of your baby's weight, so you have a reference when you talk with your baby's doctor. It does not tell you how much to put in a bottle or how many feeds to give.

Babies regulate their own intake from day to day. Offer feeds when your baby shows hunger, stop when your baby shows fullness, prepare formula exactly as the label says, and ask your baby's doctor about amounts. A feed should never be stretched or watered down to make supplies last.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How much formula does my baby need?

Your baby's doctor and your baby decide that. The American Academy of Pediatrics publishes an average of about 2.5 oz of formula a day for every pound of body weight, and says babies regulate their own intake from day to day, so let your baby tell you when they have had enough. This tool shows that average for comparison only, never an amount to give.

Why does this tool not give an amount per bottle?

Because a fixed amount per bottle can push a baby to take more or less than they want. AAP says that in the first week after birth babies take no more than about 1 to 2 oz a feed, and that amounts grow with age, so a weight-based figure divided by a feed count can be wrong for your baby. Watch for hunger and fullness cues and ask your baby's doctor.

Does this work for breastfed babies?

No. Breastfed babies feed on demand and there is no ounce count to hit. Watch for hunger and fullness cues, and ask your baby's doctor if you have questions about how feeding is going.

Can I make formula at home, or add extra water to make it last?

No. The FDA advises parents and caregivers not to make or feed homemade infant formula, and CDC says to use the amount of water listed on the formula container. AAP says babies under 6 months should only drink breast milk or formula, so do not give water unless your baby's doctor tells you to. Never stretch formula to make it last: buy more instead.

How do I know my baby is getting enough?

Ask your baby's doctor, who checks weight gain at every visit. If you are worried that your baby is not feeding or drinking enough, call your baby's doctor right away.