How the AAP Milk Intake Calculation Works
For healthy, full-term infants who have not yet started solid foods, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends calculating total 24-hour intake using the formula:
Total Daily Intake (oz) = Baby Weight (lbs) × 2.5
To determine bottle size per feed, divide this total by the number of feeds your baby drinks throughout the 24-hour cycle. For example, if a 12-pound baby feeds 6 times a day: 30 oz ÷ 6 = 5.0 oz per bottle.
General Feeding Guidelines by Baby Age
Showing values in Ounces (oz)| Baby Age | Feeding Frequency | Volume per Feed (oz) | Daily 24h Average (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 Weeks | Every 2–3 hours (8–12×) | 1.5–3 oz | 16–24 oz |
| 1–2 Months | Every 3–4 hours (6–8×) | 3–4.5 oz | 24–28 oz |
| 2–4 Months | Every 3–4 hours (5–7×) | 4–6 oz | 26–32 oz |
| 4–6 Months | Every 4–5 hours (4–6×) | 6–8 oz | 28–32 oz |
| 6–12 Months | 4–5 feeds + solids | 6–8 oz | 24–30 oz + solid foods |