In this blog, you'll discover how many ml of milk your baby needs per day and how to calculate the right amount based on your baby's weight. You'll also find a clear formula feeding table by age, practical information about growth spurts, and guidance on when it may be time to increase the amount of formula. This can help you feel more confident and comfortable with your baby's feeding routine.
Parenthood is a special time full of new discoveries. Especially during the first few months, feeding your baby can raise many questions. Breast milk is the most natural and best nutrition for a baby. If your baby is formula-fed or you combine breastfeeding with formula feeding, you'll want to know whether your baby is getting enough milk to support healthy, comfortable growth.
How much Formula milk does a baby need per day*?
Every baby is unique and has their own feeding pattern. If you're wondering how much formula milk for a baby is recommended, or how much formula can a bay drink, experts and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre* (Voedingscentrum) recommend using a simple formula as a starting point: approximately 150 ml of milk per kilogram of body weight every 24 hours.
This calculation provides a useful guideline for determining the quantity of formula for a baby. According to the guidelines of the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, this is a suitable average starting point for healthy growth.
To calculate your baby's daily formula intake, simply multiply their weight in kilograms by 150 ml. For example, a baby weighing 4 kg will need approximately:
4 kg × 150 ml = 600 ml of formula per day
If you're wondering how many bottles do I need for a baby, during the first few weeks this total amount is generally divided evenly across approximately 6 to 8 feeds.
Always pay attention to your baby's individual needs. Some babies prefer smaller bottles more frequently, while others naturally leave more time between feeds.
Guidelines from health organisations, including formula-feeding recommendations from the GGD and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, emphasise that a feeding schedule should be used as a guideline rather than a strict rule. A formula milk chart or baby feeding schedule can provide useful structure, but your baby's hunger and fullness cues are equally important. Babies are often very good at showing when they have had enough or when they need a little more.
Formula feeding table: how often should you bottle feed a baby?
If you're unsure how often to bottle feed a baby, the number of feeds will depend on your baby's age, weight and individual needs. During the first few weeks, babies generally have smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day.
The 150 ml-per-kilogram guideline can be used to estimate the total daily amount and then divide this across your baby's feeds.
For example, a 4 kg baby who needs around 600 ml per day may drink approximately:
- 6 bottles of around 100 ml, or
- 8 bottles of around 75 ml.
These amounts are examples rather than fixed rules. Always follow your baby's hunger and fullness cues and the advice of your healthcare professional.
As your baby gets older, the number and size of bottles will gradually change. Parents may also wonder how many bottles an 8-month-old should have. By this stage, complementary foods have become part of your baby's diet, so feeding patterns can vary considerably. Follow the feeding instructions for your baby's formula and seek personalised advice from your healthcare professional when needed.
Growth spurts: When your baby suddenly wants more formula
Just like breastfed babies, formula-fed babies can experience days when they suddenly seem to need more milk. These periods are often associated with growth spurts and may occur at around 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months of age.
You may notice that your baby is more unsettled, wants another feed sooner than usual or does not seem completely satisfied after finishing a bottle.
These periods are completely normal and generally last around one or two days. You can offer a smaller bottle a little more frequently during these days. If you think your baby consistently needs more formula, discuss increasing the amount with your healthcare professional and follow the preparation and feeding instructions provided with your baby's formula.
Once the growth spurt has passed, your baby will often naturally settle back into a more familiar feeding rhythm.
Making conscious choices for your baby
When your baby is ready for follow-on formula from the age of 6 months, there are different types of formula to choose from. More and more parents are interested in where the ingredients in their baby's food come from. Organic goat milk is one option, known for its mild taste and smooth texture.
At Pure Goat Company, we make baby formula with care and respect for nature. Our organic follow-on formulas 2 and 3, available in convenient 400 g and 800 g tins, contain organic goat milk enriched with organic GOS fibres and plant-based DHA. They are made without palm oil or genetically modified ingredients.
Not sure how much formula your baby needs?
A formula feeding table or formula milk chart can be a helpful starting point, but every baby is different. Your baby's weight, age, appetite, growth and feeding cues all play a role in determining how much milk they need.
If you have questions about calculating formula amounts or are unsure how much milk your baby should drink per day, always consult your child health clinic or doctor for personalised advice.
* The content of this blog is based on information from the Netherlands Nutrition Centre* (Voedingscentrum)
