A feed-volume guide for babies 0–6 months based on British newborn feeding guidelines.
Disclaimer: This calculator is designed for babies 0–6 months old. This is a rough guide to feeding volumes, in line with what most paediatricians recommend to help prevent overfeeding. Other health professionals — health visitors, midwives, and dieticians — may advise differently in view of individual factors such as slow weight gain or prematurity. Please follow your own tailored advice where that's the case.
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Undressed weight, no nappy. Enter either unit — the other updates automatically.
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How is your baby fed?
Feed volumes
Breastfeeding guide
Breastfeeding has health benefits for you and your baby.
15–20 minutes per feedOffered roughly every 3–4 hours, though newborns often feed more often and it's normal for timing to vary.
6–8 wet nappies a dayThis is the best sign your baby is feeding well, alongside steady weight gain and settled behaviour between feeds.
Feed on demandBreastfed babies don't have a fixed ml/kg target the way formula feeds do — let hunger cues lead, and feed from both breasts if baby will take them.
Mixed feeding guide
Why parents combine feedsTo share feeds with a partner, use expressed milk by bottle, or ease a return to work.
Introduce formula graduallyCutting in gradually protects your milk supply and lowers the risk of engorgement.
Want to breastfeed more, bottle less?Skin-to-skin contact, expressing regularly (around 8 times a day, including once at night), bottle-feeding while held skin-to-skin, and decreasing bottles gradually as supply builds can all help. A midwife or health visitor can also advise on lactation aids.
A note on refluxAvoid mixed feeding as it can be difficult to assess for reflux. When in doubt, stick to breastfeeding as breastfeeding is unlikely to cause reflux.
What if my baby is unsettled after a feed?
Crying is normal in young babies — some cry far more than others. Here are common causes and what tends to help, whichever way your baby is fed.
What tends to helpOffering a feed, or being held close in your arms or a sling, settles most babies quickly.
Feeding to a rigid scheduleFollow hunger cues rather than the clock. Most babies feed 8–12 times a day in the early weeks.
Not getting enough milkSigns include being very miserable or sleepy, slow weight gain, or fewer wet nappies. A health visitor can help.
Feeds coming too fastA fast let-down or teat can cause gagging, spluttering, or fussing. Usually eases with time.
Reflux or a sore mouthReflux is common and usually harmless. Teething or thrush can also make feeding uncomfortable. Read more (NHS).
Constipation / colicSigns include fewer than 3 poos a week, hard or pellet-like stools, and a firm tummy. Gentle leg-cycling, a tummy massage, or extra water can help. Read more (NHS).
Red flag: forceful vomiting or sudden illnessA previously settled baby suddenly unhappy may be unwell — watery nappies, fever, or vomiting need checking. Projectile vomiting with fewer wet nappies and poor weight gain (age 2–6 weeks) needs same-day medical assessment.
Support
Call the National Breastfeeding Helpline, free, 24 hours a day: 0300 100 0212 (UK).
Call the Cry-sis helpline (0800 448 0737 (UK), open 7 days a week, 9am–10pm), offers free support for parents of babies who cry a lot.