A 4-month-old baby typically needs about 4 to 6 ounces of breast milk or formula per feeding, with about 6 to 8 feedings per day. This means the total daily intake is generally around 24 to 36 ounces of milk
. Feeding frequency and amounts:
- Breastfed babies usually nurse every 2 to 3 hours during the day and may have longer intervals overnight, consuming roughly 3 to 4 ounces per feeding
- Formula-fed babies often eat every 3 hours during the day and every 3 to 8 hours overnight, consuming about 4 to 6 ounces per feeding
- In total, a 4-month-old will have about 5 to 8 feedings per day
Additional notes:
- Feeding on demand is recommended, paying attention to the baby's hunger and fullness cues rather than strictly scheduled amounts
- At this age, breast milk or formula alone meets all nutritional needs; solid foods are generally not recommended until around 6 months
- Monitoring wet diapers (about 4 to 5 very wet diapers per day) can help ensure the baby is getting enough milk
In summary, a 4-month-old should eat approximately 4 to 6 ounces per feeding, 6 to 8 times a day, totaling about 24 to 36 ounces of milk daily, with feeding frequency and amounts adjusted based on the baby's hunger cues and pediatrician advice.