How Much Milk Should My 6-Month-Old Have?

Congratulations on your bundle of joy! Keeping your baby nourished, happy, and healthy is one of the most important parts of parenthood, and paying attention to your baby’s feeding cues can help during mealtime. The first six months of your baby’s life will be centered around milk, but exactly how much should a 6-month-old eat?

I’m still having flashbacks of around-the-clock feeding when everything was a haze, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. I recall asking my pediatrician what should be given first, milk or solids? Or should I be feeding him milk in between feedings? “Milk is probably one of the most misunderstood foods for infant feeding,” Dr. Sears said on his website.

Like many other foods, the right milk is an excellent source of nutrition. Babies at this milestone (6 months) are starting to eat solids and will nurse 4 to 5 times per day. How can you make sure your baby is getting the necessary nutrition? Here are some breastfeeding and bottle feeding guidelines to help you ensure that your 6-month-old is getting the proper nutrition.

Tracking growth

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Listen to your baby’s hunger cues, also pay attention to two very important things: the pediatric growth chart (which your pediatrician will tell you about at your baby’s wellness checkups) and your baby’s diapers.

Tracking your baby’s growth chart and your baby’s diapers will provide you with reassurance that your baby is receiving the right amount of nutrition. Huge variations on your baby’s pediatric growth chart, as determined through regular visits to your baby’s physician, can indicate under- or overfeeding.

Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns and or questions. A wet and dirty diaper shows that your baby’s nutrition is moving through their system. On average, a baby will have five to six wet diapers per day. Here’s something to be aware of: If your baby is lacking wet diapers, this is an indication that your little one is not getting enough formula.

Research has shown exclusively breastfed babies take in an average of 25 ounces (750 mL) per day between the ages of 1 month and 6 months. Keep in mind this is a guideline, and different babies will have different needs. A typical range of milk intakes is 19 to 30 ounces per day (570 to 900 mL). As a rule of thumb, infants under 6 months who haven’t yet started solids should be taking 2 to 2-1⁄2 ounces of formula per pound of body weight over 24 hours. The best way to keep track of milk intake is by writing down times of feeding and how much your baby had.

Basic breastfeeding guidelines

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From the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

  1. Exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months.
  2. Continue breastfeeding until the baby’s first birthday or longer while mutually desired by mother and baby.
  3. Breastfed babies who are breastfed for at least 6 months are less likely to be overweight.
  4. The duration of breastfeeding also is inversely related to the risk of obesity.
  5. A reduction of 40% in the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is reported, reflecting the long-term positive effect of breastfeeding on weight control and feeding self-regulation.
  6. Some 80% of mothers expect to breastfeed, yet only 14% are exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months.
  7. After 1 year, breastfeeding can be continued if mutually desired by the mother and her infant.

Basic bottle-feeding practices:

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  1. Avoid bottle prepping.
  2. Only put breastmilk or formula in bottle unless otherwise directed by physician.
  3. Inadequate feeding practices associated with bottle feeding of infant formula or use of bottle feeding as a methods to soothe infants can contribute to greater energy intake.
  4. It is not uncommon for mothers to add cereal to the bottle in the belief that doing so will help the infant sleep longer.
  5. A substantial number of families introduce solids early, especially if they perceive the infant is fussy.
  6. Inattention to a child’s hunger and satiety cues has been associated with infant overfeeding.

At 6 to 8 months, your baby will consume from 4 to 8 ounces of formula or breast milk at each feeding. Mind you, this will be in addition to cereal and other baby foods you’re introducing, too. Your baby will let you know when they’re full. Most babies top off at 32 to 36 ounces of milk in 24 hours.

When it gets down to it, listen to your baby and your gut. Share your thoughts and concerns with your pediatrician. They are here for you and your baby.

As mom-of-two Cynthia Goldstein shared with Mom.com, “As a chef, there’s a satisfaction of cooking for my guests and seeing their happy expressions; however, when I’m feeding my child, it’s the ultimate act of love and affection.”