Breast Milk Intake Calculator

Estimate your baby's daily breast milk needs.

(kg)

Enter baby's weight.

This is a general estimate (often ~150-200 ml/kg or 2.5 oz/lb per day). Actual intake varies greatly based on baby's age, appetite, growth spurts, and feeding patterns. Breastfed babies often self-regulate. Consult your pediatrician or lactation consultant for personalized guidance.

Estimating Baby's Daily Breast Milk Needs

Parents, especially those pumping or supplementing, often wonder how much breast milk their baby needs each day. While breastfed babies typically feed on demand and self-regulate their intake, having an estimate can be helpful for planning or ensuring adequate supply if feeding expressed milk.

How to Use

  1. Select the unit (kg or lbs) for your baby's weight.
  2. Enter your baby's current weight.
  3. Click "Calculate Intake".

The calculator provides a general estimated range for total daily breast milk intake based on common guidelines related to weight.

Common Estimation Guidelines

  • Weight-Based Rule (Metric):** A common guideline is approximately **150 to 200 milliliters (mL) per kilogram (kg)** of body weight per day, especially in the first few months.
  • Weight-Based Rule (Imperial):** This translates roughly to **2 to 2.5 fluid ounces (oz) per pound (lb)** of body weight per day.
  • Age Considerations:** Newborns start with very small amounts and gradually increase. Intake typically peaks around 1-6 months and may then plateau or slightly decrease as solid foods are introduced.

Example:** A 5 kg baby might need roughly (5 * 150) to (5 * 200) = 750 to 1000 mL per day. A 11 lb baby might need roughly (11 * 2) to (11 * 2.5) = 22 to 27.5 oz per day.

Important Factors & Disclaimer

This is only an estimate!** Actual intake varies significantly based on:

  • Baby's Age and Growth Spurts:** Needs increase during rapid growth.
  • Individual Appetite and Metabolism.
  • Feeding Frequency and Efficiency:** How often and how well the baby nurses or takes a bottle.
  • Milk Composition:** The calorie density of breast milk can vary.

The best indicators of adequate intake for a breastfed baby are usually **sufficient wet/dirty diapers** (typically 6+ wet diapers and several stools per day after the first week) and **steady weight gain** as monitored by your pediatrician. If you have concerns about your baby's intake or weight gain, consult your pediatrician or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).