“How do I know if my baby is drinking enough?”

 

If there’s one question almost every new parent Googles at 2am, it’s this.

 

In those first few months, milk is everything. Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or doing a mix of both, it’s completely normal to worry about whether your baby is getting too much, too little, or feeding “too often.” Add in advice from family members, parenting forums, and well-meaning aunties, and suddenly feeding can feel more stressful than it should be.

 

Here’s the reassuring truth: in the first six months of life, babies are designed to rely almost entirely on milk for their nutrition.

 

According to recommendations commonly shared by Malaysian paediatricians and aligned with guidance from the Malaysian Paediatric Association and the Ministry of Health Malaysia, babies are encouraged to be exclusively breastfed for the first six months whenever possible. If breastfeeding isn’t an option or needs supplementation, infant formula is designed to meet a baby’s nutritional needs during this stage.

 

But here’s what many parents don’t hear enough: there is no single “perfect” number of millilitres that applies to every baby.

 

Some babies feed more frequently. Some take bigger feeds and nap longer. Some go through phases where they seem constantly hungry – especially during growth spurts. What matters most isn’t comparing your baby to someone else’s, but understanding what’s normal month by month, and knowing the signs that your baby is thriving.

 

A Simple Month-by-Month Guide (0 – 6 Months)

These are general averages often referenced in local paediatric practice. They are guidelines, not strict targets.

 

Newborn (0 – 1 Month)

In the early weeks, your baby’s stomach is tiny, about the size of a cherry at birth.

• Breastfed babies: 8 – 12 feeds in 24 hours is common
• Formula-fed babies: Around 45–90ml per feed, every 3 – 4 hours
• Frequent feeding is normal, especially in the first two weeks

It may feel like you’re feeding all the time. That’s normal. Newborns digest milk quickly and need frequent top-ups.

 

1–2 Months

As baby grows, feeding becomes slightly more predictable.

• Breastfed babies: 7–9 feeds a day
• Formula-fed babies: Around 90–120ml per feed
• Some babies begin spacing feeds to every 3–4 hours

You may notice longer stretches of sleep, especially at night – but not always!

 

2–4 Months

This is when many parents start wondering if baby is drinking “too much.”

• Formula-fed babies: Typically 120–150ml per feed
• Total daily intake often ranges between 600–900ml
• Breastfed babies may feed 6–8 times daily

Some babies become more efficient feeders and finish faster. Others get distracted easily, which is very normal at this stage.

 

4–6 Months

Milk remains the primary source of nutrition until 6 months.

• Formula-fed babies: Around 150–180ml per feed
• Total daily intake may be 750–1,000ml
• Breastfed babies may feed 5–7 times daily

Even if solids are introduced around 6 months, milk continues to be the main nutritional source.

 

 

How Do You Know Baby Is Getting Enough?

Instead of focusing only on millilitres, look at these reliable indicators:

• At least 6 wet diapers a day (after the newborn stage)
• Steady weight gain along their growth chart
• Alert and responsive when awake
• Seems satisfied after most feeds

In Malaysia, babies are typically monitored using growth charts during Klinik Kesihatan visits or private paediatric check-ups. Consistent growth along their percentile curve matters more than being at a specific number.

 

 

Signs Baby May Not Be Getting Enough

While most feeding worries turn out to be normal variation, watch for:

• Fewer than 6 wet diapers daily
• Very dark urine
• Persistent lethargy
• Poor weight gain
• Constant distress after feeds

If you’re unsure, consult your paediatrician. For breastfeeding concerns, a certified lactation consultant can help assess latch, milk transfer, and supply.

 

 

Can Babies Drink Too Much Milk?

It’s possible, especially with bottle feeding.

Because milk flows steadily from a bottle, some babies may continue sucking even when they’re full. Signs of overfeeding include:

• Frequent spit-up
• Fussiness or arching after feeds
• Gassiness or discomfort

Using paced bottle feeding and watching for fullness cues (turning away, sealing lips, slowing sucking) can help prevent overfeeding.

 

 

Growth Spurts: The “Why Is My Baby Always Hungry?” Phase

Common growth spurts happen around:

• 2–3 weeks
• 6 weeks
• 3 months
• 6 months

During these periods, your baby may feed more frequently for a few days. This is normal and temporary. For breastfeeding mothers, frequent feeding helps naturally increase milk supply.

 

 

Learn to Read Hunger Cues

Responsive feeding is key in modern parenting. Early hunger cues include:

• Rooting
• Sucking hands
• Smacking lips
• Restlessness

Crying is actually a late hunger cue. Feeding earlier often leads to calmer, smoother sessions.

 

 

The Bottom Line: Follow the Baby, Not the Bottle

Feeding isn’t about hitting an exact number on a chart. It’s about:

• Watching your baby’s cues
• Monitoring growth
• Checking diaper output
• Trusting professional advice when needed

 

Every baby is different. Some are big drinkers. Some are snackers. What matters most is steady growth and a baby who is alert, active, and developing well.

 

If you ever feel unsure, remember: asking questions doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care. And that already makes you a good parent.