Baby Formula Feeding Calculator
Calculate how much formula your baby needs based on age and weight.
Get daily and per-feeding amounts with a sample schedule.
Feeding Guide
Formula feeding schedules balance two approaches: demand feeding (feed whenever the baby shows hunger cues) and scheduled feeding (fixed intervals). Most pediatricians recommend demand feeding for newborns and a gradual transition to a loose schedule after 6–8 weeks.
Hunger cue hierarchy:
- Early cues: rooting, sucking on hands, turning head side to side
- Active cues: mouthing, fidgeting, reaching to mouth
- Late cues (crying): crying is a late hunger signal — try to feed before this stage
Daily intake guidelines:
Daily Intake (oz) ≈ Baby Weight (lbs) × 2.5
Per-Feed Amount = Daily Intake ÷ Number of Feeds
Feeding schedule by age:
| Age | Feeds per Day | Per Feed | Daily Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–1 month | 8–12 | 1–3 oz | 16–24 oz |
| 1–2 months | 6–8 | 3–4 oz | 24–32 oz |
| 2–4 months | 5–6 | 4–6 oz | 24–36 oz |
| 4–6 months | 4–5 | 6–8 oz | 28–40 oz |
| 6–12 months | 3–4 | 6–8 oz | 24–32 oz |
Worked example: A 4-month-old baby weighing 15 lbs:
- Daily intake: 15 × 2.5 = 37.5 oz
- Feeds per day: 5
- Per feed: 37.5 ÷ 5 = 7.5 oz per bottle
Signs the baby is getting enough:
- 6+ wet diapers per day after day 5 of life
- Steady weight gain of 4–7 oz per week in the first 3 months
- Content and alert between feedings
Important safety reminders:
- Discard any formula remaining in the bottle after a feeding — bacteria from saliva multiply rapidly
- Refrigerate prepared formula immediately and use within 24 hours
- Never microwave a bottle — hotspots can burn the baby’s mouth; warm in a water bath instead
- Burp the baby midway through and at the end of every feed to reduce gas and spit-up