Understanding Your Newborn’s Stomach Size
Because how much do they really need to eat to be happy and healthy?!
One common concern among new parents, especially breastfeeding ones, is whether or not their baby is getting enough milk. It can be nerve-wracking not knowing exactly how much milk your baby consumes during each feeding, especially in an age where we can track every calorie, step, and ounce of water with every app under the sun!
But knowledge can be empowering!…especially when it helps you realize just how tiny their stomachs can be. Here’s a guide to help you understand the size of your newborn’s stomach – and as always, know that all babies have different feeding patterns and if you are worried yours isn’t getting enough or something just isn’t right, don’t be afraid to speak up.
Day One: Cherry
On the first day, your newborn’s stomach is about the size of a cherry, holding approximately a teaspoon of milk per feeding. This is why the small amounts of colostrum you produce initially are sufficient for your baby (but if there are any concerns, your healthcare team can work with you to make sure your baby is getting what they need). Overfeeding can lead to spitting up, so large feeds are unnecessary at this stage.
Day Three: Walnut
By day three, your baby’s stomach grows to the size of a walnut, capable of holding about an ounce of milk per feeding. This amount is still quite small and doesn’t require filling up a big baby bottle.
Day Seven: Apricot
At one week old, your baby’s stomach reaches the size of an apricot, holding about two ounces of milk per feeding. By this time, most breastfeeding parents notice their milk has come in, perfectly coinciding with their baby’s increased stomach capacity. Mother Nature, we see you…
One Month: Large Egg
After a month, your baby’s stomach can hold between 2.5 to 5 ounces of milk. However, it’s important not to focus too strictly on these numbers. When bottle-feeding, many babies (even those older than a month) may not consume a full 5 ounces at once. Yet others can and do, which is why watching your baby for cues is so important. This knowledge that not all babies take huge amounts can be comforting for breastfeeding/pumping parents preparing to return to work around this time who might be stressing about keeping up with their baby’s needs.
Source: La Leche League Canada
Babies have small stomachs, and while you can’t measure the exact amount of milk they get during nursing, there are other signs that indicate they are well-fed. Monitoring your baby’s weight gain, the number of wet and dirty diapers, and their overall happiness after feeds can help reassure you.
As long as your baby is thriving based on these indicators, you can be confident that they are getting enough milk. And if this isn’t the case, it’s likely a sign to be seen by your baby’s doctor and/or breastfeeding specialist to get an evaluation and make a plan to keep everyone full and happy!
Until next time,
Dr. Jen
Reference:
1. La Leche League Canada: https://www.lllc.ca/newborns-have-small-stomachs