How Much Should a Newborn Eat at 3 Days Old?

The Complete, Medically-Guided Guide for New Parents

Welcome to Newborn Feeding: The First Few Days

Bringing home your newborn is an incredible, emotional moment—one often filled with questions about feeding. How much should a newborn eat at 3 days old? Is your baby getting enough, or too little? If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed by feeding schedules and hunger cues, you’re not alone. This guide will gently walk you through how much breastmilk or formula your 3-day-old baby needs, what signs to watch for, and how to ensure feeding time is successful, peaceful, and safe.

Understanding Your Newborn’s Stomach Size

In the first week of life, a newborn’s stomach grows rapidly. At 3 days old, your baby’s tummy is still tiny—about the size of a walnut. This means they can only eat small amounts at each feeding, but need to feed frequently.

Feeding Chart: How Much Should a Newborn Eat at 3 Days Old?

Here’s a quick reference chart showing average amounts per feeding for breastfed and formula-fed babies during their first week:

Baby’s Age	Stomach Size	Per Feeding (ml/oz)	Total per 24h (ml/oz)
Day 1	Cherry (5–7 ml)	5–7 ml (0.2–0.25 oz)	30–60 ml (1–2 oz)
Day 2	Walnut (10–15 ml)	10–15 ml (0.3–0.5 oz)	150–180 ml (5–6 oz)
Day 3	Walnut (22–27 ml)	22–27 ml (0.75–1 oz)	180–240 ml (6–8 oz)
Day 4	Apricot (30–45 ml)	30–45 ml (1–1.5 oz)	240–300 ml (8–10 oz)
Day 5–7	Apricot (45–60 ml)	45–60 ml (1.5–2 oz)	300–420 ml (10–14 oz)
Tip: Remember, these are averages. Some babies eat a little more or less. Watch your baby’s cues and diaper output, not just the numbers.

How Much Breastmilk Should Baby Eat at 3 Days Old?

What’s Normal for Breastfed Newborns?

At 3 days old, your milk is transitioning from colostrum (thick, yellowish, nutrient-rich “first milk”) to transitional milk. Most breastfed babies will feed 8–12 times in 24 hours, taking in about 22–27 ml (0.75–1 oz) per feeding. However, it’s normal for breastfed infants to nurse for comfort as well as nutrition.Key Points:

• Breastfed newborns feed frequently: every 1.5–3 hours, sometimes more often during “cluster feeding.”
• Milk intake per feed is small, but adds up over the day.
• Colostrum is enough: Even a few drops are packed with what your baby needs in the first days.

What is Cluster Feeding?

Cluster feeding means your baby wants to nurse several times close together, often in the evening. This is normal and helps stimulate your milk supply.

Tip:It’s okay if your baby wants to nurse again soon after a feeding—this is their way of signaling your body to produce more milk.

Practical Guidance for Breastfeeding Success

• Check the latch: Make sure baby’s mouth covers more of the areola, not just the nipple.
• Burping: Gently burp your newborn after each feeding to reduce spit-up.
• Monitor diapers: By Day 3, expect at least 3–4 wet diapers and 2–3 stools.
• Comfort: Use a nursing pillow for support.
  READ OUR ARTICLE ON – 10 tips for successful breastfeeding

When to Worry

• Painful latch, cracked nipples, or ongoing pain—reach out to a lactation consultant.
• Baby seems lethargic, not waking to feed, or has less than 3 wet diapers by Day 3—contact your pediatrician.

How Much Should a 3 Day Old Baby Eat Formula?

Formula-Fed Newborns: The Basics

Formula-fed newborns at 3 days old usually take about 22–27 ml (0.75–1 oz) per feeding, every 2–3 hours. Total daily intake is typically 180–240 ml (6–8 oz), but needs can vary.Key Points:

• Feed on demand: Don’t force-feed; let your baby guide the pace.
• Use slow-flow nipples: This helps babies feed at a natural, safe speed.
• Clean bottles thoroughly: Always sterilize bottles, nipples, and parts.

Formula Feeding Practical Tips

• Burp your baby halfway through and after each feeding.
• Bottle position: Keep the bottle tilted so the nipple is full of milk, which prevents swallowing air.
• Watch for cues: Rooting, sucking motions, and hands in mouth mean hunger; turning away or closing mouth means fullness.

Formula Feeding Essentials

• Bottles: Choose ones with newborn or “slow flow” nipples.
• Formula: Use an iron-fortified infant formula recommended by your pediatrician.
• Feeding pillow: Supports your arm and baby during feeds.
  You can find recommended feeding essentials HERE.

When to Worry

• Vomiting (not just spit-up) after most feedings.
• Fewer than 3–4 wet diapers by Day 3.
• Persistent refusal to feed or signs of distress.

Signs Your 3-Day-Old Is Eating Enough

It’s natural to worry about how much your 3-day-old newborn eats. Here’s how you’ll know they’re getting enough:

• Adequate wet diapers: At least 3–4 wet diapers on Day 3; by Day 5, 6+ wet diapers/day.
• Regular bowel movements: At least 2–3 yellowish stools per day.
• Steady weight: Some weight loss is normal at first, but not more than 7–10% of birth weight.
• Content after feeds: Baby seems satisfied and sleeps between feeds.
• Active and alert: Wakes for feeds and has periods of alertness.
• Good latch (for breastfed babies): Baby’s jaw moves rhythmically, you hear swallowing.

Callout Box:
Tip:Watch for 6+ wet diapers a day after Day 5—it’s a sign your baby is getting enough milk.

Warning Signs: When to Call Your Pediatrician

• Fewer than 3 wet diapers by Day 3, or fewer than 6 by Day 5.
• No stools in 24 hours.
• Baby appears lethargic, difficult to wake, or refuses to feed.
• Persistent vomiting or very forceful spit-up.
• Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, sunken fontanelle (soft spot), no tears when crying.
• Baby hasn’t regained birth weight by two weeks.

Feeding Frequency: How Often Should My 3 Day Old Newborn Eat?

Most newborns feed every 1.5–3 hours, both day and night. Don’t skip nighttime feeds—your baby’s tummy is too small to go long stretches without eating.

• Breastfed babies: 8–12 feedings per 24 hours.
• Formula-fed babies: 8–10 feedings per 24 hours.

Remember, crying is a late sign of hunger. Look for early cues: rooting, sucking, bringing hands to mouth, or smacking lips.

The Journey: From Colostrum to Transitional Milk

What Is Colostrum?

Colostrum is the “liquid gold” your breasts produce in the first days after birth. It’s thick, yellow, and packed with antibodies and nutrients. Even in tiny amounts, it meets your baby’s needs.

What Comes Next: Transitional Milk

By Day 3–5, your milk becomes whiter and more plentiful—this is transitional milk. You’ll likely notice your breasts feel fuller, and your baby may start taking slightly larger, more regular feeds.

Practical Feeding Guidance for New Parents

Latching & Positioning

• Hold your baby tummy-to-tummy.
• Aim their nose at your nipple.
• Wait for a wide open mouth before bringing baby to breast.

Burping

• Burp your baby after each feed (and halfway through, if bottle-feeding).
• Try different positions: over your shoulder, sitting upright, or across your lap.

Diaper Output

• Day 1: 1 wet diaper.
• Day 2: 2 wet diapers.
• Day 3: 3–4 wet diapers, 2–3 stools.
• Day 5+: 6+ wet diapers, 3–4 stools.

Creating a Calm Feeding Environment

• Soft lighting, quiet background, and a comfortable chair help both you and your baby relax.
• A supportive nursing pillow can ease strain and improve latch.
• Keep water and a snack nearby for yourself—you need nourishment too!

FAQs: How Much Should a Newborn Eat at 3 Days Old?

How much should a 3 day old eat per feeding?
About 22–27 ml (0.75–1 oz) per feeding, whether breastfed or formula-fed.

How much does a 3 day old newborn eat in a day?
Typically 180–240 ml (6–8 oz) over 24 hours, divided into 8–12 feedings.

How much breastmilk should baby eat at 3 days old?
Breastfed babies nurse frequently, taking in small amounts (0.75–1 oz) per feed. Trust your baby’s cues and diaper output more than exact numbers.

How much should a 3 day old baby eat formula?
Formula-fed babies usually take 0.75–1 oz per feed, every 2–3 hours.

How much should a newborn eat at 5 days old?
By Day 5, expect 45–60 ml (1.5–2 oz) per feeding, with more frequent wet diapers (6+ per day).

How much should my 3 day old newborn eat if they’re extra sleepy?
If your baby is too sleepy to wake for feeds or isn’t wetting enough diapers, call your pediatrician.

Essentials for Newborn Feeding

You can find recommended feeding essentials below:

• Baby bottles (slow-flow for newborns)
• Breast pumps (if you’re expressing)
• Formula (iron-fortified, if needed)
• Nursing pillows (for comfort and latch support)

Also Read

Also Read: How Often to Change a Newborn Diaper at Night?

Expert Insight & References

This article follows AAP’s recommendations on newborn nutrition. All guidance here aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), including:

• “Newborn and Infant Nutrition” (HealthyChildren.org)
• “How Often and How Much Should Your Baby Eat?” (HealthyChildren.org)

For detailed feeding charts and guidance, visit HealthyChildren.org—the official parenting site of the American Academy of Pediatrics.This article was written and reviewed by a parenting content specialist with references to pediatric standards. For personalized advice, always consult your baby’s pediatrician.

When to Call a Pediatrician

• Fewer than 3 wet diapers by Day 3, or fewer than 6 by Day 5
• No stools for more than 24 hours
• Refusal to feed or persistent vomiting
• Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, sunken soft spot, no tears
• Baby is very sleepy or hard to wake for feeds

Final Thoughts

Every newborn is unique, and so is every feeding journey. If you ever wonder, “How much should my 3 day old newborn eat?”—remember, your baby’s cues, diaper output, and comfort matter most. Trust your instincts, lean on your care team, and know that you’re doing an amazing job.

Above all, follow AAP guidance about feeding cues and frequency, and reach out for help when you need it. You’re not alone—NewbornCry.com is here to support you every step of the way.

You’re doing great, parent. Deep breath—you’ve got this.