How much should a 12 month old eat? Ounces per feed and per day

Most 12 month olds take 7 to 8 oz (210 to 240 ml) per feed, about 2 to 3 times a day, for a daily total of roughly 16 to 24 oz (470 to 710 ml). Whole cow's milk usually becomes an option at one year. Confirm the switch with your doctor.

Per feed	7 to 8 oz (210 to 240 ml)
Feeds per day	2 to 3
Daily total	16 to 24 oz (470 to 710 ml)
Typical gap between feeds	5 to 6 hours

These volumes apply to formula or expressed milk. A directly breastfed baby cannot be measured this way, which is exactly why diaper counts and weight gain are the signals that matter more than ounces.

The usual rule of thumb under 6 months is about 2.5 oz per pound of body weight per day, roughly 150 ml per kg, with a practical ceiling near 32 oz a day. From 6 months the milk total gradually steps down as solids take over part of the intake.

Appetite is not flat. Babies cluster feed, take a small bottle then a large one, and eat less during a cold or a leap. A day that comes in 20 percent under the estimate is unremarkable. A week that does is worth a look, especially alongside fewer wet diapers.

Whole cow's milk usually becomes an option at one year. Confirm the switch with your doctor. Signs it is going well: six or more wet diapers a day, steady weight gain along a percentile curve, and a baby who settles after most feeds. Call your paediatrician if wet diapers drop off, weight crosses downward through percentiles, or feeds become consistently distressed.

Try the calculator

Get the amount for your baby's exact weight with the baby feeding calculator, or read the newborn feeding schedule by age. This page is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

How many ounces should a 12 month old drink?

About 7 to 8 oz (210 to 240 ml) per feed and 16 to 24 oz (470 to 710 ml) across the whole day, spread over 2 to 3 feeds.

How often should a 12 month old eat?

Roughly every 5 to 6 hours, which works out to 2 to 3 feeds in 24 hours.

How do I know a 12 month old is getting enough?

Six or more wet diapers a day, steady weight gain on the growth chart, and a baby who is content after most feeds.