How much milk should a five-month-old baby drink?

The stomach capacity of each baby is different, and so is the amount of milk they consume. So, how much milk should a five-month-old infant drink?

Milk Intake for a Five-Month-Old Infant

The amount of milk a 5-month-old baby needs varies from infant to infant due to individual differences, and feeding should be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, an infant's milk intake during growth and development can be calculated based on caloric needs. The basic daily energy requirement is approximately 95 kcal/(kg·day), with a fluid requirement of 150 ml/(kg·day). The recommended milk volume is generally 120–150 ml/(kg·day). For a 5-month-old baby, the typical feeding amount is around 200 ml per feeding, 5 to 6 times per day.

Parents should check the remaining milk in the bottle after feeding. If the leftover amount is small and the baby remains calm, plays well, and sleeps soundly after feeding, has 1–2 bowel movements per day, urinates more than 6–8 times daily, and gains weight normally, it indicates that the baby’s caloric and fluid intake are sufficient. Feeding should be assessed holistically based on the baby's overall condition, and adjustments made as needed. It is absolutely not recommended to feed babies strictly according to calculated amounts—avoid overfeeding or underfeeding that leads to crying from hunger. Babies with weak digestion or small appetites may easily develop indigestion, spitting up, or diarrhea. If a baby eats little, has insufficient urine output, or inadequate weight gain, medical evaluation at a hospital is necessary to identify underlying causes.

If a baby consumes too much milk or gains weight too rapidly, intake should be moderately restricted to prevent excessive weight gain and potential obesity. Wishing you good health and happiness.