Baby Formula Calculator
Calculate recommended daily infant formula from your baby's age and weight in lbs or kg.
Returns total daily intake and suggested feeding frequency by age.
Baby formula preparation requires precise measurement — both for the infant’s nutrition and for food safety. Too little powder results in an under-nourished feed; too much can stress a newborn’s kidneys and cause dehydration.
Standard US formula preparation:
Scoops of Powder = Fluid Ounces of Water ÷ 2
Most US formulas use the ratio: 1 level scoop per 2 fl oz (60 mL) of water. Always add water first, then powder — this ensures accurate volume.
Total daily intake by age:
| Age | Feeds/Day | Amount per Feed | Total/Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0–1 mo) | 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 |
A simple daily guideline:
Daily Intake (oz) ≈ Baby Weight (lbs) × 2.5
This is a rule of thumb — always defer to your pediatrician for personalized guidance.
Worked example: A 3-month-old baby weighing 13 lbs:
- Daily intake estimate: 13 × 2.5 = 32.5 oz
- Feeds per day: 5–6
- Per feed: 32.5 ÷ 5 = 6.5 oz per bottle
- Scoops per 6 oz bottle: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 scoops of powder
Formula safety rules:
- Use water at room temperature or cooler — hot water destroys some vitamins and can curdle formula
- Prepared formula is safe in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours
- Never reuse formula left in a bottle after a feed — discard after 1 hour
- Never freeze prepared formula
- Always check the expiration date and use within 1 month of opening the can
Powdered vs. ready-to-feed vs. liquid concentrate: Ready-to-feed is the safest for immunocompromised infants but costs 3–4× more than powder.