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Australian Baby Formula Calculator
Find out how much formula to make per feed — volume, scoops, water, and feeds per day — based on your baby's age and weight.
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Every baby is different. These amounts are evidence-based starting points. Babies self-regulate intake — feed on demand and watch for hunger and fullness cues. If you have concerns about your baby's feeding or growth, speak with your maternal and child health nurse or GP.
kg
Formula guide
🍼 How to mix this feed
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Formula Guide by Age
Age
Volume per feed
Feeds per day
Total per day
Scoops per feed
0–1 month
60–90 ml
8–12
480–720 ml
2–3
1–2 months
90–120 ml
7–8
560–750 ml
3–4
2–4 months
120–150 ml
6–7
630–840 ml
4–5
4–6 months
150–180 ml
5–6
750–900 ml
5–6
6–9 months
180–210 ml
4–5
720–900 ml
6–7
9–12 months
180–210 ml
3–4
540–750 ml
6–7
Standard infant formula preparation: 1 level scoop per 30 ml water (unless the formula instructions specify otherwise — always check the tin). Amounts are approximate — babies vary in appetite. Always feed to hunger and fullness cues.
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Safe Preparation Tips
🌡️
Use water at 70°C+
Boil fresh water and let it cool to no less than 70°C (pour within 30 minutes of boiling). This temperature destroys harmful bacteria that can contaminate formula powder.
📏
Level scoops only
Use the scoop that came with the formula tin. Level each scoop with a clean knife. Packed or heaped scoops can cause overfeeding and dangerous dehydration.
⏱️
Use within 2 hours
Once prepared, formula should be used within 2 hours at room temperature. Refrigerate immediately after preparation and use within 24 hours. Never reheat formula twice.
🚫
Never microwave formula
Microwaving creates uneven "hot spots" that can burn your baby's mouth even when the bottle feels cool. Warm bottles in a bowl of warm water and test on the inside of your wrist.
🍶
Water first, then scoops
Always add water to the bottle first, then add the measured scoops. Adding water to powder changes the concentration and can result in incorrect volumes.
🧴
Keep the tin sealed
Once opened, formula tins should be stored in a cool, dry place (not the fridge) and used within 4 weeks. Keep the lid tightly closed between uses.
Australian baby formula is prepared using the standard ratio of 1 level scoop of powder per 30 ml of water (unless the formula tin specifies otherwise). The World Health Organization and the Australian Department of Health recommend preparing formula with water at 70°C or above to eliminate bacteria such as Cronobacter, which can occasionally contaminate formula powder. Feeding volumes increase with age and weight — a rough guide for infants under 6 months is 150 ml per kilogram of body weight per day. After 6 months as solids are introduced, formula volumes reduce gradually. Always follow your baby's hunger and fullness cues. If you're concerned about your baby's intake or weight, speak with your maternal and child health nurse. Last updated May 2026.
Signs your baby is getting enough formula: 6+ wet nappies per 24 hours, steady weight gain (checked at MCH nurse visits), alert and content between feeds, and feeding every 2–4 hours as appropriate for age. If your baby seems unsettled after feeds, is not gaining weight, or has fewer than 6 wet nappies a day, speak with your maternal and child health nurse or GP.
It's best to prepare formula fresh for each feed. If you need to prepare in advance, Australian health guidelines recommend making up the bottle with hot water (70°C+), cooling it quickly under cold running water, and storing in the back of the fridge (not the door) for up to 24 hours. Never store prepared formula at room temperature or in a warm bottle bag.
Discard any formula left in the bottle within 1–2 hours of starting the feed. Saliva from the teat introduces bacteria into the remaining formula, which can multiply rapidly at room temperature. Never save leftover formula for the next feed. If your baby consistently doesn't finish bottles, the volume may be slightly large — it's okay to make slightly less.
Follow-on formulas (sometimes called Stage 2) are marketed for babies over 6 months. Australian health authorities including the NHMRC note that standard infant formula is nutritionally adequate for the entire first year and follow-on formulas are not necessary. The choice of formula type should be made in consultation with your maternal and child health nurse or GP, especially if your baby has special dietary needs.
Always follow the instructions on your specific formula tin. The standard ratio of 1 scoop per 30 ml is the most common in Australia, but some formulas (particularly specialist or thickened formulas) may use a different ratio. Using the wrong ratio can result in a formula that is too concentrated (dangerous for kidneys) or too dilute (insufficient nutrition).