Wondering how much breast milk, formula, or solid food your baby really needs? You’re not alone. Feeding is one of the most common concerns for new parents—and for good reason. Babies grow quickly in their first year, and knowing what and how much to feed them can feel overwhelming.
The truth is, every baby is different. Some babies eat more, some less. Some prefer more frequent meals, others settle into longer stretches between feedings. While there’s no one-size-fits-all rule, there are some general baby feeding guidelines that can help you navigate each stage with more confidence.
In this guide, we break down the average feeding amounts by age, offer expert-backed insights, and provide a helpful baby feeding chart you can reference anytime. Let’s get started!
📊 Baby Feeding Chart: From Newborn to 12 Months
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies should be fed on demand, especially during the first few months. That means watching for hunger cues rather than sticking to a rigid schedule.
Here’s a handy baby feeding chart with average amounts of breast milk or formula per feeding:
| Age | Breast Milk or Formula per Feeding | Number of Feedings per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 0–24 hours | Up to 0.5 oz (15 ml) | 8–12 times |
| 1–2 days | 0.5–1 oz (15–30 ml) | 8–12 times |
| 2–3 days | Up to 1 oz (30 ml) | 8–12 times |
| 1 week | 1–2 oz (30–60 ml) | 8–12 times |
| 2–3 weeks | 2–3 oz (60–90 ml) | 8–12 times |
| 1 month | 3–4 oz (90–120 ml) | 8–10 times |
| 2 months | 4–5 oz (120–150 ml) | 6–8 times |
| 4 months | 4–6 oz (120–180 ml) | 6–8 times |
| 6–12 months | 6–8 oz (180–240 ml) | 4–6 times |
👶 Newborn Feeding Schedule (0–1 Month)
Breastfed Babies
- Feed every 2–3 hours, around 8–12 times a day.
- Watch for signs like rooting, sucking motions, or clenched fists near the mouth.
- Output matters: Expect 6+ wet diapers daily by day 5.
Formula-Fed Babies
- Start with 1–2 oz per feeding, gradually increasing to 3–4 oz by 1 month.
- Feed every 3–4 hours, including at night.
- General rule: 2.5 oz of formula per pound of body weight per day.
💡 Newborn Tip: Wake your baby to feed every 3–4 hours if they sleep through, especially in the early weeks.
🍼 Feeding Schedule for 1 to 3 Months
At this stage, your baby is growing fast and will begin to show a stronger appetite.
- Breast milk or formula: 4–5 oz per feeding.
- Feeding frequency: Every 3–4 hours.
Babies begin to settle into more predictable feeding patterns. They’re also more vocal about their needs—crying, fussing, or rooting when hungry.
🧠 Did You Know? Some infant formulas now include 2’-FL HMO, a prebiotic found in breast milk that supports gut and immune health.
🥄 Feeding Schedule for 4 to 6 Months
This is a transitional phase where many babies begin to show interest in solids—though breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition.
Signs your baby might be ready for solids:
- Can sit with support
- Has good head control
- No longer pushes food out with their tongue
- Reaches for food or shows interest when others eat
📌 Start slow: Offer 1–2 tablespoons of pureed food once or twice a day.
Milk Intake:
- Formula/Breast milk: 4–6 oz per feeding, about 6 times a day.
🍎 Feeding Schedule for 6 to 9 Months
- Offer 2–3 solid meals per day with breast milk or formula in between.
- Milk intake: Around 24–32 oz per day.
- Encourage finger foods and let baby explore!
Suggested first foods:
- Iron-fortified cereals
- Pureed veggies, fruits, and meats
- Mashed avocado or banana
- Soft finger foods like well-cooked carrots or peas
🥣 Feeding Tip: Offer milk first, then solids to avoid replacing critical nutrients too early.
🍽️ Feeding Schedule for 9 to 12 Months
By this time, about 50% of your baby’s calories should come from solids.
- Breast milk or formula: 16–24 oz per day
- 3 solid meals and 1–2 snacks
- Gradually introduce chopped table foods (soft and safe)
Make meals fun and social. Let your baby self-feed soft items like:
- Scrambled eggs
- Diced fruits
- Whole grain pasta
- Small pieces of cheese
🚫 Avoid choking hazards: Nuts, grapes, hot dogs, popcorn, raw carrots.
🔍 How to Know If Your Baby Is Hungry
Babies can’t speak, but their body language speaks volumes. Watch for these cues:
| Early Hunger Cues | Late Hunger Cue |
|---|---|
| Lip smacking | Crying |
| Hand-to-mouth motions | Arching back |
| Rooting or head turning | Red face, frustration |
It’s best to feed before crying starts, as late hunger cues can make latching or bottle-feeding harder.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Feeding With Confidence
There’s no perfect feeding schedule. Your baby’s needs will change as they grow—and that’s completely normal. What matters most is responding to their hunger cues, offering nutritious choices, and being patient as they explore new textures and tastes.
Always talk to your baby’s pediatrician about any feeding concerns, especially if your baby is:
- Consistently refusing to eat
- Not gaining weight
- Showing signs of food allergies
You’ve got this! 💛
📌 Quick FAQ
Q: Can I use a baby feeding chart as a strict schedule?
A: Use it as a guide—not a rulebook. Follow your baby’s cues for best results.
Q: When should I start giving water?
A: Small sips of water (1–2 oz) can be offered around 6 months, especially with meals.
Q: What if my baby eats more than the chart says?
A: That’s fine! Some babies have bigger appetites. Always consult your pediatrician if unsure.