Baby Feeding Guide: Month by Month (0–12 Months)

If you’ve ever Googled “how much should my baby eat?” at 3 AM, welcome—you’re not alone. Feeding is one of the biggest worries for new parents. Too much? Too little? Too often?

Here’s the truth: there isn’t one perfect number. Babies aren’t robots. Some days they drink more, some days less, and that’s okay. The best thing you can do is watch your baby’s cues—they’ll tell you when they’re hungry and when they’ve had enough.

That said, most babies do follow a general rhythm as they grow. Here’s a down-to-earth guide to what’s typical through the first year.

Newborns (0–1 Month): The Round-the-Clock Snackers

What they eat: Breast milk or formula only.
How often: Every 2–3 hours, day and night.
How much: 1–2 oz at first, slowly working up to 2–3 oz by the end of the month.

💡 Real parent tip: If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll never really know how many ounces they’re getting—and that’s fine. Count wet diapers instead. A couple per day at first, then 5–6+ once feeding is established.

1–3 Months: Settling Into a Rhythm

How often: About every 3–4 hours.
How much: 3–5 oz per feed is common.
Growth spurts: Expect “cluster feeding” (where they want to eat constantly for a day or two). It’s exhausting but normal.

4–6 Months: Still Milk, Maybe Solids Soon

How often: 4–6 oz, about 5–6 times a day.
Solids? Most babies aren’t quite ready until closer to 6 months. Look for signs: good head control, sitting with help, grabbing food, losing that tongue-thrust reflex.

👉 Don’t stress if your friend’s baby starts solids earlier. Your baby’s timeline might be different—and that’s okay.

6–9 Months: First Bites, Big Messes

Milk is still the main meal. Most babies drink about 24–32 oz per day.
Solids: Start with soft foods—mashed avocado, banana, sweet potato, baby cereal. 1–2 “meals” a day is plenty.
What to expect: More food on their bib (and the floor) than in their belly. At this stage, solids are about exploring, not replacing milk.

9–12 Months: Half Food, Half Milk

Milk: 20–24 oz a day (breast or formula).
Solids: About half of their calories now come from actual food. Offer 3 meals + 1–2 snacks.
Finger foods: Tiny bits of what you’re eating—soft veggies, shredded chicken, scrambled eggs, yogurt.

💡 Don’t worry if they play more than they eat. Touching, squishing, and smearing food is all part of learning.

After 12 Months: Little Foodies in Training

Table food: Mostly what you eat, cut small and safe.
Milk: Switch to whole cow’s milk (about 2–3 cups a day), unless your pediatrician suggests otherwise.
Routine: Aim for 3 meals + 2 snacks. Toddlers thrive on a schedule, though they’ll still surprise you with picky days.

Quick Feeding Tips

Growth spurts = hungry baby. Totally normal.
A skipped meal here or there? Also normal. Don’t panic.
Diapers don’t lie: wet diapers = enough food.
Solids before one are “for fun.” Breast milk or formula is still the main source of nutrition.
If you’re ever unsure, check with your pediatrician.

Bottom Line

Baby feeding isn’t about hitting exact ounces—it’s about learning your baby’s rhythm. Some will gulp bottles like champs. Others nibble. Some love solids at 6 months, others take their time.

As long as they’re growing, gaining, and seem content, you’re doing great. So take a breath—you’ve got this.

👉 This version is messier, warmer, and personal—reads like a parent-to-parent guide with credibility but zero robotic polish.

Would you like me to also create a month-by-month “feeding chart” in a simple graphic style (something parents can screenshot/save)? That way you’ll have both the conversational guide and a quick-reference chart.

Feeding Chart for Newborns and Babies