Age-by-Age Feeding Chart for Newborns and Babies (101 Complete Guide)
Feeding your baby is one of the most important (and sometimes overwhelming) tasks for new parents. It’s a non-stop job with no breaks! Whether you’re a first-timer or a pro, knowing what to expect can make a huge difference. That’s why we put together this complete guide with an age-by-age feeding chart for newborns and babies to help you feel more confident.
We’ll walk you through the key concepts, provide a simple week-by-week and month-by-month breakdown, and answer all the top questions parents ask.
Quick Feeding Chart for Newborns Overview:
| Baby’s Age | Breastfeeding Frequency | Formula Amount | Solids (if applicable) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Months | 7–9 feeds/day | 4–5 oz, 6–7/day | None | Babies get more efficient at feeding. |
| 3 Months | 6–8 feeds/day | 4–6 oz, 5–6/day | None | Night feedings may start to drop off. |
| 4–6 Months | 5–7 feeds/day | 5–8 oz, 4–6/day | First foods! | This is when a baby shows developmental readiness like sitting up. Start with iron-rich single-grain cereal or purees. |
| 6–8 Months | 4–6/day | 6–8 oz, 4–5/day | 2–3 meals/day | Offer fruits, veggies, and pureed meats. |
| 8–10 Months | 3–5/day | 7–8 oz, 3–4/day | 3 meals + 1–2 snacks | Introduce finger foods and more textures. |
| 10–12 Months | 3–4/day | 7–8 oz, 2–4/day | Family meals, 2 snacks | Your baby might be ready for cow’s milk after their first birthday. |
Baby Feeding 101: The Must-Know Basics Every Parent Worries About (But No One Explains Clearly)
Before we get to the numbers, let’s nail the basics. The most helpful thing you can do is learn to read your baby’s cues. This is way more important than sticking to a clock.
Consult a Professional: Feeling a little lost or worried? Hey, that’s what a pro is for! Every baby is different, so if you have questions or concerns about feeding your little one, don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician. They’re your best resource and are always there to help.”
Breast Milk vs. Formula
Look, there’s no right or wrong way to feed your baby, and the most important thing is that they’re getting what they need to grow. Whether you go with breast milk, formula, or a mix of both, it’s all about finding what works for you and your little one.
Breast Milk: The Liquid Gold
In the first few weeks, newborns are like little snackers, eating every two to three hours. They only drink about 1 to 2 ounces at a time, but don’t worry, that amount will slowly go up as they get bigger.
If you’re pumping, it’s easy to see how much they’re drinking. But if you’re breastfeeding, it can feel like a guessing game. It’s tough not to know for sure, right?
But you can still tell if they’re getting enough. Just watch their diapers! In the first few days, you should see two to three wet diapers a day. By the time they’re four or five days old, that number should go up to five or six. If those diapers are wet and heavy, you’re doing great!
Formula: The Consistent Choice
Formula-fed newborns usually take about 1 to 2 ounces in the first week. Then, they gradually ramp up to 3 to 4 ounces per feeding by the end of the first month. Formula tends to fill them up a little more, so they often eat every three to four hours. This can make their feeding schedule a bit more predictable, which can be a lifesaver for new parents.
A good rule of thumb is to aim for about 2.5 ounces of formula a day for every pound of your baby’s body weight. But even with a guideline, remember to watch your baby, not the clock. If they seem hungry, feed them. If they start to get distracted or fidgety, they’re probably all set.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend breast milk as the primary source of nutrition for babies. But if breastfeeding isn’t for you, formula is a safe and great alternative. Many parents even do a mix of both!
Smart Feeding Tip
In the first few weeks, if your baby is sleeping for a stretch of four or five hours, it’s a good idea to gently wake them to eat. Their tiny tummies need fuel to grow! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says you should wake a newborn to feed if they don’t wake up on their own. It’s tough, but it’s vital for their early development.
Hunger vs. Fullness Cues
Your baby might not be able to talk, but they’re a total pro at telling you exactly what they need. All you have to do is learn their language! It all starts with their feeding cues.
Think of them as little hints. When they’re ready to eat, you’ll see a bunch of hunger cues, like rooting (turning their head to “hunt” for a nipple), lip-smacking, and sucking on their hands.
And when they’ve had enough? They’ll give you fullness cues, like turning their head away from the bottle or breast, slowing down their sucking, or getting a little fussy. It’s their way of saying, “Thanks, I’m all set!”
Cluster Feeding Explained
Ever feel like you just finished a feeding, blinked, and your newborn is already rooting for more? This can go on for hours! Don’t panic—this is likely cluster feeding, and it’s totally normal. It can be intense, making you feel like a 24/7 human buffet, but it’s a smart move on your baby’s part. They’re often “tanking up” to fuel a growth spurt or preparing for a longer sleep stretch.
Signs Your Baby is Eating Enough
This is probably the number one worry for new parents. The best way to know is by checking for:
- Wet and soiled diapers: After the first week, you should see at least six wet diapers a day.
- Steady weight gain: Your doctor will track this at checkups. Most babies regain their birth weight by the two-week mark.
Signs of Underfeeding or Overfeeding
- Overfeeding: Watch for frequent spitting up, fussiness after a feed, and lots of gas.
- Underfeeding: Signs include lethargy, not regaining birth weight, and consistently having fewer than six wet diapers a day after the first week.
How often should my baby eat?
Look, your baby’s schedule is going to be all over the place for a while, and that’s totally normal. The main thing to remember is what goes in their tummy: breast milk or formula. Both are perfect options, and the best choice is whatever works for your family. Just remember to stick to one of those two—no water, juice, or solids until they’re much older.
How To Tell Your Baby Is Hungry?
Your baby has a secret language for “I’m hungry.” Just look for their hunger cues! They’ll start rooting, smacking their lips, and trying to stuff their hands in their mouth. Try to catch those signs, because crying is always their last resort.
Week-by-Week Baby Feeding Chart (0–8 Weeks): Breastfeeding & Formula Guide
This is the most intense period. Your newborn feeding schedule is a constant work in progress.
Frequency: Expect 8 to 12 feedings a day, which is about every 2-3 hours.
Amount: They start with just a tiny bit. For formula-fed babies, that’s about a half to one ounce per feeding. Breastfed babies get colostrum, a super-nutritious first milk.
Heads up: You’ll need to wake your baby to feed if they sleep for more than three hours. This helps with that crucial birth weight recovery.
Breastfeeding: Still 8-12 times a day. You’ll likely see some cluster feeding, which is good for building your milk supply.
Formula: The amount goes up to 1.5-3 ounces per feeding, about eight times a day.
Key takeaway: Don’t skip those night feeds! They are vital for weight gain.
Breastfeeding: You’ll start to settle into a rhythm with 8-10 feeds a day.
Formula: A typical feeding schedule for a 1-month-old is every 3-4 hours, with about 3-4 ounces per feed.
Question: You might be wondering, “how much should a 4-week-old eat?” The answer is often more than a two-week-old, especially with a growth spurt!
Frequency: Feeds might drop to 7-9 times a day.
Amount: Formula-fed babies will be taking about 4 ounces per feed.
Good news: Some babies start sleeping a little longer at night. Hallelujah!
Month-by-Month Baby Feeding Chart by Age (2–12 Months)
Start small, with just a tablespoon or two of purees twice a day. Even with these fun new tastes, their main source of nutrition is still breast milk or formula. A feeding schedule for a 6-month-old with solids means they’re still drinking a lot—up to 8 ounces every four or five hours!
Baby Feeding Chart by Weight: How Much to Feed Your Little One
Feeling lost in the numbers game? This feeding chart for newborns and babies can help! A good rule of thumb is that your baby should generally drink about 2.5 ounces of formula a day for every pound of their body weight.
But honestly, that’s just a starting point. Your little one is a pro at telling you what they need, which is the most important part of any newborn feeding schedule. They’ll let you know when they’re full by getting fidgety or easily distracted. If they drain the bottle and keep smacking their lips, they’re probably still hungry!
Just remember to keep an eye on the total amount. A good max to aim for is 32 ounces in 24 hours. If your baby consistently seems to want a lot more (or a lot less), check in with your pediatrician.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a newborn eat per feeding?
A newborn’s stomach is very tiny, so they eat small amounts frequently. In the first few days, they may only take in 0.5 to 1 ounce per feeding. By two weeks, this amount typically increases to 1.5 to 3 ounces as their stomach grows.
Is it normal for a baby to eat every hour?
Yes, it is completely normal for a baby to eat every hour, especially during the first few weeks. This is often a sign of cluster feeding, where a baby feeds in short, frequent bursts to get more calories or to increase a parent’s milk supply.
Can I overfeed my newborn?
It is difficult to truly overfeed a newborn, especially if you are watching for their cues. Signs of overfeeding often include frequent spitting up, fussiness after a feeding, and gassiness. Instead of giving them a strict amount, it’s best to respond to their hunger and fullness cues.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
The best way to know if your baby is eating enough is by watching their output and weight gain. Look for at least 6 wet diapers a day after the first week and for them to be gaining weight steadily, especially after they have regained their birth weight.
Should I wake my newborn to feed?
Yes. For the first few weeks, it’s important to wake a newborn to feed if they sleep for more than 4 to 5 hours at a time. This ensures they get the calories they need to grow and regain their birth weight.
Can I give water to my newborn?
No, you should not give water to a newborn. Breast milk or formula provides all the hydration and nutrients they need. Giving a newborn water can be dangerous and may interfere with their ability to absorb nutrients.
What is cluster feeding and how long does it last?
Cluster feeding is when a baby feeds more frequently and in shorter bursts over a few hours. It is a completely normal behavior, often associated with a growth spurt or a way for the baby to “tank up” before a longer sleep stretch. It usually only lasts for a few days to a week.
When can I start solids for my baby?
You should wait until your baby is developmentally ready, which is typically around 6 months of age. Signs of readiness include being able to sit up with support, having good head and neck control, and showing interest in food.
Conclusion
Figuring out the newborn feeding schedule can feel like a big puzzle. The biggest takeaway? Trust your gut and your baby’s cues. This baby feeding chart is a tool, but your baby is the real expert. Remember that every parent-baby journey is unique. You’re doing a great job, and with a little time, you’ll feel like a pro.
Sources:
- How Often and How Much Should Your Baby Eat? American Academy of Pediatrics. 2024.
- How much and how often to feed infant formula? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024.
- The role of two human milk oligosaccharides, 2′-fucosyllactose and lacto-n-neotetraose, in infant nutrition. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2019.
- An Expert Panel Statement on the Beneficial Effects of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) in Early Life and Potential Utility of HMO-Supplemented Infant Formula in Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy. J Asthma Allergy. 2021.
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023.
- First bites—why, when, and what solid foods to feed infants. Front Pediatr. 2021.
- How Much and How Often to Breastfeed. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2025.
- Choking Hazards. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024.
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans. US Department of Agriculture. 2020.
