As a new parent, you’ll often find yourself asking, “How often should my baby eat?” And it’s no wonder—babies grow so fast during their first year, doubling or even tripling their size! Their feeding needs change just as quickly, keeping you on your toes.

Whether you’re breastfeeding or using formula, having a clear feeding schedule can make a big difference in supporting your baby’s rapid growth. Questions like, “Am I feeding them enough?” or “When do I start solids?” are totally normal. Don’t worry—we’re here to help with an easy-to-follow feeding chart and tips to guide you through this exciting journey.

Here’s a simple baby feeding chart from 0 to 12 months for easy reference:

This chart covers the typical feeding patterns and amounts during each stage, but remember, every baby is unique! Be sure to follow your baby’s hunger cues and consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.

Newborn Feeding Options

1. Breast Milk 

Newborns often nurse frequently, every 2-3 hours according to AAP, consuming small amounts (1-2 ounces) during each feeding. This pattern evolves, with milk intake increasing gradually. 

It can be challenging to measure precisely how much milk your baby receives while breastfeeding. Instead of fixating on numbers, observe your baby's cues. Adequate intake is often reflected in their wet diapers: expect 2-3 per day initially, increasing to 5-6 after a few days.

The AAP also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth.

2. Formula 

Formula-fed babies typically consume 1-2 ounces per feeding during their first week. By the end of the first month, they’re likely to take 3-4 ounces per feeding. Formula feeding usually follows a more predictable schedule, with babies eating every 3-4 hours. This can help parents manage a more structured routine, though every baby’s needs vary.

0-3 Months Baby Feeding Schedule

In the first 1-3 months, your baby’s growth is rapid, and their feeding schedule revolves around frequent feedings to support this growth. Newborns typically nurse or take formula every 2-3 hours. At the beginning, they will consume 1-2 ounces per feeding, gradually increasing to 2-3 ounces by 2 weeks of age. By 2 months, your baby may consume 4-5 ounces per feeding. Feedings will include night sessions as well, which is typical for this stage. Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, it's crucial to maintain regular intervals to keep up with your baby’s growing nutritional needs.

• Frequency: 8-12 feedings per day (every 2-3 hours)
• Amount: 1-2 ounces, increasing to 2-3 ounces per feeding

3-6 Months Baby Feeding Schedule

From 3-6 months, your baby begins to take in more milk, around 4-6 ounces per feeding. At this stage, feedings are spaced out more—every 3-4 hours during the day. By 6 months, your baby may be consuming 6-8 ounces per feeding. This is also when many parents begin to introduce solids (around 6 months), but breast milk or formula should remain your baby’s primary source of nutrition. Introducing solids is often done in the form of purees and baby cereals, and as they grow, these will increase in texture and variety. The focus during these months is still on ensuring proper hydration and nourishment, with solid food serving as a complementary addition to their milk intake.

• Frequency: 5-7 feedings per day (every 3-4 hours)
• Amount: 4-6 ounces, increasing to 6-8 ounces per feeding
• Solid Foods: Start with 1 meal per day, then gradually introduce more

6-9 Months Baby Feeding Schedule

By 6-9 months, your baby will be getting used to eating solid foods in addition to breast milk or formula. Solid foods should be introduced at around 6 months, starting with purees and soft mashed foods. At this point, your baby will consume around 6-8 ounces of breast milk or formula per feeding, with 4-5 feedings per day. It's essential to maintain a balance of breast milk or formula alongside solids to ensure your baby gets the right nutrients. Expect 1-2 solid meals per day.

• Frequency: 4-5 feedings per day (every 4-5 hours)
• Amount: 6-8 ounces of breast milk or formula per feeding
• Solid Foods: 1-2 meals per day, progressing to 3 meals

Babies who are ready to start solids often display certain signs, such as:

• Sitting up with little to no support
• Having steady head and neck control
• Showing curiosity about food, like reaching for or observing others eating

9-12 Months Baby Feeding Schedule

As your baby nears their first birthday, solid food becomes a bigger part of their diet. By 9-12 months, your baby will be eating a variety of textures, from mashed foods to finger foods. Breast milk or formula will continue to provide essential nutrients, but the amount of milk may decrease as solids increase. You can expect 3-4 feedings per day, each with around 6-8 ounces of milk. Solid meals will include 3 meals a day, with your baby starting to explore self-feeding, possibly using a spoon or eating finger foods.

• Frequency: 3-4 feedings per day (every 4-5 hours)
• Amount: 6-8 ounces of breast milk or formula per feeding
• Solid Foods: 3 solid meals per day

Along with a feeding schedule, having essentials like bibs and washcloths on hand will help manage the mess as your baby starts eating solids.

How to Recognize When Your Baby is Hungry

Babies may not be able to speak, but they have their own ways of letting you know when they're hungry. Once you're familiar with their signals, it’ll be easier to tell when they need a feed. Common hunger cues include:

• Increased alertness or focus
• Crying or becoming fussy
• Smacking their lips or making sucking motions
• Opening and closing their mouth
• Bringing their hands or fists to their mouth
• Turning their head side to side (rooting reflex) in search of the nipple
• Sucking on their hands or fists

Common Concerns About Baby Feeding

Am I feeding my baby enough?

• If your baby is gaining weight, seems satisfied after feedings, and has enough wet diapers, they’re likely getting enough to eat.

Should I stick to breastfeeding or switch to formula?

• Both are perfectly good options. It’s about what works best for you and your baby’s needs. Consult with your pediatrician if you’re uncertain.

What if my baby refuses to eat?

• It’s normal for babies to be picky at times. Keep offering different foods and textures and let your baby explore at their own pace.

How do I know if my baby has a food allergy? 

• Introduce new foods one at a time, and if you notice unusual reactions like rash, swelling, or vomiting, consult your pediatrician immediately.

In Conclusion

Recognizing your baby’s hunger cues and following a feeding schedule is important for their growth. Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or starting solids, trust your instincts and stay flexible. Every baby is different, so find what works best for you and your little one to ensure they’re getting the right nutrition.