Newborn and Infant Feeding Schedule and Chart

Navigating newborn feeding schedules can be challenging for new parents, but understanding basic guidelines makes it easier. In the early days, on-demand feeding—feeding whenever your baby shows hunger cues—is essential to meeting their needs. This article provides a newborn feeding schedule with a helpful newborn and infant feeding chart detailing typical amounts of breast milk or formula and how feeding patterns evolve.

Whether your little one’s a newborn, a 3-month-old, a 6-month-old, or even a 1-year-old, read on to find out how much and how often they should eat, and how to adjust their feeding schedule as they grow and develop.

Baby Feeding Chart

It is generally recommended to feed newborns on demand, using their cues—such as fussiness, rooting, or sucking motions—to guide how often they should be fed. Most babies naturally develop a feeding pattern of approximately every 2 to 3 hours, although some may require more frequent feedings, particularly during growth spurts. Refer to our feeding chart below for guidance, but always pay attention to your baby’s hunger signals.

You can even download our newborn baby feeding chart for free by clicking the link below: Download Baby Feeding Chart

How Much “Should” a Newborn Eat?

In the first few days, babies generally only need about ½ an ounce to 1 ounce during each feeding. This gradually increases over time. Formula-fed newborns or babies fed from bottles are able to take in more during feeding than breastfed infants. This allows you to space out feedings by about three to four hours.

As your baby reaches their 1-month milestone, they will need at least 4 ounces per feeding to get the nourishment they require.

Read on to discover the average feeding amounts for newborns, and how much your little one may eat at each stage. And to learn more about how often you’ll need to feed your little one, jump to our section on How Often Do Newborns Eat.

How Much Should a 3-Month-Old Eat?

As your 3-month-old continues to grow, you may notice that they want to eat more during each feeding and begin to sleep for longer intervals at night.

Breastfed Baby

If your baby’s healthcare provider sees that they’re gaining weight and growing at a regular pace, then they’re probably getting the right amount of nutrition.

The number of wet and soiled diapers is also a great indicator as to whether or not they’re eating well. Your baby should have about four to six wet diapers a day.

See your baby’s healthcare provider if you’re concerned that your little one may not be getting enough to eat.

Formula-Fed Baby

You may need to increase the amount of formula you feed your little one to about 5 ounces per feeding. You could also switch the newborn nipple size or style on your baby’s bottles to make it easier for them to drink from the bottles.

How Much Should a 6-Month-Old Eat?

At this stage, your baby’s healthcare provider may recommend you expand your baby’s diet to include solid foods. With these menu additions on the horizon, having a 6-month-old feeding schedule will come in handy!

When a baby is ready to try solid foods, a single-grain baby cereal mixed with breast milk or formula has traditionally been the first solid food to be introduced, followed by pureed vegetables and fruits. However, there's no medical evidence that indicates introducing foods in any special order offers any benefits.

Keep in mind that solids are only a supplement at this stage, and that breast milk or formula is still your baby’s most important source of nutrition. Start with 1 or 2 tablespoons of food per day and continue to include about 32 ounces of breast milk or formula in your 6-month-old’s feeding schedule.

How Much Should a 7- to 9-Month-Old Eat?

At this stage, your little one will roughly need up to 32 ounces of formula or breastmilk per day. Months seven through nine can be a good time to add a greater variety and quantity of solid foods to your baby’s diet.

Purees of meats, veggies, and fruits are recommended at this stage. Introduce your baby to these new flavors as single-ingredient purees then gradually add combinations to their meals. You can try around 2 to 4 tablespoons of solid foods at each meal, which can vary depending on your baby’s appetite.

How Much Should a 10- to 12-Month-Old Eat?

Exploring new textures may now be a big part of your little one’s meals. As they grow, they may begin to self-feed with finger foods such as cut-up bananas, dry cereal, and pasta and even demand certain flavors that they enjoy more.

As you continue to replace breast milk or formula with solids, your baby’s healthcare provider can help determine how to balance out your baby’s meals.

Blends of different foods can be introduced during mealtime and added to your baby’s feeding schedule.

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How Often Do Newborns Eat?

From the moment your baby is born, they begin to grow at a surprisingly quick pace. To fuel their development and keep them well-fed, be prepared to nurse about every two to three hours. Newborns eat little and often.

Although a feeding schedule can come in handy, your little one may let you know when they’re hungry. Feeding your baby on demand is recommended by most experts. Your newborn’s feeding schedule will gradually become more predictable over time.

By the time they’re a week old, your little one may begin to nap for longer periods, giving you more time between feedings. If they’re sleeping, you can maintain your baby’s feeding schedule by gently waking them up when it’s time to feed.

Read on to discover more about how often newborns and infants should eat.

How Often Does a 3-Month-Old Eat?

Breastfed Baby

At 3 months, your baby is becoming more active, may begin to breastfeed less often, and may sleep for longer periods of time at night.

You may have to nurse just six to eight times per day at this stage (or about every three to four hours).

Formula-Fed Baby

You may need to feed your baby formula about six to eight times per day.

How Often Does a 6-Month-Old Eat?

At this stage, your baby may need around 5 feedings. As we mentioned above, it’s best to include about 32 ounces of breast milk or formula per day in your baby’s feeding schedule.

You may be able to start weaning your baby off night feedings; however, every baby is unique. Speak to your baby’s healthcare provider to see if it’s time to cut down on nighttime feedings and to learn what you can do to encourage the process.

How Often Does a 7- to 9-Month-Old Eat?

Your baby may need fewer daytime feedings, now—about four to six.

They may also slowly begin to wean off breast milk or formula as their growing body demands solid foods for nutrition.

There is no correct time to wean off breast milk or formula. Speak to your baby’s healthcare provider to learn more about the cues and signs that can let you know when your baby is ready for more solid foods.

How Often Does a 10- to 12-Month-Old Eat?

Your baby may eat about three to four times per day. Be sure to avoid offering foods that pose choking hazards such as grapes, peanuts, and popcorn.

Finger feeding can be fun for your little one. Always be sure that their food is cut up into pieces that are small enough for them to be able to pick up and chew without being at risk of choking. After some practice, they’ll be on their way toward wholesome, independent eating habits.

Take a look at our video below for some insight into feeding your newborn in those first weeks:

When Do Babies Start Eating Baby Food?

Babies typically start eating baby food around 6 months of age. At this stage, most babies are ready to begin exploring solid foods in addition to breast milk or formula, which should remain their primary source of nutrition.

Signs of readiness for baby food include the ability to sit up with support, good head and neck control, and showing interest in food—such as reaching for food on a parent’s plate. Experts recommend beginning with single-ingredient, iron-rich foods like iron-fortified baby cereal, puréed meats, or soft fruits and vegetables. Introducing solids gradually helps babies develop their taste preferences, textures, and self-feeding skills.

It's important to introduce one new food at a time, waiting a few days before adding another to monitor for any allergic reactions.

Consult with your baby’s healthcare provider if you have questions about the weaning process.

The Bottom Line

As your baby grows and develops, their feeding needs will change. Having a baby feeding schedule at the ready can help you track your baby’s mealtimes and anticipate when they’ll start to be hungry.

This is just one of the ways you can help keep your little one happy and developing well. Having a feeding schedule in place also gives you some extra freedom to spend more time enjoying their many adorable milestones.

Of course, if at any time you have questions or concerns, reach out to your baby’s healthcare provider for personalized guidance and advice.

Before you go, why not download the Pampers Club App to save on your diaper purchases? Because with all those feedings comes plenty of diaper changes!

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}