Baby Feeding Chart: What to Feed and When, From Newborn to 12 Months
Feeding your baby in the first year can feel like a lot to figure out. A simple, clear baby feeding chart can help by showing how much to feed, when to feed, and what’s appropriate at each stage—from milk-only months to starting solids.
Here’s a quick overview:
0–4 months. Breast milk or formula only; 6–8 feedings/day
4–6 months. Start purees if ready; 1–2 tbsp once or twice/day
6–8 months. Add iron-rich solids; 2–3 meals/day
8–10 months. Finger foods, soft proteins; 3 meals + 1–2 snacks/day
10–12 months. More textures, family foods; 3 meals + 2 snacks/day.
Whether you’re wondering how often a newborn eats or when to introduce baby food, this guide walks you through feeding stages so you can feel more confident and responsive to your baby’s needs.
Baby Feeding Chart
Every baby is different, but most newborns feed about every two to three hours, including overnight. Instead of following a rigid schedule, try to feed your little one based on their hunger cues—like fussiness, rooting, or sucking motions. This flexible approach supports healthy growth and helps establish a comfortable feeding pattern for your newborn.
Our easy-to-follow newborn feeding chart offers general guidance on how often and how much babies may eat during their first year. Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding, the infant feeding chart below can provide a helpful overview. Keep in mind: every baby’s needs may differ slightly, especially during growth spurts or developmental changes.
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 the 1-month milestone, they will need at least 4 ounces per feeding to receive the necessary nourishment.
Use this as a general guide—your little one’s growth, appetite, and fullness cues are just as important. For more details by age, check out the breakdown below. And if you’re wondering how often a newborn eats, skip ahead to How Often Do Newborns Eat.
How Much “Should” a 3-Month-Old Eat?
By 3 months old, many babies start eating more at each feeding and may sleep for longer stretches, sometimes even through the night. This can naturally shift their newborn feeding schedule toward fewer, slightly larger feeds during the day.
How Much “Should” a 6-Month-Old Eat?
At this stage, your baby’s healthcare provider may recommend that 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 to indicate that 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.
Having a flexible infant feeding chart can be helpful as you navigate this stage, but remember: every baby is different. Watch for cues of interest in food and signs that your baby is full.
How Much Should a 7- to 9-Month-Old Eat?
Between 7 and 9 months old, 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 little one 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.
Baby Growth Chart Calculator
Keep an eye on your baby’s average growth by tracking height, weight, and head circumference with our simple tool.
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*Input details of your baby’s last measurements. **Source: World Health Organization
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 them about every two to three hours. Newborns eat little and often.
While a newborn feeding schedule can be helpful, it’s just as important to feed on demand. Look for hunger cues, such as rooting, sucking motions, or increased fussiness. Over time, your baby’s routine may naturally become more consistent.
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?
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. While some babies are ready to drop night feedings, others still wake to eat. Check with your baby’s healthcare provider before changing your infant feeding schedule—they can help you decide whether night weaning makes sense for your baby.
How Often Does a 7- to 9-Month-Old Eat?
Your baby may need fewer daytime feedings, now, about four to six.
At this age, solids begin to play a larger role in meeting nutritional needs. Still, breast milk or formula remains an essential part of their diet.
If you're wondering how often infants should eat as solids increase, the key is balance and paying attention to your baby’s appetite and fullness cues.
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 ensure that their food is cut into pieces small enough for them to pick up and chew without risk of choking. After some practice, they’ll be on their way toward wholesome, independent eating habits.
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.
Your baby may be ready for solids if they:
Can sit with support
Have good head and neck control
Show interest in food.
Start with iron-rich, single-ingredient foods, like iron-fortified baby cereal, puréed meats, vegetables, or fruits. Offer 1 to 2 tablespoons once or twice a day, alongside 24 to 32 ounces of breast milk or formula.
Tips to Help with the Transition to Solid Foods
Introduce one new food at a time, waiting a few days before trying another, to watch for any allergic reactions.
Don’t worry about quantity, this stage is about tasting, not full meals.
Let your baby lead by following their hunger and fullness cues.
Avoid choking hazards by offering soft textures in small pieces.
Consult your baby’s healthcare provider if you’re unsure when or how to start—weaning is meant to be gradual and flexible.
FAQS AT A GLANCE
Breastfed newborns typically need to eat every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times per day. Feeding on demand—whenever the baby shows hunger cues, like rooting or sucking motions—helps ensure they get enough nutrients while establishing milk supply.
The Bottom Line
Your little one’s feeding needs will shift as they grow, and having a flexible newborn feeding schedule can help you stay one step ahead. Tracking mealtimes may also give you more space to enjoy the many little moments that come with each stage.
Remember, every baby is different. If you have any questions about feeding amounts, frequency, or starting solids, your baby’s healthcare provider is your best resource for tailored advice.
And don’t forget—more feedings often mean more diaper changes. Download the Pampers Rewards App to unlock exclusive savings and digital offers on the diapers you’re already using.
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.
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