The Complete Newborn Feeding Schedule Guide (0-12 Months)
How often should your baby eat? This comprehensive guide covers everything from newborn feeding frequency to transitioning to solids, with age-specific schedules and expert tips.
Quick Answer
Newborns (0-2 weeks) should eat every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times per day. As babies grow, feeding frequency decreases while the amount per feeding increases. By 6 months, most babies eat 4-6 times per day.
One of the most common questions new parents have is: "How often should my baby eat?"Whether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding, or doing a combination of both, understanding your baby's feeding needs is essential for their growth and your peace of mind.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through feeding schedules by age, help you recognize hunger and fullness cues, and give you practical tips to make feeding time less stressful.
1. How Often Should a Newborn Eat?
Newborns have tiny stomachs (about the size of a cherry at birth!) and need to eat frequently. Here's what to expect:
Newborn Stomach Size
Day 1
Cherry
5-7ml
Day 3
Walnut
22-27ml
Week 1
Apricot
45-60ml
Month 1
Egg
80-150ml
2. Feeding Schedule by Age
While every baby is different, here are general guidelines for feeding frequency:
| Age | Frequency | Amount (Formula) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 weeks | Every 2-3 hours (8-12x/day) | 1-2 oz |
| 2-4 weeks | Every 2-3 hours (8-10x/day) | 2-3 oz |
| 1-2 months | Every 3-4 hours (6-8x/day) | 3-4 oz |
| 2-4 months | Every 3-4 hours (5-6x/day) | 4-5 oz |
| 4-6 months | Every 4-5 hours (4-5x/day) | 5-6 oz |
| 6-12 months | Every 4-6 hours (3-5x/day) + solids | 6-8 oz |
Important Note
These are general guidelines. Always follow your baby's hunger cues and consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about feeding or weight gain.
3. Breastfeeding vs. Formula Schedules
Breastfeeding Schedule
Breastfed babies typically feed more frequently than formula-fed babies because breast milk is digested faster. Here's what to expect:
- Feed on demand, typically every 1.5-3 hours
- 8-12 nursing sessions per day in the first weeks
- Each feeding lasts 10-20 minutes per breast
- Cluster feeding is normal, especially in evenings
- Night feedings are important for milk supply
Formula Feeding Schedule
Formula-fed babies may go slightly longer between feedings:
- Feed every 3-4 hours (6-8 times per day)
- Don't force baby to finish the bottle
- Increase amount gradually as baby grows
- Watch for hunger cues, not just the clock
- Burp baby during and after feedings
4. Signs Baby is Hungry vs. Full
Hunger Cues
- • Rooting (turning head, opening mouth)
- • Sucking on hands or fists
- • Lip smacking or licking
- • Fussing or squirming
- • Crying (late hunger sign)
Fullness Cues
- • Turning away from breast/bottle
- • Closing mouth or lips
- • Relaxed hands and body
- • Slowing down or stopping sucking
- • Falling asleep during feeding
5. Sample Feeding Schedules
Sample Schedule: 1-Month-Old
Sample Schedule: 4-Month-Old
6. Common Feeding Problems and Solutions
Baby seems hungry all the time
This could be a growth spurt (common at 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months). Increase feeding frequency temporarily. If breastfeeding, this helps boost your supply.
Baby falls asleep during feedings
Try undressing baby, tickling feet, switching sides, or burping to wake them. Keep the room slightly cool and lights on during daytime feeds.
Baby spits up a lot
Some spitting up is normal. Keep baby upright after feedings, burp frequently, and avoid overfeeding. See your doctor if baby seems in pain or isn't gaining weight.
Difficulty with breastfeeding latch
Consult a lactation consultant. Try different positions, ensure baby opens wide before latching, and break the seal gently if you need to relatch.
7. When to Start Solid Foods
Most pediatricians recommend starting solids around 6 months, when baby shows these signs of readiness:
- Can sit up with minimal support
- Has good head and neck control
- Shows interest in food (watching you eat, reaching for food)
- Has lost the tongue-thrust reflex
- Can move food to the back of mouth and swallow
Remember: breast milk or formula should remain the primary source of nutrition until age 1. Solids are complementary, not a replacement.
Free Baby Feeding Tracker
Track your baby's feeding schedule with our free printable tracker. Includes space for time, duration, side (for nursing), amount, and notes.
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