How Often Should I Feed My Baby?

March 19, 2024
While it would be great if instinct alone were enough to tell us when a baby needs to eat, that’s just not the case, even for seasoned parents. New parents commonly ask, “How often should I feed my baby and how much?”
Our expert, Melissa Wallach, M.D., a pediatrician at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, lays out some simple guidelines.
Breastfeeding or Formula Schedule for Your Baby
While every baby is different, remember that a newborn’s belly is tiny. As they grow, they’ll go longer between feedings and can take more milk or formula at once.
The American Academy of Pediatrics lays out these guidelines:
- First month: 1–2 ounces of formula every 2–3 hours, or breastmilk as often as every 1–3 hours (you may need to wake your baby to feed)
- 2–3 months: On average, 4–5 ounces of formula every 3–4 hours, or breastmilk every 2-4 hours (you may need to wake your baby to feed)
- 4–5 months: On average, 4–6 ounces of formula or breastmilk every 3–4 hours (you may need to wake your baby to feed)
- 6–12 months: 6–8 ounces of formula or breastmilk at each of 4–5 feedings a day (breastmilk or formula will continue to be the main source of nutrition, but solid foods can be introduced)
Listening to Your Baby’s Hunger Cues
Some babies may need to eat more often, while others may be content with longer breaks between feeds. Breastfed babies may need to eat more frequently than formula-fed babies, as breastmilk is easily digested and may not provide the same level of fullness as formula.
“During the first few months, it’s important to pay more attention to your baby’s hunger cues than to a feeding schedule,” Dr. Wallach says.
Signs that your baby is hungry include:
- Turning their head toward the breast or bottle
- Sucking on their hands or fingers
- Crying
“It’s best to feed your baby as soon as you notice these cues, rather than waiting for a set time,” Dr. Wallach says.
Introducing Solid Foods
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be introduced to foods other than formula or breastmilk at around 6 months. “But remember that during the first year of life, babies’ main source of nutrition will still be breastmilk or formula,” Dr. Wallach says.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides signs that your baby is developmentally ready for solid foods:
- They can sit up alone or with some support.
- They can control their neck and head.
- They begin to open their mouth when they are provided food.
- They swallow food, not push it out of their mouth.
- They grasp objects like food or toys and bring them to their mouth.
These types of food groups can be introduced to your child:
- Fortified infant cereals, such as oat, barley and multigrain—rather than rice, which can increase the risk of being exposed to arsenic
- Meat or other protein
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Yogurts
- Cheeses
“When starting solids with your baby, introduce a single-ingredient food every couple of days so that you can look for any adverse reaction or allergy,” Dr. Wallach says. “If you introduce multiple ingredients or foods at once, you won’t know what’s causing the reaction.”
Keep offering a variety of nutritious foods, and consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s diet or growth.
“Feeding your baby is not only about providing them with food but also nurturing the bond between you two,” Dr. Wallach says. “Enjoy this time with your baby and embrace each milestone as they grow into healthy children.”
Download our easy guide to keep track of your child's feeding.
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our source: Melissa Wallach, M.D.
- To make an appointment with Dr. Wallach, or a pediatrician near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Learn more about pediatric care at Hackensack Meridian Health
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.