A baby's feeding needs change rapidly in the first year of life. Newborns feed 8–12 times per day, while 12-month-olds eat three meals plus snacks alongside breast milk or formula. This guide covers how much and how often to feed your baby at each stage, whether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding, or introducing solids.
Key Takeaways
- Newborns (0–4 weeks) need to feed every 2–3 hours, which means 8–12 feedings per day
- Breastfed babies typically feed on demand, while formula-fed babies take 60–90 ml (2–3 oz) per feeding in the first month
- Solid foods are introduced around 6 months — not before 4 months (WHO, AAP)
- By 12 months, babies eat 3 meals plus 1–2 snacks daily, alongside continued breast milk or formula
- Follow your baby's hunger and fullness cues rather than strict schedules
Newborn: 0–4 Weeks
How often: Every 2–3 hours (8–12 times per day), including at night
How much:
- Breastfed: Feed on demand, typically 10–20 minutes per breast. Newborns cluster feed, especially in the evenings — this is normal and stimulates milk supply.
- Formula: 30–60 ml (1–2 oz) per feeding in the first few days, increasing to 60–90 ml (2–3 oz) by the end of the first week.
Signs of adequate intake: 6+ wet diapers and 3–4 stools per day by day 4, steady weight gain after the initial post-birth weight loss.
Tip: Do not let a newborn sleep more than 4 hours without feeding until they have regained their birth weight (usually by 2 weeks).
1–3 Months
How often: Every 2.5–3.5 hours (7–9 times per day). Night stretches may begin to lengthen.
How much:
- Breastfed: Each feed takes 15–20 minutes. Breast milk intake averages 750–800 ml per day and remains relatively stable from 1–6 months.
- Formula: 120–150 ml (4–5 oz) per feeding, approximately 720–900 ml (24–30 oz) per day.
Development note: Your baby may show more predictable feeding patterns. Some babies begin sleeping one 4–5 hour stretch at night. Do not introduce solids during this period.
4–6 Months
How often: Every 3–4 hours (5–7 milk feeds per day). Solids may begin at 6 months (or 4 months with provider guidance).
How much:
- Milk: 180–240 ml (6–8 oz) per formula feed. Breastfed babies continue on demand.
- Solids (from ~6 months): Start with 1–2 tablespoons of single-ingredient purees or soft foods, once or twice daily. This is for practice, not nutrition — milk remains the primary food source.
Readiness signs for solids:
- Can sit upright with support and hold their head steady
- Shows interest in food (reaches, opens mouth, watches you eat)
- Has lost the tongue-thrust reflex (pushes food out of mouth)
Recommended first foods: Iron-fortified infant cereal, pureed sweet potato, avocado, banana, peas, or iron-rich meats. Use our Food Guide to check safe foods by age.
6–8 Months
How often: 4–6 milk feeds plus 2 solid meals per day
How much:
- Milk: Still the primary calorie source. 600–720 ml (20–24 oz) formula per day, or breastfeeding 4–6 times.
- Solids: Gradually increase to 2–4 tablespoons per meal. Introduce a variety of textures — soft lumps, mashed foods, and finger foods.
Foods to introduce: Proteins (chicken, fish, lentils, egg), dairy (full-fat yogurt, cheese), grains (oatmeal, pasta, toast), and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Introduce common allergens one at a time (egg, peanut, dairy, wheat, soy, fish).
Water: Offer small sips of water from an open cup with meals. No juice needed.
8–10 Months
How often: 3–4 milk feeds plus 3 meals and possibly 1 snack
How much:
- Milk: 500–600 ml (17–20 oz) formula or 3–4 breastfeeds per day.
- Solids: Meals are becoming more substantial — about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food per meal.
Texture progression: Move toward soft finger foods that your baby can pick up with a pincer grasp. Small pieces of banana, cooked carrot sticks, toast strips, scrambled egg. This builds self-feeding skills.
Sample schedule:
- 7:00 — Milk feed
- 8:00 — Breakfast (oatmeal + fruit)
- 12:00 — Lunch (chicken + vegetables) + milk
- 15:30 — Snack (yogurt + banana)
- 17:30 — Dinner (pasta + sauce) + milk
- 19:00 — Bedtime milk feed
10–12 Months
How often: 2–3 milk feeds plus 3 meals and 1–2 snacks
How much:
- Milk: 400–500 ml (13–17 oz) per day. Breast milk or formula remains important but solid food now provides a significant portion of nutrition.
- Solids: Your baby is eating family foods in age-appropriate textures. Aim for variety across protein, grains, fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Transition notes:
- Formula-fed babies can switch from formula to whole cow's milk at 12 months (not before)
- Breastfed babies can continue as long as mother and child wish
- Offer water throughout the day from a cup
- Avoid honey until 12 months (botulism risk)
- Avoid whole nuts, grapes, cherry tomatoes, and other choking hazards unless cut appropriately
Signs Your Baby Is Hungry
- Turning head toward breast or bottle (rooting)
- Opening mouth, smacking lips
- Bringing hands to mouth
- Fussing or squirming — crying is a late hunger cue
Signs Your Baby Is Full
- Turning head away from breast or bottle
- Closing mouth, pushing food away
- Slowing down or stopping sucking
- Getting distracted or losing interest
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
For breastfed babies, the key indicators are 6+ wet diapers per day, regular stool output, steady weight gain along their growth curve, and a satisfied demeanor after most feeds. For formula-fed babies, they should be finishing most of their bottles and gaining weight consistently. Your pediatrician will track growth at regular checkups.
When should I start feeding my baby solid foods?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and most pediatric guidelines recommend introducing solid foods around 6 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that solids can be introduced between 4 and 6 months if the baby shows developmental readiness signs. Always discuss timing with your pediatrician.
How much water should a baby drink?
Before 6 months, healthy babies do not need water — breast milk or formula provides all necessary hydration. From 6 months, offer small sips of water with meals from an open cup. By 12 months, babies typically drink about 120–240 ml (4–8 oz) of water per day in addition to milk.
Should I wake my baby to feed at night?
In the first 2 weeks (until birth weight is regained), yes — do not let a newborn go more than 4 hours without feeding. After that, once your baby is gaining weight well, you can generally let them sleep and feed on demand when they wake. Most babies naturally reduce night feeds between 4–6 months, though this varies widely.
Can I mix breastfeeding and formula feeding?
Yes. Combination feeding (supplementing breastfeeding with formula) is common and can work well. It does not have to be all-or-nothing. Your milk supply will adjust to the amount of breastfeeding you do. Talk to a lactation consultant if you need help finding the right balance.