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Whether you’re nursing or bottle-feeding, you may be wondering how much and how often your baby should be eating. While you should always look to your baby for hunger cues, there are some general guidelines for feeding your little one. It’s important to remember that every baby is different and to always reach out to your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Recommended baby feeding schedule and guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends watching your baby for hunger cues but provides these general baby-feeding guidelines to help ensure your little one gets proper nutrition.
| Age | Feeding Frequency | Amount per Feeding |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | Every 2-3 hours (8-12 times a day) | 1-2 ounces |
| 2 weeks | Every 2-3 hours (8-12 times a day) | 2-3 ounces |
| 2 months | Every 3-4 hours | 4-5 ounces |
| 4 months | Every 3-4 hours | 4-6 ounces |
| 6 months | Every 4-5 hours | Up to 8 ounces |
Premature babies or babies with certain medical conditions may need scheduled feedings, as advised by your pediatrician.
Growing appetites the first 6 months
Every baby has unique feeding needs, and exact breast milk and formula amounts will vary depending on the child. Still, it’s common for babies to increase their formula intake by roughly 1 ounce per month, eventually stabilizing at approximately 7 to 8 ounces per feeding. The introduction of solid foods is typically recommended at the age of 6 months. And keep in mind that as your baby grows, the time between feedings will grow, too, as they will be able to consume more.
Hunger cues
Whether you feed your baby on a set schedule or feed on demand, called responsive feeding, you’ll know when your baby is ready for a meal by watching for these hunger cues:
- Moving head from side to side
- Opening their mouths
- Puckering lips as if to suck
- Bringing fingers to mouth
- Nuzzling against your breast
- Sticking out their tongue
- Becoming extra wiggly
Crying and fussiness are often later cues of hunger, so keep an eye out for the earlier cues so you can feed your baby while they are relatively calm.
Cues your baby is full
Watch for these cues that could be your little one’s way of telling you they are satisfactorily full:
- Closes lips
- Decreases or stops sucking
- Turns head away
- Spits out the nipple
- Falls asleep while feeding
- Becomes distracted
- Pushes away breast or bottle
- Relaxes their arms, hands, and legs
Indications of overfeeding
Babies usually take just what they need, but their tummies are tiny, and occasionally they may overeat. Overfeeding is more common among bottle-fed babies, as breastfeeding demands greater effort. A bottle also gives a baby less control over the amount they are consuming. Some indications of a potentially overfed baby include:
- Frequent spit-up
- Gagging or choking
- Gassiness
- Burping
- Vomiting after eating
To avoid overfeeding, watch for fullness cues. If you have concerns, reach out to your doctor before making any dietary changes.
Can I wake my baby to eat?
While it might be tempting to let your little one slumber, a newborn baby should receive 2-3 ounces of breast milk or formula every 2-3 hours. It’s OK to rouse them for feeding. You can gently pat them, unswaddle them, or change their diaper to wake them up.
How to tell if your baby is getting enough to eat
The amount of food your baby needs depends on their weight, age, and appetite. If you’re pumping and bottle-feeding, it’s easy to track how much your baby consumes. Measuring your baby’s intake can be more challenging if you’re breastfeeding. Here are some ways to tell if your baby is getting enough to eat:
- Five to six wet diapers and two poopy diapers a day
- Appropriate weight gain
- Baby seems happy and relaxed after eating
- If breastfeeding: You can see and hear your baby swallowing, and your breasts feel softer after feeding
New parents are often concerned about their baby’s feeding schedule. But by following these guidelines, responding to your little one’s cues, and discussing your baby’s needs with your doctor, you’ll help your child keep up with their nutritional requirements. And remember, feeding time is bonding time, so try to savor the experience and enjoy those special moments together.
