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How much, and how often?

The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics each publish how much and how often babies feed, from the first days to a year. Here’s what each one says for each age, in their own words, with a link to read the rest.

The baby feeding chart, by age

Every baby is different, and both sources say so. As the CDC puts it: “Talk with your baby's doctor or nurse about how much infant formula is right for them.” If you’re wondering whether she’s getting enough, ask your pediatrician.

The first days

Formula

“If your baby is only getting infant formula and no breast milk, start by offering them 1 to 2 ounces of infant formula every 2 to 3 hours in the first days of life. Give them more if they show signs of hunger.”CDC
“Most infant formula-fed newborns will feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.”CDC
“In the first week after birth, babies should be eating no more than about 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 ml) per feed.”American Academy of Pediatrics

Breastfeeding

“Your baby may want to eat as often as every 1 to 3 hours.”CDC

The first weeks and months

Formula

“Most formula-fed infants will feed about every 3 to 4 hours at this age.”CDC
“By the end of the first month: Your baby will be up to at least 3 to 4 ounces (120 mL) per feeding, with a fairly predictable schedule of feedings about every 3 to 4 hours.”American Academy of Pediatrics

Breastfeeding

“On average, most exclusively breastfed babies will feed every 2 to 4 hours.”CDC
“Your baby will breastfeed about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.”CDC

Around 6 months

Formula

“By 6 months: Your baby will consume 6 to 8 ounces (180–240 mL) at each of 4 or 5 feedings in 24 hours.”American Academy of Pediatrics

Breastfeeding

The CDC gives this age no separate line; its next one starts at 6 months.

6 to 12 months

Formula

“Most 6 to 12-month-olds will need infant formula or solid foods about 5 to 6 times in 24 hours.”CDC

Breastfeeding

“Continue to follow your baby's cues and breastfeed when you notice signs of hunger.”CDC

The two use different age bands, so the rows follow theirs. Amounts are as they print them: the CDC in ounces, the AAP in ounces and milliliters.

How much formula at 1, 2, 4 and 6 months?

The AAP’s KidsDoc gives a figure for most months, though its table has no row for 3 months. The others give a range, or none at all.

“Keep in mind that all babies are different. Some like to snack more often, and others drink more at one time and go longer between feedings.” American Academy of Pediatrics
“Be sure to talk with your pediatrician about how often and how much to feed your baby, or if you have any questions or concerns about your baby's health and nutrition.” American Academy of Pediatrics
“The average amount of formula that babies take per feeding is:
Newborn: 1-2 ounces (30-60 mL) per feeding
1 month old: 3-4 ounces (90-120 mL) per feeding
2 months old: 5 ounces (150 mL) per feeding
4 months old: 6 ounces (180 mL) per feeding
6 months old: 7-8 ounces (210-240 mL) per feeding
The amount can vary depending on the baby's weight and if the baby is going through a growth spurt.” AAP KidsDoc (Barton Schmitt, MD)
“Most newborns will eat every 2 to 3 hours, but your baby's pattern may vary (and be perfectly healthy). For the first 2 days, your baby might take in just a half-ounce per feeding, moving up to 1-2 ounces after that.” American Academy of Pediatrics
“If bottle-fed, most newborns eat every 2 to 3 hours; 8 times is generally recommended as the minimum every 24 hours. Babies might only take in half ounce per feeding for the first day or two of life, but after that will usually drink 1 to 2 ounces at each feeding.” American Academy of Pediatrics
“By the end of the first month, most babies consume at least 3 or 4 ounces per feeding, about every 3 to 4 hours. By 6 months old, they may take in 6 to 8 ounces at each of 4 or 5 feedings in 24 hours.” American Academy of Pediatrics
“From birth to 3 months of age, feed every 2 to 3 hours.
From 3 to 9 months of age, feed every 3 to 4 hours.
Infants often set their own schedule by 1 to 2 months of age.” AAP KidsDoc (Barton Schmitt, MD)
“The most amount of formula advised per day is 32 ounces (1 liter). ... Feedings shouldn't take more than 20 minutes.” AAP KidsDoc (Barton Schmitt, MD)
“It's a very concentrated food, so your baby will only need a small amount, about a teaspoonful, at each feed.” NHS
“At birth, your baby's tummy is no bigger than a toy marble (about 1 to 2 teaspoons). By day 10, your baby's stomach grows to the size of a ping-pong ball (about 2 ounces).” USDA WIC Breastfeeding Support

How long should a newborn breastfeed, and on each side?

The NHS and the Canadian Paediatric Society give no minutes; the AAP’s KidsDoc and WIC do.

“Breastfed newborns usually nurse every 2 hours from the start of the feeding to the next feeding so 10-12 sessions in 24 hours is the norm. Over time the feedings space out but this is a slow process.” American Academy of Pediatrics
“How Often to Feed to Bring in the Milk Supply:
Every 1½ to 3 hours for the first month (8 to 12 times per day).” AAP KidsDoc (Barton Schmitt, MD)
“Nurse 10 minutes on the first breast. Then, nurse up to 15 minutes on second breast if your baby is actively sucking. ... Length of Feedings After Milk Supply is in: (by day 8 at the latest)
On the first breast, allow your baby to nurse up to 20 minutes. Reason: to get the high-fat, calorie-rich hind milk.” AAP KidsDoc (Barton Schmitt, MD)
“You should feed your baby between 8-12 times within 24 hours. There is no set time for feedings. They may be 15-20 minutes per breast. They may be shorter or longer.” USDA WIC Breastfeeding Support
“In the first week, your baby may want to feed very often. It could be every 1 to 3 hours in the first few days. Feed your baby as often as they want and for as long as they want. They'll begin to have fewer, but longer feeds after a few days. As a very rough guide, your baby should feed at least 8 to 12 times, or more, every 24 hours during the first few weeks.” NHS
“Every baby is different. Some babies want frequent short feeds, and others prefer feeding for longer, or a mixture of both. Let your baby finish the first breast, then offer the second.” NHS
“In the first few weeks, babies need to be breastfed 8 to 12 times over a 24-hour period. Let your baby set the pace. ... Feed your baby from each breast for as long as she wants and alternate the breast you begin with at each feeding.” Canadian Paediatric Society
“Most newborns feed every 2-3 hours, and they have around 8-12 feeds every 24 hours. ... Sometimes feeds might last up to an hour, especially if your baby is breastfeeding.” Raising Children Network
“Most breastfed infants take 1 oz in the first few weeks, an amount that slowly increases over time. It tops out at rougly 4.5 oz at a year of age.” American Academy of Pediatrics

What they say alongside it

  • “The most important thing to remember, whether you breastfeed or bottlefeed, is that your baby's feeding needs are unique.” (American Academy of Pediatrics)
  • “Babies will generally take what they need at each feeding and stop eating when they are full.” (CDC)
  • Breastfed babies feed to appetite, and nobody measures the volume. That’s why the breastfeeding column has times and no ounces.

Want what the guidelines give for a weight instead of an age? The formula calculator shows the AAP’s and an NHS trust’s figures side by side.

The chart gives a range. Your log gives the last feed.

At 3AM, “every 2 to 4 hours” only helps if you know when the last one was. Bundle of Joy shows how long it’s been since the last feed, on your phone and your partner’s, and the feed timer remembers which side you used.

The breastfeeding timer · Built for night feeds

Sources

Every quote on this page was checked against its source on . Not medical advice, and not a recommendation: for your baby, ask your pediatrician.

More from the sources: Newborn diaper chart · Newborn weight loss and gain · Average newborn weight · Newborn fever · Newborn sleep · Tummy time · Bathing a newborn · Cluster feeding · Infant Tylenol and Motrin dosage · Newborn hiccups · Baby colic

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