How Much Should My Baby Eat? A Month-by-Month Feeding Guide

How Much Should My Baby Eat? A Month-by-Month Feeding Guide

As a new parent, one of the most common questions you’ll ask is:
“How much should my baby be eating?”

Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or doing a mix of both, it’s completely normal to worry if your baby is getting enough to grow and thrive. The truth is, feeding needs change rapidly in the first year—and every baby is different. Still, there are general guidelines that can help ease your mind and set you up for success. 👶

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down how much your baby should eat by age, signs they’re eating enough (or too much), and feeding tips every parent should know.

🗓️ Feeding Guidelines by Age (0–12 Months)

🐣 Newborn to 1 Month

  • Feeding method: Breast milk or formula only

  • Breastfed babies: 8–12 times in 24 hours

  • Formula-fed babies: 2–3 oz every 2–3 hours

🔹 Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they need frequent, small feedings. Wake your baby to feed if they sleep more than 3–4 hours in the first few weeks.

🌙 1 to 3 Months

  • Breastfed babies: Still feeding 7–9 times/day

  • Formula-fed babies: 4–5 oz every 3–4 hours

  • Total intake: ~24–32 oz of formula/day

🔹 You’ll notice your baby stays full longer and may begin sleeping longer at night.

🌞 4 to 6 Months

  • Breastfed babies: ~6–8 feedings/day

  • Formula-fed babies: 5–6 oz every 4 hours

  • Total intake: ~24–36 oz/day

  • Solids? Most babies aren’t ready just yet, but some may begin between 4–6 months with pediatrician approval.

🔹 Look for readiness signs for solids: head control, interest in food, and reduced tongue-thrust reflex.

🥄 6 to 8 Months

  • Breast milk or formula: Still primary nutrition

  • Solids: Start with purées like iron-fortified cereal, veggies, and fruit

  • Amount: 1–2 tablespoons of solids once or twice/day

🔹 Offer solids after milk feeds, not as a replacement yet. Baby may drink 24–30 oz of milk daily.

🥣 8 to 10 Months

  • Milk feeds: 3–5 times/day

  • Solids: 3 small meals + optional snack

  • Portion guide:

    • 2–4 tablespoons grains

    • 2–3 tablespoons fruits/veggies

    • 1–2 tablespoons protein

🔹 Milk is still the main food source, but solids become a regular part of the day. Let baby experiment with soft finger foods!

🍽️ 10 to 12 Months

  • Milk: 16–24 oz per day

  • Solids: 3 meals + 2 snacks

  • Encourage self-feeding with bite-sized foods

  • Introduce sippy cups and family foods

🔹 This is the age to transition slowly away from bottles and toward solid meals.

🤔 Signs Your Baby Is Eating Enough

  • Steady weight gain along their growth curve

  • Regular wet diapers (6+ per day) and poop

  • Seems alert, content, and satisfied after feeds

  • Sleeping better and crying less after meals

⚠️ Signs of Overfeeding or Underfeeding

Too much?

  • Frequent spit-up or vomiting

  • Gassiness or fussiness

  • Excessive weight gain

Too little?

  • Fewer than 6 wet diapers/day

  • Constant fussiness or crying

  • Falling asleep too early during feeds

  • Slow weight gain

🧠 Follow Your Baby’s Cues

Babies are born with natural hunger and fullness signals. Look for:

🟢 Hunger Cues:

  • Sucking on hands

  • Rooting (turning head toward breast or bottle)

  • Smacking lips

  • Crying (a late hunger sign)

🔴 Fullness Cues:

  • Turning away from the nipple

  • Slowing down or pausing sucking

  • Spitting out the nipple

  • Appearing sleepy or relaxed

🍼 Breastfeeding vs. Formula: Feeding Differences

  • Breast milk is digested faster, so breastfed babies may feed more often.

  • Formula-fed babies may go longer between feeds due to slower digestion.

  • There’s no one-size-fits-all, but pay close attention to output, weight gain, and satisfaction.

👩⚕️ When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

If you're unsure about your baby's feeding schedule, weight gain, or development, always consult your pediatrician—especially if:

  • Baby isn’t gaining weight

  • Feeding is a constant struggle

  • You suspect allergies or sensitivities

  • You’re unsure when to start or increase solids

🛒 Recommended Tools for Feeding

Find feeding essentials and baby checklists to help simplify your routine on Omomly.com:

  • Breastfeeding trackers

  • Bottle & formula prep tools

  • High contrast flashcards to boost development during feeding

  • Baby care checklists for every stage

👉 Shop Newborn Essentials

❤️ Final Thoughts

Feeding your baby can feel overwhelming at first, but trust that you're learning together. As long as your little one is growing, thriving, and content, you're doing just fine.

Remember: babies are unique. Some eat more, some less. Follow your instincts, your baby’s cues, and consult your pediatrician when in doubt.

Back to blog

Best Sellers

View all