Guides · Feeding
3–6 month old feeding schedule: amounts and timing
From 3 to 6 months babies still get all their nutrition from breast milk or formula. Bottle-fed babies typically reach 6–8 oz (180–240 ml) at 4 or 5 feedings a day by 6 months, while breastfed babies keep feeding on demand with gaps that lengthen slowly. Solid foods start around 6 months, once your baby is ready.
What a 3–6 month feeding day looks like
Published guidance is light between 3 and 6 months, so this table sticks to the published figures and says so where none exist.
| Bottle-fed (formula or expressed) | Breastfed at the breast | |
|---|---|---|
| By end of month 1 | At least 3–4 oz (90–120 ml), about every 3–4 hours (AAP) | Feeding on demand; gaps lengthen slowly (AAP) |
| 3–4 months | No fixed figure; most formula-fed babies no longer need a middle-of-the-night feed between 2 and 4 months (AAP) | On demand; no fixed number published |
| By 6 months | 6–8 oz (180–240 ml) at each of 4–5 feedings in 24 hours (AAP) | On demand; per-feed amount keeps rising slowly toward about 4.5 oz at 12 months (AAP) |
| Around 6 months | Solid foods start alongside milk (AAP, NHS) | Solid foods start alongside milk (AAP, NHS) |
Exact amounts: formula amounts by age and breast milk amounts by age.
Build feeds around naps with wake windows
At this age feeds fall naturally around naps. Many parents feed after waking and before the next sleep period. Try the wake window calculator to see how long your baby can stay awake, and our sleep guides for the 3–6 month sleep schedule. Keep feeding responsive: if your baby shows hunger cues earlier than planned, feed.
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Download free →Night feeds at 3–6 months
The AAP says that between 2 and 4 months of age (or at more than about 12 lb / 5.4 kg), most formula-fed babies no longer need a middle-of-the-night feed, although this varies considerably from baby to baby. Breastfed babies are individual too, so follow your baby and ask your pediatrician about weight gain before changing night feeds.
Growth spurts and feeding more often
If your baby suddenly wants more feeds, a growth spurt or a developmental leap may be the reason. See growth spurts and cluster feeding. Offer extra feeds when your baby shows hunger cues; for bottle-fed babies the AAP notes it is better to offer less and give more, since overfeeding is possible.
Is my baby ready for solid foods?
The NHS says solids should start when your baby is around 6 months old, and that three signs should appear together:
- They can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady.
- They can coordinate eyes, hands and mouth to pick food up and put it in their mouth.
- They can swallow food rather than spit it back out.
Chewing fists, waking more at night and wanting extra milk are normal behaviors and are not necessarily signs of readiness. Starting solids will not make your baby sleep through the night. Next step: 6–12 month feeding schedule and introducing solid foods. Ask your pediatrician if you are unsure, particularly for premature babies or if there is a family history of allergy.
Every baby develops at their own pace. This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your baby's weight gain, wet diapers or feeding, talk to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a 4-month-old eat?
No fixed amount is published for 4 months. Bottle-fed babies move from at least 3 to 4 oz per feed at the end of month 1 toward 6 to 8 oz by 6 months (AAP). Breastfed babies feed on demand. Check diapers and growth with your pediatrician.
How often should a 5-month-old eat?
By 6 months a bottle-fed baby may take 4 or 5 feedings in 24 hours (AAP). Breastfed babies keep feeding on demand and feeds lengthen slowly.
When can my baby start solid foods?
Around 6 months, when they can sit and hold their head steady, coordinate hand to mouth and swallow food (NHS). Check with your pediatrician if your baby was born early.
Do 3 to 6 month olds still need night feeds?
Between 2 and 4 months most formula-fed babies no longer need a middle-of-the-night feed, though it varies (AAP). Ask your pediatrician about your own baby.
Related Guides
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