Baby Feeding Amount & Frequency Guide by Age

How often and how much should a baby eat?

How much and how often a baby feeds depends on the baby’s needs. The CDC describes early breastfeeds every 1–3 hours and about 8–12 feeds in 24 hours, and the AAP HealthyChildren guide explains how to read hunger and fullness. From around 6 months, solids complement milk (CDC).

Age	Typical feeding pattern	Amount guidance
0–5 months	Early feeds every 1–3 hours, about 8–12 feeds in 24 hours (CDC)	Amount per feed increases gradually; follow hunger and fullness cues
6–11 months	Breast milk and/or formula stays the main source of nutrition while solids gradually grow	Start solids with 1–2 teaspoons; baby’s appetite guides the amount
12–24 months	Appetite shrinks and swings from day to day	Small balanced portions; trust hunger cues

We do not show a millilitres-per-feed number here: published guidance describes amounts per feed as rising gradually with age and led by your baby’s cues rather than a fixed volume. Use the numbers above as a guide, and your pediatrician for anything specific to your baby.

How to use the feeding guide

Enter your baby’s age in months (or date of birth). The guide shows the typical feeding pattern for that stage, what the sources say about amounts, what is worth logging, and the signs that mean you should contact your pediatrician.

A feed count is only one clue. Pair it with the wet diaper checker and weight gain for a fuller picture of intake.

Frequently asked questions

How many times a day should a newborn feed?

The CDC describes early feeds every 1–3 hours and about 8–12 feeds in 24 hours in the first days and weeks. Every baby is different.

How much milk should a baby drink per feed?

The amount per feed increases gradually with age. Follow your baby’s hunger and fullness cues and avoid pressure to finish the bottle; your pediatrician can advise on a specific volume for your baby.

How much food should a 6-month-old eat?

A baby’s stomach is small. Start with 1–2 teaspoons and let their appetite guide the amount, increasing gradually. Breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition from 6 to 12 months.

Is the number of feeds enough to tell if my baby eats enough?

No. Feed count is not the only measure: wet diapers, weight gain, effective swallowing, tone and overall behaviour give a better picture of intake.

When should I contact my pediatrician about feeding?

Contact your pediatrician or a lactation consultant for persistent refusal to feed, hard-to-wake sleepiness, signs of dehydration or sharply reduced wet diapers, and get medical help for repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty during feeds or bluish colour.

Log every feed with Bebblo

Log breast, bottle and solid feeds with volume, time and duration in Bebblo, ready to share with your pediatrician. Free to download, works offline.

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