Newborn feeding schedule

Short answer: breastfed newborns usually feed 8–12 times in 24 hours, about every 2–3 hours, on demand. Formula-fed newborns take about 2–3 oz (60–90 ml) every 3–4 hours after the first few days, working up to about 4 oz every 4 hours by one month and 6–8 oz four or five times a day by six months. Feed on hunger cues rather than the clock.

Breastfeeding: how often

In the first weeks, expect 8–12 feeds a day, counted from the start of one feed to the start of the next. Cluster feeding, several feeds close together, often in the evening, is normal and doesn't mean you're low on milk. Most newborns shouldn't go longer than about 4 hours without a feed until they're back to birth weight; your midwife or pediatrician will tell you when longer stretches at night are fine.

A feed can take 10 to 45 minutes. Offer both sides; it helps to start on the side you finished on last time, since that one was emptied less.

Bottle feeding: how much

A common rule of thumb is about 2.5 oz of formula per pound of body weight per day (about 150 ml per kg), up to a maximum of around 32 oz (960 ml) a day. Babies vary a lot from feed to feed and day to day. Paced bottle feeding, holding the bottle more horizontal and pausing, helps babies stop when they're full.

Hunger cues

• Early: stirring, mouth opening, turning the head and rooting
• Middle: stretching, more movement, hand to mouth
• Late: crying. Calm a crying baby first, then feed.

Is my baby getting enough?

The best signs are steady weight gain at check-ups and enough wet and dirty diapers: after the first week, 6 or more wet diapers a day. See the diaper guide for the day-by-day picture.

When to start solids

The AAP and WHO recommend starting solid foods at about 6 months, when your baby can sit with support, hold their head steady and shows interest in food. Milk stays the main source of nutrition through the first year. Introduce common allergens such as peanut and egg early and one at a time, unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.