What to Feed Your Baby in the First Year
Feeding your baby in the first year can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right guide, it gets easier. This quick chart breaks down how much and when to feed at each stage—so you can spend less time guessing and more time bonding.
Newborn and Baby Feeding Chart
The amount and frequency of feedings depend on the baby’s age, weight, and stage. Newborns need to eat often to gain weight and grow steadily. As babies get older, they usually feed fewer times each day but take more at each feeding.
Feeding Frequency and Amounts by Age
| Baby’s Age | Typical Amount per Feeding | Number of Feedings in 24 Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 1–2 ounces | 8–12 |
| 2 weeks | 2–3 ounces | 8–12 |
| 1 month | 3–4 ounces | 8–10 |
| 2 months | 4–5 ounces | 6–8 |
| 4 months | 4–6 ounces | 6–8 |
| 6–12 months | 7–8 ounces | 4–6 |
Babies often change eating habits during growth spurts. This can affect how much and how often they want to feed.
When solid foods start at around 6 months, feeding routines may shift. Growth and energy needs also change at this stage.
Feeding Guide for Newborns
Breastfeeding Patterns
Breastfed newborns usually feed every 2 to 3 hours, day and night. At first, babies drink 1 to 2 ounces per feeding.
By 2 weeks, babies may take 2 or 3 ounces each session. If you use a bottle for pumped breast milk, you can track the amount easily.
If nursing directly from the breast, it can be harder to know how much the baby eats. Parents can check if their baby gets enough milk by counting wet diapers.
For the first few days, expect 2 to 3 wet diapers daily. After day 4 or 5, this should rise to 5 or 6 wet diapers a day.
| Baby Age | Ounces per Feeding | Feeds per 24h | Wet Diapers per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 weeks | 1-2 | 8-12 | 2-3 (first days) |
| 2wks+ | 2-3 | 8-12 | 5-6 (after day 4) |
Formula Feeding Routine
Bottle-fed newborns using formula usually eat every 3 to 4 hours. Most take 1 to 2 ounces per feed during the first week.
By the end of the first month, most formula-fed babies take 3 to 4 ounces each feeding. Formula amounts are easy to measure.
A general guideline is to offer about 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight each day. For example, a 7-pound newborn needs about 17 to 18 ounces in 24 hours.
Every baby’s appetite is unique. Watch for signs that your baby is hungry or full.
Helpful Feeding Advice
Newborns may not always wake up when it’s time to eat, especially in the first weeks. If a baby sleeps longer than 4 or 5 hours, wake them to feed.
This helps babies get enough nutrition and keeps feedings regular. Watch for hunger cues like stirring, hand sucking, or lip movements, and respond as needed.
Feeding Guide for 1–3 Months
Between one and three months, babies show stronger hunger cues and may need more milk at each feeding. Most eat every three to four hours, taking around 4 to 5 ounces per feeding.
They may feed about 7 to 9 times in 24 hours. Feed on demand and watch for signs like rooting, sucking, or hands in the mouth.
Breastfed babies may need vitamin D supplements, as suggested by Healthnile. Formula-fed babies might benefit from the formula with added 2’-Fucosyllactose Human Milk Oligosaccharide (2′-FL HMO) for gut and immune health.
Caregivers can track hydration by counting wet and dirty nappies. Expect at least 6 wet nappies and several dirty ones daily.
Always respond to your baby’s cues. Ask a health professional if you have questions about feeding amounts.
Feeding Guide for 4–6 Months
Babies at this age still rely mainly on breast milk or formula. Most drink 4 to 8 ounces per feeding, spaced every 4 to 5 hours.
As they approach 6 months, some may take up to 8 ounces at a time. You can start offering small amounts of solid foods around 6 months—just 1 to 2 tablespoons once or twice a day.
| Time of Day | Breast Milk or Formula | Solid Foods |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 4-8 ounces | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Midday | 4-8 ounces | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Afternoon | 4-8 ounces | — |
| Evening/Night | 4-8 ounces | — |
Babies may not eat on a strict schedule. Feeding on demand works best, so watch for hunger and fullness signs.
Recognizing When Your Baby Wants to Eat
Parents and caregivers can look for signs that a baby is ready to eat. Common hunger cues include:
- Becoming more alert or active
- Making sucking sounds or movements
Babies may also bring hands or fists to their mouth or move their head from side to side, searching for food.
Other signs are opening and closing the mouth, lipsmacking, or fussing (which is a late sign of hunger).
Try to catch these signs early, before fussiness or crying starts. Not all cries mean hunger; sometimes babies need comfort or something else.
Feeding Guide for 6–9 Months
Between 6 and 9 months, breast milk or formula remains the main source of energy. Most babies drink 24 to 32 ounces of formula each day or nurse often, depending on hunger cues.
When introducing solid foods, focus on letting the baby explore new tastes and textures. Offer breast milk or formula before solids to make sure babies get enough nutrients.
Solid foods suitable for this period include:
- Iron-fortified baby cereal (single grain)
- Pureed fruits and vegetables
You can also offer pureed or finely mashed meats, soft finger foods like cooked vegetables or soft fruit, full-fat yogurt, and cottage cheese. Once babies try single ingredients, you can offer simple casseroles.
Tips for offering solid foods:
- Offer solids when the family eats to encourage good habits.
- Focus on iron-rich foods, which are important at this age.
Introduce one new food at a time and wait three to five days before trying another. Watch for any reactions or sensitivities.
Start with smooth, pureed foods. As the baby gets used to solids, slowly increase the texture.
Sample Daytime Schedule:
| Time | Feeding |
|---|---|
| 7:00am | Breast milk or formula (6–8 oz) |
| 8:00am | Iron-fortified cereal or pureed fruit/vegetable |
| 11:00am | Breast milk or formula (6–8 oz) |
| 12:00pm | Pureed or mashed veggies, fruits, or meats |
| 3:00pm | Breast milk or formula (6–8 oz) |
| 6:00pm | Finger foods or small amounts of family meals |
| 7:30pm | Breast milk or formula (as needed) |
Each child is different, so some may eat more or less. Preferences and schedules can change as babies grow.
Feeding Guide for 9–12 Months
Between 9 and 12 months, babies usually drink 7 to 8 ounces of breast milk or formula per feeding, not going over 32 ounces a day.
At this stage, about half of their calories should come from solid foods. The other half should come from breast milk or formula.
Caregivers can offer soft, bite-sized pieces of fruits, cooked vegetables, small pasta, and tender meats. Babies may also enjoy dipping soft foods into yogurt or oatmeal.
Sample Daily Schedule:
| Time | Food Type |
|---|---|
| Morning | Breast milk or formula |
| Breakfast | Soft fruit, oatmeal, or eggs |
| Midday | Breast milk or formula |
| Lunch | Cooked veggies, pasta, tender meat |
| Afternoon | Snack: soft fruit or yogurt |
| Evening | Breast milk or formula |
| Dinner | Combinations of safe, soft foods |
Always check that foods are safe in size and texture. Avoid foods that are small, round, hard, or could cause choking. Let babies decide how much to eat and allow them to explore new foods at their own pace.
Feeding Guide After 12 Months
When children reach 12 months, they should get most of their energy from solid foods instead of formula or breast milk. They can eat small portions of family meals, as long as you cut the food into bite-sized pieces for safety.
A good daily routine has three balanced meals and two snacks. Offer whole milk in a sippy cup during meals and snacks because it provides calcium. Toddlers usually need 2 to 3 cups of whole milk or other calcium-rich foods each day.
| Time | Meal/Snack Suggestion | Beverage |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Breakfast | Whole milk |
| Midday | Snack | Water or milk |
| Noon | Lunch | Whole milk |
| Afternoon | Snack | Water or milk |
| Evening | Dinner | Whole milk |
Feeding your baby in the first year is a journey of learning and adjusting—for both of you. With the right schedule, safe foods, and a little patience, your baby will grow strong and healthy.
Remember, every child develops at their own pace. Follow your baby’s cues, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician if you need support along the way.
