Baby Feeding Schedule by Age: Newborn to 2 Years

How often and how much your baby eats changes dramatically in the first two years. This guide provides age-appropriate feeding schedules as a starting point, but remember: every baby is different. Follow your baby's hunger and fullness cues.

Content reviewed against published AAP, WHO, CDC guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Key takeaways

  • Newborns eat 8-12 times per day; by 12 months this transitions to 3 meals, 1-2 snacks, and 2-3 milk feeds.
  • Breast milk or formula is the primary nutrition source for the entire first year - solids complement, not replace, milk.
  • Every baby is different - use these schedules as a guide and let your baby's hunger and fullness cues lead.
  • Growth spurts cause temporary increases in appetite that resolve in 2-3 days.
  • By 12 months, most toddlers should be eating family foods in small pieces and drinking from an open cup.

Feeding schedules by age

Newborn (0-4 weeks)

Frequency

8-12 feeds/day

Amount

1-3 oz per feed

Solids

None

Feed on demand. Never let a newborn go more than 4 hours without eating. Cluster feeding is normal, especially in evenings.

1-3 months

Frequency

7-9 feeds/day

Amount

3-5 oz per feed

Solids

None

Feedings may become more predictable. Some babies start sleeping longer stretches at night. Total daily intake is approximately 24-32 oz of formula or equivalent breast milk.

4-6 months

Milk feeds

5-7 per day

Amount

5-8 oz per feed

Solids

1-2 tbsp, 1-2x/day (if ready)

If baby shows readiness signs, solids can be introduced around 6 months (some pediatricians recommend 4-6 months). Milk remains the primary nutrition. Solid foods are for practice and exploration at this stage.

6-9 months

Milk feeds

4-6 per day

Amount

6-8 oz per feed

Solids

2-3 meals/day

Solid food becomes a more regular part of the day. Offer milk first, then solids 30-60 minutes later. Introduce variety including iron-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, grains, and allergens. Progress textures from purees to soft lumps.

9-12 months

Milk feeds

3-4 per day

Amount

6-8 oz per feed

Solids

3 meals + 1-2 snacks

Solids become a more significant part of nutrition but milk remains important. Offer finger foods and encourage self-feeding. Start offering water in an open cup or straw cup. Introduce a wider variety of textures and flavors.

12-18 months

Milk

16-24 oz whole milk/day

Meals

3 meals + 2 snacks

Note

Food is now primary nutrition

Transition from formula to whole cow's milk (or continue breastfeeding). Toddlers eat family foods cut into small pieces. Offer meals and snacks at consistent times. Do not exceed 24 oz of milk per day as it can suppress appetite for food.

18-24 months

Milk

16-20 oz whole milk/day

Meals

3 meals + 2 snacks

Note

Growing independence

Toddlers may become pickier eaters - this is normal. Continue offering variety without pressure. Portion sizes are roughly 1/4 of an adult portion. Appetite varies day to day. Focus on nutrition over the week, not individual meals.

Sample daily schedule: 8-month-old

6:30 AMBreast milk or formula (6-8 oz)
8:00 AMBreakfast: iron-fortified cereal with fruit, or scrambled egg with toast strips
10:00 AMBreast milk or formula (6-8 oz)
12:00 PMLunch: pureed or soft chicken, mashed sweet potato, steamed broccoli
2:00 PMBreast milk or formula (6-8 oz)
5:00 PMDinner: soft pasta with sauce, avocado, yogurt
7:00 PMBreast milk or formula before bed (6-8 oz)

This is a sample only. Your baby's schedule may look different depending on nap times, appetite, and family routines.

General feeding schedule tips

  • Offer milk before solids until 9 months - This ensures adequate nutrition from their primary food source
  • After 9 months, offer solids first - This encourages appetite for solid foods as they become more important
  • Do not force amounts - Trust your baby to regulate their intake; appetite varies day to day
  • Growth spurts mean more hunger - Common at 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months
  • Consistent meal times help - Regular routines help baby learn when to expect food

Frequently asked questions

How often should a newborn eat?
Newborns should eat 8-12 times per day (every 2-3 hours), including overnight. Breastfed newborns may feed even more frequently during cluster feeding periods. Watch for hunger cues (rooting, sucking hands, fussiness) rather than strict clock-watching. In the early weeks, never let a newborn go more than 4 hours without eating.
When should I drop a milk feeding?
Milk feedings gradually decrease as solid food intake increases. Most babies naturally drop feedings between 6-12 months. By 9 months, most babies have 3 meals plus 3-4 milk feeds. By 12 months, many toddlers have 3 meals, 1-2 snacks, and 2-3 cups of milk. Let your baby guide the transition by watching their appetite.
Should I feed on a schedule or on demand?
For newborns, feeding on demand (responsive feeding) is recommended by the AAP. As babies get older and establish patterns (usually by 3-4 months), a flexible schedule can emerge. By the time solids are introduced, having regular meal times helps establish good eating habits, but remain flexible to hunger cues.
How much formula should my baby drink per day?
A general guideline is 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight per day, divided across feedings. Most formula-fed babies take 24-32 oz per day between 2-6 months, gradually decreasing as solids increase after 6 months. By 12 months, formula should be replaced with whole cow's milk (16-24 oz per day max).
My baby suddenly wants to eat more - is this normal?
Yes, appetite increases during growth spurts are completely normal. Growth spurts commonly occur around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. During a growth spurt, baby may want to feed more frequently for 2-3 days. Breastfed babies may cluster feed to increase supply. This is temporary and resolves on its own.

Bottom line

Feeding schedules provide a helpful framework, but every baby is unique. In the first 6 months, breast milk or formula provides all nutrition. From 6-12 months, solids gradually increase while milk remains primary. After 12 months, food becomes the main source of nutrition with milk as a supplement. Follow your baby's hunger cues above all else.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources