Baby Feeding Chart, Schedule, Tips: What to Feed and When?
Feeding a baby isn’t just about burp clothes and bottles—it’s a whole journey. And if you are in the thick of it, wondering when to feed, how much to offer, or when to start solids, a baby feeding chart can be a lifesaver! It gives you a clear idea of what your little one needs at each stage, from those sleepy newborn days to the solid-munching months.
However, when it comes to feeding babies, there’s no guaranteed simple approach. Some days, your baby will gulp down milk like a champ, and other times, they will turn away like you just offered them spinach for dinner. And that’s normal. Still, having a general guide helps you stay on track, spot patterns, and ease some of that new-parent anxiety.
In this article, we are going to break it all down—breastmilk, formula, bottles, first foods, and everything in between. You will find sample feeding schedules, tips, answers to common questions, and clear feeding charts by age.
Whether you are exclusively breastfeeding, formula feeding, or offering your baby a bit of both, this guide is built to help you feel more confident and a little less googly-eyed at 3 a.m.
So let’s dive into your baby’s feeding journey—step by step, month by month, with a chart to match.
Baby Feeding Chart, Schedule, Tips: What to Feed and When?
A baby feeding chart is simply a visual guide or schedule that shows what and how much your baby should be eating at different stages of their growth—from the first few days to the first year. It includes milk intake (whether breastmilk or formula), how often to feed, and when to introduce solids.
Instead of guessing if your baby is eating “enough” or wondering what’s normal at 4 months versus 8 months, a feeding chart helps take out the guesswork. Of course, every baby is different, but having a general guide makes life easier, especially when you’re overwhelmed, tired, or just failing to stay consistent.
After going through our baby feeding chart below, you will always know what to feed and when. So, let’s get on with it!
Complete Baby Feeding Chart by Age (0–12 Months)
Here’s a complete infant feeding chart to guide you through the first year. It covers both breastfeeding, formula feeding, and the transition to solids!
This table doubles as a practical formula feeding chart and a how much breastmilk should a newborn eat chart. It’s not set in stone—just a useful starting point.
And for those looking for something printable or shareable, we’ve included a downloadable 6 to 12 months baby food chart PDF later in this article.
Important Considerations
– Individual Needs: Every baby is different. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and adjust feeding amounts and frequency accordingly.
– Allergies: Introduce new foods one at a time to watch for any allergic reactions.
– Consult Your Pediatrician: This chart is a general guide, always seek personalized advice from your pediatrician.
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Feeding Basics for New Parents
Now that you have had a look at the full baby feeding chart, let’s break down some core baby feeding concepts just in case it’s your first time caring for a newborn baby.
Charts are helpful, yes, but understanding why babies eat the way they do (and what your other options are) will make it easier to adapt to real-life situations. Because let’s be real, no baby follows a chart perfectly.
What are the 3 main feeding methods?
There are three primary ways parents feed their babies:
- Breastfeeding
- Formula feeding
- Combination feeding
All three baby feeding methods are valid, and what you choose (or end up doing) depends on your own body, your baby, your schedule, and sometimes just what works in the moment. There’s no single right answer—just what keeps your baby fed and thriving!
Feeding Breastmilk
Breastfeeding can feel like the most natural thing… until you are actually doing it at 2 a.m. with cracked nipples and a baby who won’t latch. The truth is that feeding breastmilk can be really beautiful and beneficial for your baby, but also physically and emotionally demanding for you.
Some parents nurse directly at the breast, while others choose to pump and bottle-feed. There’s also the option of using donor milk in a few cases. However you deliver it, breastmilk offers balanced nutrition, immune support, and easy digestion, which is important during the early weeks when your baby’s digestive system is still developing.
In the beginning, babies usually feed every 2 to 3 hours. And if you are wondering exactly how much breastmilk should a newborn eat, you will find that the amounts increase consistently as your baby’s tummy grows. We will cover that in detail in the coming sections.
All you should remember is that you don’t need to follow strict rules—just respond to your baby’s hunger cues and find a rhythm that works for both of you.
Formula Feeding
If breastfeeding isn’t your chosen path—by choice or circumstance—formula feeding is a completely valid and safe option. It is nourishing, regulated, and widely used by millions of families around the world.
The best formula for babies will depend on your baby’s tolerance, dietary needs, and your pediatrician’s advice. Some babies thrive on standard cow’s milk-based formulas, while others may need sensitive or hypoallergenic versions!
You’ll typically start with formula milk for baby 0-6 months quantity, which is specially formulated for newborns. These formulas are designed to support growth, digestion, and brain development in the first six months. As a general rule, newborns begin with 1.5–3 oz per feed and gradually increase to 6–8 oz by 4–6 months.
Keep in mind that formula feeding also brings its own rhythm: bottle prep, cleaning, and tracking feed amounts. But for many parents, it brings more predictability and flexibility to daily life.
Combination Feeding
Combination feeding, also known as mixed feeding, is when you use both breastmilk and formula to feed your newborn baby. This method often helps parents who are transitioning back to work, dealing with low milk supply, or simply looking for a balanced approach.
For instance, you might nurse your baby in the morning and evening, then offer bottles of formula during the day. Or you might breastfeed and supplement with formula only when needed. There’s no set formula (pun intended), just what works best for you and your baby.
It also allows other caregivers to help with feeding, which can be a huge relief and bonding opportunity for partners and family members. The key with combination feeding is to monitor how your baby responds.
Some babies move between breast and bottle easily, while others may need time to adjust. Either way, what matters most is that your baby is growing well and staying happy and full.
How Many Baby Bottles Do I Need?
One of the most common questions new parents ask is, “How many baby bottles do I need?” The answer depends on how you are feeding your baby and how often you’re okay with doing dishes.
– If You’re Exclusively Bottle-Feeding (Formula or Breastmilk):
You will liked need 8 to 10 baby bottles. This gives you enough for a full day of feeds without needing to wash and sterilize bottles constantly. Newborns usually eat every 2-4 hours, so having a good rotation of clean bottles saves time and stress, especially during night feeds.
– If You’re Breastfeeding and Only Occasionally Bottle-Feeding:
You can probably get by with 4 to 6 bottles. These will come in handy if you are pumping, heading back to work, or just need someone else to take over a few feeds. Even if you breastfeed most of the time, having bottles on standby is still a smart idea.
What Size Bottles Should You Get?
0–3 months: Start with 4 oz bottles
3–12 months: Switch to or add 8-oz bottles as your baby’s appetite grows
Most parents end up with a mix of both. If you’re using formula milk for baby 0–6 months quantity, the smaller bottles are perfect in those early weeks.
Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms
If you have chosen to breastfeed your baby, you are doing great! It’s because breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for infants, providing a complete and tailored blend of nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors essential for healthy development.
But if I am being honest, for something that’s described as “natural,” breastfeeding can be anything but easy at first. The good news? A few practical breastfeeding tips can go a long way in making the experience smoother for both you and your baby.
1. Learn the Hunger Cues Early
One of the most helpful things to learn about the infant feeding schedule is how to spot when your baby is hungry before the crying starts!
Rooting (turning head side to side), sucking on hands, or making lip-smacking sounds are all signs your baby is ready to feed. Feeding early makes latching easier and keeps things calm for everyone.
2. Don’t Stress About the “Perfect” Latch—But Work on It
A good latch means more milk for your baby and less nipple pain for you. If your baby is latched well, you won’t hear clicking, and your nipple will look rounded (not pinched) after feeding.
In case you’re struggling with breastfeeding, don’t wait—ask a lactation consultant or your pediatrician for guidance. Getting support when it’s needed can make a huge difference.
3. Feed Often, Not on a Strict Clock
In the first few weeks, breastfed babies typically eat every 2 to 3 hours. But don’t panic if it’s more frequent during growth spurts or cluster feeding days. It’s exhausting, but also normal.
Remember, breastmilk is digested faster than formula, so frequent feeding is part of the deal.
4. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well Yourself
Your body is working hard to make milk, so it’s important for you to take care of your dietary needs as well.
Keep a water bottle nearby, eat balanced meals, and try not to skip snacks. Taking care of yourself helps you take better care of your baby.
5. Pumping Is Breastfeeding, Too
No matter if you are exclusively pumping or doing it part-time, it still counts as feeding breastmilk. Use a good-quality pump, try to stick to a schedule, and don’t feel guilty for not nursing directly. Do what works for your body as well as your routine!
Breastfeeding isn’t easy and can take time to feel comfortable. Don’t compare yourself to other mothers, and never hesitate to ask for help. Every feed is a win, whether it’s two minutes or twenty.
6. Keep Your Baby Close
In the early weeks, skin-to-skin contact helps boost milk supply and encourages natural feeding behavior. Holding your baby close between feeds—not just during—can make them more relaxed and ready to latch when the time comes.
7. Night Feeds Help Your Supply
It might feel unfair, but your body actually produces more prolactin (the milk-making hormone) during the night. So while those 3 a.m. feeds might feel really brutal, they play a big role in establishing and maintaining your baby’s milk supply. So, try to nurse or pump at least once overnight in the early weeks.
8. Track Feeds, but Don’t Obsess
Infant feeding chart, apps, notes, timers—it’s easy to get lost in tracking everything. Try not to be obsessed with the tracking. Instead, let your body get used to the rhythm of feeding your newborn!
Still, it’s fine to log feed times and durations early on, but don’t stress if you miss one. As long as your baby is having enough wet diapers and gaining weight, you are on the right track!
Now that you have a better understanding of how feeding works, whether it’s breastfeeding, formula, or both, let’s talk about what feeding looks like in real time.
The first few months with a newborn are all about figuring out how much, how often, and what’s normal when it comes to feeding. This next part will walk you through exactly that, starting with the newborn phase: 0 to 3 months.
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Formula Feeding Guide
You are not alone if you’re formula feeding your baby. Plenty of parents go this route, and it can be as nourishing and bonding as any other method.
What to know about Formula Feeding?
Unlike breastfeeding, where your baby’s intake can vary naturally, formula feeding allows for more measured quantities. While you’re likely to use a formula feeding chart to track ounces by age, remember that babies are not robots. Their appetite can shift with teething, physical activity, and growth spurts.
Most babies drink:
- 2–3 oz per feed during the first weeks
- 4–6 oz per feed by 2–4 months
- Up to 8 oz per feed, closer to 6 months
Spacing between feeds also increases with age—every 3–4 hours is common.
Best Formula for Breastfed Babies
In case you’re wondering, “What is the best formula for breastfed babies?” look for the ones that are usually labeled “gentle” or closer to breastmilk.” These formulas tend to be easier on digestion and can help minimize fussiness or gasiness during the transition.
Always consult your pediatrician before switching types, especially if your baby shows signs of allergy or discomfort.
Newborn Feeding (0 to 3 months)
The first three months of your baby’s life are all about bonding, growth, and adjusting to a whole new world—on both sides! Feeding during this stage can feel constant, because it kind of is.
Whether you are giving baby milk through breastfeeding or formula, your newborn’s tiny tummy needs small, frequent feeds around the clock.
How Much Should a Newborn Eat?
In the very beginning, your baby’s stomach is about the size of a cherry, so they don’t need a lot, but they need it often. Here’s the general idea of how much to expect:
- Day 1–3: 0.5 to 1 oz (15–30 ml) per feed
- Day 4–7: 1–2 oz (30–60 ml)
- Week 2 to 1 month: 2–4 oz (60–120 ml)
- By 2–3 months: 4–5 oz (120–150 ml) per feed
This applies to both breastmilk and formula. If you’re breastfeeding, your baby will naturally regulate their intake, and that’s okay—even if it looks different than bottle-feeding amounts.
How Often Do Newborns Eat?
Newborns usually eat every 2 to 3 hours, which adds up to about 8 to 12 feeds in 24 hours. It might feel like your baby just ate 5 minutes ago, and that’s completely normal. Their bodies are growing rapidly, and as a result, the milk is digested quickly!
During growth spurts (around 7 to 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks), babies may feed even more frequently. This doesn’t mean you don’t have enough milk; it just means your tiny star’s appetite is ramping up, and your supply is adjusting to meet it.
What are some tips to keep in mind?
– Don’t expect a schedule yet.
It is tempting to create a neat newborn feeding schedule, but in the first few weeks, newborns are unpredictable. Feed on demand instead of by the book. Patterns will come later. Right now, responsiveness is key.
– Expect feeding marathons
Some newborns nurse for 30 minutes, while others snack for 5. Both are normal.
Your baby might cluster feed in the evening and sleep longer stretches later. This isn’t a flaw; it’s just how newborns regulate growth.
– Spit-up isn’t always a problem.
A little spit-up after a feed is usually harmless. As long as your baby seems content, gaining weight, and not forcefully vomiting after every feed, it is more of a laundry issue than a health one.
– Burping isn’t optional, it’s essential.
Your baby’s digestive system is still figuring things out. Always pause mid-feed and after feeding to burp. If you are using baby milk from a bottle, give different positions a try (sitting upright, across your lap, over the shoulder) to see what helps most.
– Poop and gas will rule your life temporarily.
When raising your newborn baby, it’s normal to obsess over dirty diapers at this stage. Gas, grunts, and squirming mid-feed? It’s totally common, too. Leg bicycles. Gentle tummy massage and holding the baby upright for 15 minutes after feeding can help ease it.
– Watch for signs of swallowing.
If you’re breastfeeding and can’t see ounces, tune into the sound of swallowing. Rhythmic suck-swallow-breathe patterns tell you they are getting milk, even if it’s hard to measure.
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Feeding Baby First Foods 4-6 months
By the time your baby reaches 4 to 6 months, things start to shift. They are becoming more alert, more active, and more curious about what’s on your plate. This is the stage when many parents start asking: “When do babies start eating baby food? And how do I even begin?”
When can babies eat baby food?
Most babies are ready to start their first food between 4 to 6 months, but readiness depends on development, not just age. Here are a few signs your baby may be ready to try something other than milk:
- They can sit up with minimal support.
- They have good head and neck control.
- They show interest in your food (reaching, staring, trying to grab).
- The tongue-thrust reflex (pushing food out) is fading.
- They can move food to the back of their mouth and swallow.
If your baby isn’t quite there yet at 4 months, don’t rush it. Some babies aren’t ready until closer to 6 months, and that’s totally okay.
Starting to Feed Baby First Foods
The first foods are about experience, not nutrition. Your baby will still get most of their nutrients from baby milk (breastmilk or formula). Solids are just beginning to support that.
Here are safe and simple baby first foods that are gentle on tiny tummies:
- Single-grain baby cereal (like oatmeal or rice) mixed with breastmilk or formula
- Steamed and blended vegetables (carrot, sweet potato, pumpkin)
- Mashed banana or avocado
- Pear or apple puree
- Unsweetened plain yogurt (closer to 6 months)
Remember to start slow—once a day, a few spoonfuls at a time. Make sure you use a soft-tipped spoon, and expect more mess than success at first. For starters, this is about exploration, not volume.
Tips for Introducing Solids
– Pick the right time of day when your baby is alert but not starving. Mid-morning or early evening often works well.
– Stick to one new food at a time every 3–4 days. This helps you spot any allergies or sensitivities. Don’t expect them to love it right away. It might take 5–10 tries before a baby accepts a new flavor or texture.
– Avoid honey, salt, sugar, and cow’s milk at this stage. Those can come later.
– Keep offering milk as their primary nutrition. Think of solids as practice runs for now.
This stage is less about feeding goals and more about letting your baby explore. It’s messy, slow, and totally worth it.
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Feeding at 6 to 9 Months
By six months, your baby is starting to get the hang of eating solids, and this phase is where meals begin to look a little more like real food. While baby milk is still their main source of nutrition, they will now start exploring flavors, textures, and even feeding themselves with those adorable, clumsy hands.
What Does a 6 Month Old Feeding Schedule Look Like?
At this point, your 6 month old feeding schedule might involve about four to five milk feeds during the day, with one or two small solid meals in between. There is no need to follow a strict clock; just focus on the rhythm.
Some babies are eager to try food right after waking, while others do better mid-morning or in the evening. Let your baby guide you. If they are showing interest in what’s on your plate, reaching for spoons, or opening their mouth when offered food—they are ready for more!
Textures and Flavors Expand
Your baby’s palate is now ready for more than just smooth purées. This is the time to introduce variety, not just in flavors but in consistency. Think mashed lentils, soft scrambled eggs, or tiny pieces of ripe bananas.
Moreover, you can start offering iron-rich options like soft tofu, finely shredded meat, or mashed beans. These count as more advanced versions of baby food, designed not just to fill but to fuel growth.
They may gag a little or make faces. That’s part of the process. Eating is a skill, and like all skills, it takes repetition.
How Much Baby Milk Do They Still Need?
Even with solids, baby milk remains central to their diet. Most babies between 6 to 9 months still need around 24 to 32 ounces of milk each day. Some will naturally start dropping one milk feed as solid intake increases, but you don’t need to rush it.
You’ll notice changes: some days, they’ll want more solids and less milk; other days, it’s the opposite. That’s normal. Let their appetite lead, not a rigid schedule.
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Feeding at 9–12 Months
By 9 to 12 months, your baby will start to eat like… well, a mini human. Their eating skills improve, hunger grows, and food becomes more than a tasting experience—it becomes fuel.
You will notice their feeding routine starts to align more with traditional mealtimes, and you might even catch yourself Googling, “When do babies stop drinking formula?” (Don’t worry, we will get to that.)
What a 10 Month Old Feeding Schedule Might Look Like?
At this age, most babies are on three solid meals a day, often with one or two small snacks in between. This is how your feeding schedule at 9 to 12 months look like:
– Morning: Milk feed + breakfast
– Midday: Lunch + a milk feed or water
– Afternoon: Light snack or fruit
– Evening: Dinner + milk before bed
Some babies still take a bottle or breastfeed mid-morning or after naps, and that is okay. There is no perfect answer to the question “How often to feed newborn?” The only thing that matters is your baby being full, happy, and growing strong.
When Do Babies Stop Drinking Formula?
Most babies stop drinking formula around their first birthday. Around 12 months, you will typically start transitioning to cow’s milk (or a pediatrician-approved alternative like almond or oat milk). But until then, baby milk remains a major part of their daily intake.
If you’re breastfeeding, you can continue as long as it works for you and your baby. If you’re using a formula, begin to introduce the idea of cups and mealtime milk instead of bottle feeds as you get closer to that first birthday milestone.
What Changes at This Stage?
This stage is all about independence. Your baby might want to hold the spoon, feed themselves finger foods, or drink from a sippy or open cup. Embrace the mess; this is how they learn.
– It’s also a good time to:
– Introduce mild spices and herbs (no salt or sugar) to help develop their palate.
– Start offering more protein: cooked eggs, finely shredded chicken, soft beans, and tofu.
– Let them try more textures and chewable foods. Many babies can handle small pieces of soft-cooked veggies or ripe fruits now.
– Offer milk after meals, rather than before, to encourage solid food intake.
Your baby is well on their way to joining you at the family table. You’ve made it through the around-the-clock feeds, and now you’re guiding them toward real eating habits, one bite at a time.
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Wrapping Up
Feeding your baby in the first year is a journey full of questions, growth, and trial-and-error moments. Some days will feel smooth, others a bit chaotic—and that’s all part of it.
Whether you’re nursing, formula feeding, starting solids, or doing a mix of it all, what matters most is that your baby is nourished, loved, and thriving in their own time.
There’s no one perfect baby feeding chart that fits every baby. But with a little guidance, a lot of instinct, and a healthy dose of flexibility, you’ll figure out what works best for yours. You’ve got this!