Baby Feeding Schedule

Age-by-age guidance on how often and how much babies and toddlers eat.

Feeding Schedule Generator

Get age-appropriate feeding guidelines for your child

Child's Age (months)

Quick answer

Newborns feed 8–12 times in 24 hours. Formula-fed babies need roughly 150–200 mL of milk per kg of body weight a day until about 6 months. Start solid foods at around 6 months alongside milk, and from 12 months most toddlers have three meals and two snacks a day.

How to use the schedule

Choose your child's age to see typical feed frequency, amounts and foods. Breastfed babies are best fed responsively — whenever they show hunger cues — rather than by the clock; amounts for formula feeds are a guide, not a target.

WHO, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and the AAP recommend exclusive breastfeeding for around the first 6 months where possible, then introducing solid foods while continuing breast milk or formula.

Feeding guide by age

Typical ranges; every baby is different. Follow your baby's hunger and fullness cues.

Age	Milk feeds	Typical formula per feed	Solids
0–1 month	8–12 a day	60–90 mL	None
1–3 months	6–8 a day	90–150 mL	None
3–6 months	5–6 a day	150–210 mL	None (start at around 6 months)
6–9 months	4–5 a day	180–240 mL	2–3 small meals of mashed or soft finger foods
9–12 months	3–4 a day	180–240 mL	3 meals plus 1–2 snacks
12–24 months	About 350–500 mL milk a day	—	3 meals and 2 snacks of family foods

Frequently asked questions

How often should a newborn eat?

Every 2–3 hours, or 8–12 times in 24 hours. Watch for hunger cues like rooting, sucking motions and bringing hands to the mouth.

When should I start solid foods?

At around 6 months, when your baby can sit with support, has good head control and shows interest in food.

How much formula does my baby need?

About 150–200 mL per kg of body weight per day until 6 months — for a 5 kg baby that is 750–1000 mL spread across the day. Don't force a baby to finish a bottle.

Does my baby need water?

Not before 6 months — breast milk or formula provides all the fluid they need. After 6 months, offer small sips of water with meals.

When can my baby have cow's milk?

As a main drink from 12 months. It can be used in cooking from 6 months.

Talk to your doctor if your baby

Has fewer than 6 wet nappies a day after the first week
Isn't back to birth weight by about 2 weeks, or isn't gaining weight
Vomits forcefully or often, or has blood in their poo
Is very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds

In an emergency call 112 (India) or 911 (US). This tool gives general information, not medical advice.

Sources

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