Baby Feeding Schedule by Age
Feeding intervals change as your baby grows. Use this guide to find your baby's unique rhythm at each age.
1. What is a Feeding Interval?
A feeding interval is the time from the start of one feeding to the start of the next. For example, a 3-hour interval means if you start feeding at 9 AM, the next feeding starts at 12 PM.
2. Feeding Schedule by Age
Newborn to 2 Weeks
| Interval | 1.5-3 hours |
| Frequency | 8-12 times/day |
| Per Feeding | 1-2 oz (30-60ml) |
| Notes | Feed on demand, no day/night distinction yet |
2 Weeks to 1 Month
| Interval | 2-3 hours |
| Frequency | 7-10 times/day |
| Per Feeding | 2-3 oz (60-90ml) |
| Notes | Patterns starting to form |
1-2 Months
| Interval | 2.5-3.5 hours |
| Frequency | 6-8 times/day |
| Per Feeding | 3-4 oz (90-120ml) |
| Notes | Night intervals starting to lengthen |
2-4 Months
| Interval | 3-4 hours |
| Frequency | 5-7 times/day |
| Per Feeding | 4-5 oz (120-150ml) |
| Notes | May sleep 4-6 hours at night, daytime feedings become regular |
4-6 Months
| Interval | 3.5-4 hours |
| Frequency | 5-6 times/day |
| Per Feeding | 5-6 oz (150-180ml) |
| Notes | Time to start solids, night weaning possible |
6-9 Months
| Interval | 4-5 hours |
| Frequency | 4-5 times/day |
| Per Feeding | 6-7 oz (180-210ml) |
| Notes | 1-2 solid meals, milk gradually decreasing |
9-12 Months
| Interval | 4-6 hours |
| Frequency | 3-4 times/day |
| Per Feeding | 6-8 oz (180-240ml) |
| Notes | 3 solid meals as main food, milk becomes supplementary |
3. Recognizing Hunger Cues
It's more important to follow your baby's cues than the clock.
Early Cues (Best time to feed)
- Smacking or licking lips
- Bringing hands to mouth
- Turning head side to side (rooting)
- Opening and closing mouth
Late Cues (Already very hungry)
- Crying
- Red face
- Flailing arms and legs
Feeding before crying makes the process easier for both of you.
4. Extending Feeding Intervals
Intervals naturally extend, but these tips can help:
- Full feedings: A complete feeding leads to longer intervals
- Both breasts: For breastfeeding, offer both sides
- More during daytime: Good daytime feeds extend night intervals
- Distinguish needs: Crying doesn't always mean hunger
5. Breastmilk vs Formula Intervals
- Breastmilk: Digests faster, may need shorter intervals (2-3 hours)
- Formula: Digests slower, may allow longer intervals (3-4 hours)
However, every baby is different, so these are just general guidelines.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. My baby wants to feed too frequently
A. Check if baby is getting full at each feeding. If baby falls asleep mid-feed, they may get hungry again quickly. Growth spurts can also temporarily increase feeding frequency.
Q. Should I force a strict schedule?
A. For newborns, feed on demand. Around 3 months, natural patterns typically emerge. You don't need to strictly follow the clock.
Q. Should I wake baby at night to feed?
A. For newborns up to 2 weeks old or low birth weight babies, wake them if they sleep more than 4 hours. If weight gain is good, there's no need to wake them.