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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Feeding Schedule for Babies

Feeding Schedule for Babies

Overview

Experts recommend that newborns be fed on demand. This means that you breastfeed or bottle-feed your infant whenever they show signs of hunger, rather than setting a strict schedule. Newborns follow their feelings of hunger. They eat when they are hungry and stop eating when they are full.

  • In the first few days after birth, you may have to wake a sleepy baby to feed.
  • During the first 2 weeks, babies breastfeed at least 8 times in a 24-hour period. Feedings may last only a few minutes. Over time, they'll get longer and may happen less often.
  • By 2 months, most babies have a set feeding routine. But your baby's routine may change at times, such as during growth spurts when your baby may be hungry more often.
  • At around 3 months of age, your baby may feed less often. That's because your baby is able to drink more milk at one time.

How do you know your baby has had enough to eat?

Babies give cues during feeding that indicate how hungry they are. Pay attention to these cues to help determine when your baby has had enough to eat.

  • A baby who is hungry will latch on to the breast or bottle and suck continuously.
  • A baby who is getting full during a feeding will take longer pauses between sucking.
  • A baby who is full will turn away from the breast or bottle and not want to suck.

The amount of food each baby needs varies. Young babies usually do not take more breast milk or formula than they need.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

Related Links

Jaundice in Newborns (Hyperbilirubinemia) Bottle-Feeding Crying, Age 3 and Younger Growth and Development, Newborn Signs That Your Baby Is Getting Enough to Eat Feeding Your Infant Breastfeeding

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