Baby Feeding Schedule by Age 0-12 Months
baby feeding schedule by age 0-12 months guidance helps parents create calm routines from the newborn stage to the first birthday. Below you’ll find simple charts for breast, formula, and solids that fit real life. Every baby is unique—use these ranges as flexible guideposts and partner with your pediatrician for individualized advice.
Feeding Charts by Age (baby feeding schedule by age 0-12 months)
These ranges reflect common patterns for healthy full-term babies in the U.S. Always follow hunger/fullness cues. For questions about growth, supply, or health needs, consult your pediatrician or an IBCLC.
0–3 Months — Newborn rhythm (baby feeding schedule by age 0-12 months)
- Breastfeeding: ~8–12 feeds in 24 hours (every 2–3 hours, nights included).
- Formula: start ~2–3 oz (60–90 ml) per feed; ~24–32 oz (710–950 ml)/day by 3 months.
- Watch for: steady diaper output & weight gain. Cluster feeding & night wakings are normal.
4–6 Months — Transition window (baby feeding schedule by age 0-12 months)
- Breastfeeding: ~6–8 feeds/24h.
- Formula: ~24–32 oz/day across 5–6 feeds.
- Solids (when ready): ~1–2 tsp → 1–2 Tbsp, 1–2×/day (iron-fortified cereal, puréed meats/beans, veggies, fruit).
7–9 Months — Building textures (baby feeding schedule by age 0-12 months)
- Breastfeeding: ~5–7 feeds/day.
- Formula: ~24–30 oz/day as solids increase.
- Solids: 2–3 small meals/day; move toward thicker purées & very soft finger foods. Offer sips of water with meals.
10–12 Months — Toward family foods (baby feeding schedule by age 0-12 months)
- Breastfeeding: ~3–5 feeds/24h based on preference.
- Formula: ~16–24 oz/day as solids provide more calories.
- Solids: 3 meals + 1–2 snacks; transition toward family foods (soft, pea-size pieces). Keep iron-rich options daily.
| Age | Breastfeeding | Formula | Solids |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months | 8–12 feeds/24h | ~24–32 oz/day by 3m | Not yet |
| 4–6 months | 6–8 feeds/24h | ~24–32 oz/day | 1–2 Tbsp, 1–2×/day (when ready) |
| 7–9 months | 5–7 feeds/24h | ~24–30 oz/day | 2–3 small meals/day + water sips |
| 10–12 months | 3–5 feeds/24h | ~16–24 oz/day | 3 meals + 1–2 snacks (family foods) |
Introducing Solids Safely (works with baby feeding schedule by age 0-12 months)
Most babies are ready around 6 months: sitting with support, good head/neck control, interest in food, bringing objects to mouth. See readiness signs from the CDC.
- Iron matters: include iron-rich foods early (puréed meats/beans, iron-fortified cereals).
- Allergens: introduce common allergens one at a time when baby is well; discuss personal risks with your pediatrician.
- Textures: avoid round, hard, or sticky foods that pose choking risks; cut to pea-size pieces.
- Drinks: breast milk or formula remains primary; offer small sips of water with meals after solids begin.
You might also like: When to Start Solids · Baby-Led Weaning · Bedtime Routine
Daily Routines & Pro Tips (supporting baby feeding schedule by age 0-12 months)
Feed–Play–Sleep
A simple rhythm supports appetite and calmer naps. Keep mealtimes seated, face-to-face, and screen-free. Intake varies day to day.
Signs to Pause
Turning away, sealing lips, pushing spoon, gagging, or arching suggest it’s time to stop or adjust texture/flow. Respect cues.
Water & Teeth
No water before solids. After solids begin, offer small sips with meals. Brush new teeth daily with a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste (AAP).
Food Safety
Cook meats thoroughly, cool hot foods, cut to pea-size pieces. Avoid honey before 12 months. Store and reheat safely.
Thoughtful Gear Picks (friendly to your baby feeding schedule by age 0-12 months)
We sometimes recommend gear we’ve tested or find genuinely helpful. If you purchase via our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Anti-Colic Baby Bottles (Newborn–12M)
Vented design may reduce swallowed air and fussiness. We look for leak-resistant assembly, appropriate flow nipples, and dishwasher-safe parts.
High Chair with Footrest (6–12M)
Upright posture and foot support improve stability for safer swallowing. A wipe-clean seat and pop-off tray simplify daily cleanup.
FAQs about the baby feeding schedule by age 0-12 months
How much should my baby eat?
Intake varies widely and shifts with growth spurts. Watch overall growth, diaper output, and hunger/fullness cues (turning away, sealing lips, slowing down). Your pediatrician can help tailor amounts.
When should we drop night feeds?
Many babies gradually lengthen night stretches between 4–9 months, but there’s no single timeline. Discuss readiness with your pediatrician in the context of growth and family goals.
Do babies need water before 6 months?
No. Breast milk or formula provides all needed hydration before solids. After solids begin, offer small sips of water with meals.
Whole milk at 12 months?
Many U.S. families transition from formula to whole cow’s milk around 12 months unless otherwise advised by a pediatrician. Continue offering varied, iron-rich solid foods.
Final Word (keeping your baby feeding schedule by age 0-12 months simple)
Your baby feeding schedule by age 0-12 months will evolve—follow cues, keep mealtimes calm, and enjoy the messy, memorable moments. You’ve got this!