Baby Feeding Chart: A Guide to Your Infant’s Nutritional Needs by Age

Whether you choose breastfeeding, formula, or a combination of both, understanding your child's feeding needs is vital.

But how much breastmilk or infant formula does your child need, exactly?

That depends on your baby’s age and size. A newborn won’t drink as much volume as a five-month-old in one sitting, but they will feed more often. It might sound like a tricky math problem, but with a helpful tool like a baby feeding chart, you can take the guesswork out of knowing how much your bub needs at any stage.

Why a Baby Feeding Chart Is Important

A newborn feeding chart is like the ultimate parenting cheat sheet; all the answers are in one place. Just match your baby’s age, check the recommended amount, and bam—you’re set. This makes caring for your newborn much more manageable, especially during those early weeks.

Beyond convenience, a feeding chart helps you:

  • Track growth – Compare your baby’s intake to age-based guidelines to spot trends and discuss any concerns with your pediatrician. It’s important to remember that all babies grow and develop differently, and this is only a guideline.
  • Recognize hunger cues – Notice when your baby is feeding more or less than usual, which may be a sign of a growth spurt or teething. Hunger cues include rooting (turning her head and opening her mouth in search of your breast), smacking her lips, making suckling motions, or bringing her hand to her mouth. If initial signs of hunger are not recognized, baby may resort to crying. Parents often learn how to recognize initial signs of hunger and feed before baby gets worked up where it is often harder to console or feed.
  • Ensure adequate nutrition – Feel confident they’re getting the calories and nutrients they need from every meal for healthy growth and development.
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Baby Feeding Chart by Age

If you're formula-feeding your baby, here's an easy-to-read chart that shows how much formula your little one typically needs daily depending on their age:


Baby’s Age 		Feeds per Day Amount per Feed
*0 to 1 month1 8 to 12 (every 2 to 4 hours) 2 to 3 ounces
2 to 3 months 6 to 8 (every 2 to 4 hours)  4 to 6 ounces
4 to 6 months 5 to 6 (every 3 to 4 hours) 5 to 7 ounces
**7 to 9 months 4 to 6 ( every 3 to 4 hours) 6 to 7 ounces
10 to 12 months 3 to 4 (every 4 to 6 hours) 6 to 7 ounces

*it may take a new baby a week or two to build up this feeding range

**varies depending on the amount of solid nutrition a baby is also feeding

If you’re trying to set up a feeding routine for 4 month old babies, or babies of any age,  the chart above can give you a reliable framework while still letting your child’s hunger cues lead the way. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most infants consume about 24–32 ounces of breast milk or formula per day in their first year, but every little one is unique.2 Usually babies build up to that amount by around 4 to 6 months of age, then start solid food and the amount of liquid nutrition begins to decrease. Think of the chart above as a helpful guide, and always trust your bub’s hunger and fullness cues to know they’re happy and well-fed, and be sure to check-in with your pediatrician or healthcare provider for all well child visits or if you have any concerns.

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding

Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or doing a mix of both, your baby’s nutritional needs generally follow the same growth path—helping them reach important milestones, like gaining roughly half a pound per week during those early months.3

Here’s how the infant feeding chart may vary depending on how and what you feed your baby:

  • Formula feeding – Measuring exactly how much your little one drinks makes the chart super helpful. You’ll know how much formula to prepare for each feed and can adjust it based on your baby's hunger and fullness cues. Please always follow the preparation and mixing directions on the infant formula packaging.
  • Breastfeeding – When your baby feeds directly from the breast, how frequently and long your baby nurses on each side, how satisfied they seem, along with the number of wet and dirty diapers can help ensure that they are feeding enough. Your pediatrician will also check your infant’s growth, weight gain and developmental milestones at each visit. 

No matter what or how you feed your baby, the chart’s age ranges and suggested frequencies offer a helpful starting point. Combine that with your baby’s hunger cues, wet and dirty diapers, and regular growth check ups at your pediatrician’s office, and you’ll be all set to support a thriving little bub.

Tips for Feeding Your Baby

Sometimes feedings go smoothly. And your little one drinks exactly what you’ve prepared and leaves with a full, happy tummy. Other times, they might want a little more, or they could leave a little bit behind—and that’s usually normal.

Here are a few helpful hints to make feeding easier and more enjoyable for both of you:

  • Recognize hunger cues – Beyond the loud cries (that often indicate a baby is hungry), babies give plenty of subtle signs they’re ready to eat. Look for signs such as sucking on hands or clothes, opening and closing their mouths, and rooting (turning their head to look for a feed).4 Catching these early cues can help your baby feed and prevent frustration for both of you.
  • Adjust for growth spurts – Is it just you, or is your baby suddenly hungry 24/7? You’re not imagining it! Growth spurts are common during the first year, and during these periods, your little bub may drink more and may even be occasionally fussier than usual.5 Stick to the chart as a guide, but if they’re still hungry after a feed, feel free to feed a little extra breast milk or formula—their tummies are just keeping up with the nutrients required for growth.
  • Keep a flexible feeding schedule – Babies’ needs can change day to day. Some days they might eat more frequently, other days less. Use the chart as a helpful framework, but always let your baby’s hunger and fullness cues guide you. Flexibility is key to keeping both you and your bub smiling.

As your baby gets older, you’ll eventually transition to solid foods alongside breastmilk or infant formula. This exciting stage opens up a new world of food textures and flavors, while still relying on milk or formula as the main source of nutrition.

Feed Smarter, Grow Stronger with Bubs

Every feed is more than just nutrition. It’s the opportunity to connect and comfort your little one. With Bubs, you can feel confident knowing every bottle is filled with clean, high-quality ingredients designed to support growth and development for your baby.

Feeding your baby isn’t just about nutrition—it’s also about balance for the whole family. Many parents experience fatigue, stress, or even burnout during the first year. Establishing healthy feeding routines can make life easier, but it’s equally important to focus on self care for parents.

Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, remember that your baby’s feeding needs are unique! You’ll better understand your baby’s unique needs as you get to know one another.

Sources:

  1. UC Davis. The First 12 Months. What and When to Feed Your Baby. https://health.ucdavis.edu/media-resources/children/documents/general/First%2012%20Months_rev.pdf 
  2. Healthy Children. Amount and Schedule of Baby Formula Feedingshttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/amount-and-schedule-of-formula-feedings.aspx 
  3. Mayo Clinic. How Much Should I Expect My Baby to Grow in the First Year? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/infant-growth/faq-20058037
  4. NHS. Feeding cues and signs of getting enough milk. https://cambspborochildrenshealth.nhs.uk/feeding-and-eating/feeding-cues-and-signs-of-getting-enough-milk/ 
  5. USDA. Cluster Feeding and Growth Spurts. https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/cluster-feeding-and-growth-spurts 
  6. Altmann, Tanya. MD, FAPP. Baby & Toddler Basics 2nd Edition. Expert Answers to Parents’ Top 150 Questions. 2023. American Academy of Pediatrics.
  7. Altmann, Tanya. MD, FAPP. Caring For Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age Five. 8th Edition. 2024. American Academy of Pediatrics.