Essential Baby Feeding Schedule by Age (0–12 Months)

Newborn to 2 Months

During this stage, babies rely entirely on breast milk or infant formula for nourishment. Newborns usually eat every 2–3 hours, consuming 1.5 to 3 ounces at each feeding. Hunger cues include lip smacking, rooting, and bringing hands to the mouth. At this age, a strict baby feeding schedule by age isn’t necessary—responsive feeding is the best approach. Night feeds are common and essential for both hydration and calorie needs.

2 to 4 Months

Feeding frequency typically shifts to every 3–4 hours, with intake increasing to 4–5 ounces per feeding. Babies may start sleeping longer stretches at night, affecting their daytime hunger. It’s important to continue exclusive milk feeding, without introducing solids yet. Keep monitoring diaper output and weight gain to ensure the baby feeding schedule by age is working effectively. Growth spurts may cause temporary increases in feeding demand.

4 to 6 Months

Some babies may begin showing readiness for solid foods—such as good head control, interest in your meals, and loss of the tongue-thrust reflex. Continue breast milk or formula as the primary nutrition source, but you may begin introducing small amounts of iron-fortified baby cereal or pureed vegetables once per day. Stick with one new food every few days to monitor for allergies. This stage introduces solid food as a complement, not a replacement.

6 to 8 Months

By now, babies can enjoy 2–3 solid meals a day in addition to 4–5 milk feedings. Gradually expand the variety to include mashed fruits, soft meats, lentils, and well-cooked grains. Offer water during meals in a sippy cup, but avoid juice and cow’s milk. The baby feeding schedule by age at this stage can start to follow regular mealtimes to help your baby get used to structured eating.

8 to 10 Months

Your baby is likely ready for 3 small meals and 1–2 healthy snacks daily, along with 3–4 breast milk or formula feedings. Soft finger foods like cheese, tofu, banana slices, or pasta encourage self-feeding and motor skills. Maintaining variety is key to avoid picky eating later on. Including family meals (with modifications) helps the baby adapt to different textures and flavors within a consistent feeding routine.

10 to 12 Months

This stage marks a transition to more family-style meals. Babies can now eat most foods adults eat, provided they’re cut into small, manageable pieces and free from choking hazards. Continue 2–3 milk feeds daily. Offer a wide variety of whole foods and encourage the use of utensils. By 12 months, most babies are ready to shift to cow’s milk if advised by your pediatrician. Having a well-established baby feeding schedule by age helps your child transition confidently into toddlerhood.

Key Feeding Tips

Always watch your baby’s signals—crying isn’t the only sign of hunger. Offer small portions, let your baby set the pace, and avoid pressure to eat. Never force-feed. Keep meals relaxed and engaging. Avoid honey, whole nuts, sugary snacks, and high-salt foods in the first year. Continue offering iron-rich foods and vitamin D supplements if needed. Meal routines, even at this early stage, can positively influence long-term eating habits.

Looking for more guidance? Check out our Best First Foods for Baby and explore how to transition from breastfeeding to formula. For reliable health information, visit CDC Infant Nutrition.