Newborn Feeding Schedule: How Much and How Often to Feed

Feeding your newborn can feel overwhelming at first. You may wonder: How much should my baby eat? How often should I feed them? Am I feeding too much—or not enough?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Every new parent asks these same questions! Understanding your newborn feeding schedule helps you feel confident that your baby is getting exactly what they need to grow healthy and strong.

In this guide, we’ll break down feeding by age, signs of hunger and fullness, and helpful tips whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding.

Let’s make feeding time peaceful, predictable, and worry-free.

Why a Newborn Feeding Schedule Matters

Newborns grow fast!
In the first few weeks, your baby’s stomach is tiny—about the size of a cherry at birth. That’s why they need frequent, small feeding around the clock.

A consistent feeding schedule helps:

• Keep your baby full and content
• Preventing dehydration
• Support healthy weight gain
• Encourage better sleep patterns

Remember: newborns feed for nutrition, comfort, and bonding—all equally important!

How Often Should You Feed a Newborn?

• Breastfed newborns: every 2–3 hours
• Formula-fed newborns: every 3–4 hours

That means around 8–12 feedings in 24 hours—yes, even at night!

Typical Newborn Feeding Schedule (First Month)

Tip: Don’t watch the clock too strictly—follow your baby’s cues. Some babies need to eat more often, especially during growth spurts.

Related:  How Much and How Often to Breastfeed

Newborn Feeding Schedule for Breastfed Babies

If you’re breastfeeding, you might feel like your baby wants to nurse all the time—and that’s normal! Breast milk digests quickly, and frequent nursing helps establish your milk supply.

Breastfeeding Guidelines:

• Feed on demand—usually every 2–3 hours.
• Let your baby nurse for 10–20 minutes per breast.
• Watch for hunger cues instead of waiting to cry.

Common hunger cues:

• Rooting (turning head and opening mouth)
• Lip smacking
• Hand-sucking
• Fussing or restlessness

Your baby is done feeding when they:

• Releasing the breast on their own
• Appear relaxed or sleepy
• Stop sucking actively

Note: During growth spurts (around 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months), your baby may nurse more often. This helps boost your milk supply.

Newborn Feeding Schedule for Formula-Fed Babies

Formula-fed babies tend to go a bit longer between feedings since formula digests more slowly.

Typical formula schedule:

• Every 3–4 hours
• 2–3 oz (60–90 mL) per feeding at first, gradually increasing

By 1 month, most formula-fed babies drink 3–4 oz per feeding about 6–8 times per day.

Don’t overfeed!
A full tummy might cause spitting up, discomfort, or fussiness. Watch for signs your baby is satisfied: turning away, slowing down, or refusing the bottle.

Night Feedings: What to Expect

Newborns need to eat overnight, even if you’re half asleep!
Expect 2–3-night feedings in the early weeks.

Nighttime tips:

• Keep the room dim and quiet.
• Avoid stimulating play or bright lights.
• Feed, burp, and gently return your baby to sleep.

By around 8–12 weeks, many babies can go slightly longer stretches at night—but every baby is different.

How Much Should a Newborn Eat?

A rule of thumb:

Babies need about 2.5 oz (75 mL) per pound of body weight per day.

So, if your baby weighs 8 pounds, they’ll need roughly 20 oz (600 mL) in 24 hours.

Of course, this can vary—always follow your pediatrician’s advice and your baby’s hunger signals.

Signs Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk or Formula

Your baby is likely to get enough if:

• They have 6–8 wet diapers a day
• Seem satisfied after feedings
• Gain weight steadily
• Are alert and active during wake times

If you notice:

• Fewer than 5 wet diapers a day
• Persistent fussiness or lethargy
• Poor weight gain
  Check in with your pediatrician or lactation consultant.

Sample 24-Hour Newborn Feeding Schedule

Here’s a flexible feeding example for the first month (adjust based on your baby’s hunger cues):

This pattern naturally spaces feedings about every 2–3 hours—perfect for most newborns.

Expert Tips for a Healthy Feeding Routine

1. Follow Your Baby’s Hunger Cues

Every baby is unique. Some feed faster, others slower. Respond to their signals, not the clock.

2. Burp Mid-Feed

Pause halfway through to burp your baby, it helps reduce gas and spit-up.

3. Track Feedings

Use a simple app or notebook to track times, amounts, and diaper changes—especially in the first few weeks.

4. Cluster Feeding Is Normal

Sometimes babies want to eat several times close together, especially in the evening. It’s temporary and helps them sleep longer stretches later.

5. Stay Relaxed

Feeding time is bonding time. Take deep breaths, cuddle your baby, and enjoy those moments—you’re doing successful!

Growth Spurts and Feeding Changes

Expect growth spurts around:

• 2 weeks
• 6 weeks
• 3 months

During these periods, your baby might feed more frequently or seem fussier. Don’t panic—your baby is just growing rapidly! Things usually settle down in a few days.

FAQs About Newborn Feeding Schedule

What is a normal feeding schedule for a newborn?

A newborn typically feeds every 2–3 hours if breastfed, or every 3–4 hours if formula-fed. That’s about 8–12 feedings in 24 hours. Some babies may feed even more frequently during growth spurts or cluster feeding sessions.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for breast milk?

The 3-3-3 rule means:

• Breast milk is safe at room temperature for 3 hours,
• In the fridge for 3 days, and
• In the freezer for 3 months.

It’s a simple way to remember how long your stored milk remains safe for your baby.

When can you let a newborn go 4 hours between feedings?

You can let your baby go up to 4 hours between feedings once they’re gaining weight well and your pediatrician gives the okay—usually after the first month.
Before that, newborns need to eat more frequently to maintain blood sugar and growth.

What is the 5-8-5 rule for babies?

The 5-8-5 rule refers to the recommended wake windows for newborns:

• 5 minutes after waking (newborn stage)
• 8 minutes around 1–2 months
• 5 minutes again before bedtime

It’s a gentle rhythm to help parents create a predictable day—feed, play, sleep, repeat!

Final Thoughts about Newborn Feeding Schedule

Feeding your newborn can feel like a full-time job—but it’s also one of the most beautiful ways to bond.

Your baby’s feeding schedule will change as they grow, and that’s perfectly okay. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, the most important thing is to stay responsive, patient, and loving.

You’ve got this, mama (or papa)!
And remember—every feeding brings you closer to understanding your baby’s unique rhythm.