5 month old baby feeding schedule: How much should a 5 month old eat?

At 5 months, you’re likely finding  your rhythm when it comes to feeding. You’re figuring out a feeding schedule and style that works for you and your baby. There’s a new kind of confidence that shows up at this age. You know your baby’s cues, and you’re developing your own flair to make it work. Your focus during feeds becomes less about the basics and more about connection to your sweet little one. 

In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to know about feeding a 5 month old baby from basics to big milestones. Your baby may be getting ready to start solids soon, but milk is still the MVP. We’ll walk you through a sample feeding schedule, how much your baby needs to eat, and what to expect with nighttime feeds.

5 month old baby sample feeding schedule

At 5 months, sleeping through the night usually means a stretch of 6 - 8 hours. Some babies get there on their own and others need more help, and neither timeline is a problem. Here's what to keep in mind as you settle into a rhythm:

• Stay flexible: If your baby cues that they're hungry, feed them — even at 3 AM, before the roosters crow.

• Front-load daytime calories: More feedings while the sun is up can make nighttime hunger less likely.

• Expect fewer, more efficient feeds over time: Some babies naturally drop below 8 feeds in 24 hours as they get better at eating.

• Watch diapers and weight gain: At least 6 wet diapers a day and about 3 - 5 ounces of weight gain per week are your best signs your baby is thriving on their new rhythm.

If a schedule consistently isn't working, that may be a sign to add another feeding in. Every baby grows and adapts differently, so build the schedule around your baby's needs and your family's. The example below is for a baby who is no longer feeding overnight — use it as a guide, trust yourself, and watch your baby's cues.

How much to feed a 5 month: Food chart

At 5 months, most babies will need to eat every 3 - 4 hours [1]. On average, they should consume roughly 24 - 32 oz of formula or breast milk each day. While there is no “perfect” amount your baby should be eating, you can tell if they are getting enough if they are steadily growing and having at least 6 wet diapers a day. 

Around this time, you might start thinking about introducing solid foods to your baby. While older guidelines suggested starting your baby on cereal at 4 months old, the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends [2] exclusively serving breast milk or formula until 6 months of age. However, you may start seeing that your baby is getting curious about solids. 

Signs of readiness can include: 

• Being able to sit unassisted like a little champ

• Bringing almost everything to their mouth

• Stronger head and neck control

• Showing curiosity in solid food (reaching for your bites while you eat)

Babies get all the water they need from breast milk and formula at 5 months, so additional water is not recommended for infants at this age. You’re doing an amazing job tuning into your baby’s cues and growth!

Here's an example of what your 5 month old's daily eating may look like:

Feeding challenges for 5 month old babies

Feeding challenges at this age are similar to 4 months old, but may come with a new intensity:

• Shorter feeds

• High distractions

• Teething discomfort

• Increased mobility

At 5 months, babies are becoming more curious and mobile, which can make feeding a little tricky. Shorter daytime feeds are common when there’s a lot to see, do, and explore. Busy babies may nibble and move on quickly. Or they might feed while reaching and rolling. Your job in these moments is to trust that your little one will let you know when they’re hungry again.

Teething can also make nursing or bottle-feeding uncomfortable at times. Sore gums may make sucking harder or fussier for little ones.

4 tips for feeding your 5 month old baby

Tip #1: Follow baby’s hunger and fullness cues

Feeding on demand, or watching your baby for hunger cues, is still the way to go at 5 months old. Signs of hunger include moving their fist to their mouth, sucking on their hands, or moving their head to find a bottle. Note that eating patterns may briefly change if your little one is uncomfortable due to a cold, teething, extra wiggles, etc.

Tip #3: Get baby ready for solid foods

Before you know it, your baby will be ready for solid foods! Start introducing them to this idea by bringing them to the table during mealtime or letting them watch you prepare food in the kitchen. It’s all about curiosity and setting the stage for tasting new flavors.

Tip #4: Begin watching for signs of readiness for solid food

While it’s best for most babies to wait until 6 months to start eating solid food like baby cereal, you may begin to see some signs of readiness. Your baby may start to bring toys and other objects to their mouth, become interested in what you are eating, be able to sit unassisted, and improve their head and neck control. These little hints let you know they’re getting ready, but there’s no need to rush it.

Night feedings at 5 month olds

By now, your baby is probably stretching out those nighttime snoozes — and it probably feels like a miracle! But even at 5 months old, it is still common for babies at this age to need to eat 1 - 2 times during the night. If they wake up hungry, go ahead and feed as you normally would. These occasional wake-ups are developmentally appropriate, not setbacks. They’re your baby’s way of staying nourished and checking in to feel secure with you.

Takeaway

• At 5 months old, babies are becoming more efficient eaters while still needing plenty of milk to support their growth and development. Most babies at this age will feed roughly 4 – 6 times during a 24-hour period, consuming about 24 – 32 ounces of breast milk or formula total.

• Feeding your 5 month old comes with the benefit of confidence in both you and your baby’s feeding abilities. Feeding on demand is still the way to go, but you might be able to notice the predictable pieces in your baby’s schedule. Keep following your instincts and keep doing what works best for your family.

• While solid foods may be on the horizon, expert guidelines recommend waiting until around 6 months of age.