Baby feeding schedule by age: From newborn weeks to toddler years

If you’ve ever felt like your baby eats all the time (and at the most unpredictable moments), you’re not imagining things. Feeding schedules shift constantly as babies grow. What worked last week might look different today. Don’t worry, though! You’re not doing anything wrong. You’re raising a human whose tummy, brain, and body are developing at lightning speed.

In this article, we’ll guide you through feeding schedules by age — from the newborn weeks to the preschool years. You’ll know what’s typical, what’s flexible, and when it’s time to adapt the nutrition of your child.

Why feeding schedules matter

Feeding schedules build a foundation of routine for your family. Research shows routines (even in childhood) pave the way for smoother self-regulation, brighter social skills, improved academic abilities, and even long-term positive impacts on your child’s mental and physical health []. Whoo — that’s a doozy! Who knew mealtimes at this age could be so powerful?

Feeding routines matter because they:

• Provide structure (for you and your baby). Children thrive on predictability!

• Make sure babies get the right nutrition at the right time. Regular feeds are essential for your child’s growth.

• Support sleep routines (hallelujah!). Knowing when your baby eats can help you plan naps and bedtime to take advantage of longer stretches of rest.

Baby feeding schedule by age: Quick chart

Hear us out: jazz musicians and babies have a lot in common. Neither sticks to a rigid script, instead thriving on improvisation and responding to their environment. Your baby might cluster feed at full speed during the evening then change the tempo in the morning to a slower, steadier rhythm. There’s no wrong “note,” just variations on a theme. Trust that you and your baby will find your unique groove in time.

And while every baby riffs on their own schedule, it helps to have a framework. Below is a cheat sheet for average daily feeding needs as your little one grows.

Feeding schedule by age: What to know

Your baby’s eating will evolve through every stage of babyhood — from those round-the-clock newborn feeds to first solids, and eventually the long reign of snacks.  The types of foods and frequency of meals are ever-changing, but the goal of their health and your bonding is always the same.

Newborn feeding schedule (0 – 2 months)

At this stage, feeding feels like a full-time job. (Because it kind of is.)

In the first two months, feeding will likely be pretty consistent. Babies eat often, all through the day and night. The main difference as your little one nears 2 months? You’ll likely notice your baby getting a little more efficient at eating and starting to show clearer hunger and fullness cues.

Common challenges with the unpredictability of newborn feeding: 

• Your newborn may want to nurse or take a bottle several , especially in the evenings. This can feel intense, but it’s completely normal and promotes rapid growth and development. For babies that are breastfeeding it can also help stimulate milk production.

• In these early days, the goal is to get your baby back up to birth weight. If your little one is sleepy, you may need to gently wake them for feedings to make sure they’re getting enough nutrition (or eating every 2 - 3 hours).

• Your newborn is still figuring out how to signal hunger and fullness. Stay patient and know that days of eager eating and days of dawdling around mealtimes are both normal.

• If you’re offering a bottle for the first time or switching between breast and bottle, your baby may fuss or struggle to latch at first. Patience and a few gentle practice sessions go a long way. Most babies adjust quickly with repetition.

0 – 1 week

In the first week, your baby’s stomach is tiny. (Think cherry-sized!) Feeds feel like all you’re doing. The amounts are very small, just like your baby’s toes. Mini bottles provide the necessary calories and hydration for your newborn to begin growing strong. Or, if you’re nursing, colostrum, the nutrient-packed “starter milk” may be seeping out in trickles.

Expect to follow hunger cues rather than the clock (unless otherwise directed by your medical provider). It’s normal for this week to feel like a constant cycle of feeding, burping, snuggling, and changing diapers.

Quick facts for feeding a 0 - 1 week old:

• Every 1 - 3 hours

• 8 - 12 feedings per day

• Feeds may be anywhere between 15 - 50 minutes

• 1 - 2 ounces per feed is typical

• 12 - 16 ounces eaten per day

Curious for more on feeding your 0 – 1 week old? .

2 – 3 weeks

By 2 – 3 weeks, your baby’s appetite is revving up, but not by much at this age. Don’t be surprised if you hit stretches of cluster feeding or if your baby suddenly seems hungrier overnight. You and your constant time in the glider fuel your baby’s rapid growth.

Fast facts for feeding a 2 - 3 week old:

• Every 1 - 3 hours

• 8 - 12 feedings per day

• Feeds may be anywhere between 15 - 50 minutes

• 2 - 3 ounces per feed

• 12 - 16 ounces eaten per day

Want to see what feeding a 2 - 3 week old looks like in action? .

1 – 2 months

That endless loop of feeding, burping, snuggling, and changing diapers? Now we’re adding a little bit of playtime in there. At 1 - 2 months old, babies start reacting to sounds and tracking objects with their eyes. These new skills usually won’t interrupt feedings (unless a sudden loud noise catches their attention), but they add a fun new layer to your day.

Tidbits about feeding a 1 - 2 month old baby:

• Every 2 - 3 hours

• 8 - 12 feedings per day

• Feeds may be anywhere between 15 - 50 minutes

• 2 - 4 ounces per feed

• 18 - 32 ounces eaten per day

Hungry for details on feeding your month-old baby? .

Infant feeding schedule (3 – 11 months)

As your baby grows, their feeding rhythm often starts to look a little more predictable (at least most of the time). You’ll notice the time between feeds getting longer as they start to want to explore the world around them more.

Here’s what feeding may look like through the next stretch of milestones:

Common feeding challenges for older infants include:

• Around 4 – 6 months, babies start noticing the world around them. That bird outside the window? Way more interesting than finishing their bottle. Feeding in a calm space with dimmed lights and fewer distractions can help.

• , teething, random illnesses, and developmental milestones can all shake up feeding patterns — and that’s OK. Keep attending to your baby’s cues and being flexible.

• Starting solids (around 6 months if showing ) can feel exciting but also messy. Think of solids as practice at first.

• Around 4 – 7 months, some babies suddenly get picky with bottles or breastfeeding. This can feel stressful, but often it’s a phase. Keep offering bottles or the breast gently and consistently.

• Many babies still wake to feed at night well past the newborn stage. It’s developmentally normal, even if it feels exhausting. Every baby transitions at their own pace. Some babies also need a gentle nudge to make the transition, since not all little ones naturally drop night feeds on their own. With gradual changes and support, most babies can learn to consolidate more of their calories during the day if they’re waking for frequent feeds past the newborn stage.

• Babies who are still on an “eat, play, sleep” routine may start waking early from naps if hunger is cutting their sleep short. Shifting feeds closer to nap time can sometimes help them settle for longer stretches.

3 – 4 months

At 3 - 4 months, your baby is becoming a curious little observer. They’re paying attention to faces, voices, and their own hands and feet. While they’re still on a milk-only diet, these distractions may make feedings a little more wiggly.

Snippets on feeding a 3 - 4 month old baby:

• Every 3 - 4 hours

• 8 - 12 feedings per day

• Feeds may be as short as 10 minutes

• 3 - 6 ounces per feed

• 24 - 32 ounces eaten per day

• can be a helpful start to longer sleep stretches

Ready to peek at real-life examples for feeding a 3 - 4 month old?

5 months

Your little one is probably showing early signs of interest in table food at this age. This could be watching you eat or reaching for your plate. Most babies are ready by 6 months to introduce solids, though some pediatricians may give the green light a bit earlier. Milk is still your baby’s main source of nutrition, and it’s doing wonders in helping them grow.

Key tips for feeding a 5 month old:

• About every 3 - 4 hours

• Some babies will eat less than 8 times a day because they are more efficient. On average most babies are still eating at least 8 times a day.

• Distractions during feeds might ramp up

• 4 - 8 ounces per feed

• 24 - 32 ounces eaten per day

• Consult your child’s healthcare provider about solids readiness 

Curious if your baby’s schedule matches the norm? .

6 months

The big milestone: solids! Around 6 months, most babies are ready to explore purees or soft finger foods alongside breast milk or formula. Milk is still the star of the show, but mealtimes now become more interactive. That said, if your baby’s not quite ready for solids, that’s OK — keep offering opportunities at their pace. Solids play an important role in supporting skills like chewing, swallowing, discovering new tastes or textures, and learning how to join in at the table.

Need-to-knows for feeding a 6 month old:

• Nearly every 4 hours

• Baby may want to be more mobile, so daytime feeds will probably be shorter

• Eats 6 - 8 times per day

• 24 - 32 ounces eaten per day

• Can experiment with or

Thinking about how solids fit into a 6 month old’s day? .

7 – 8 months

Buckle up for a sensory adventure. Your baby is practicing chewing, swallowing, squishing, and maybe even pinching small bits of food with their fingers. Their feeding schedule may feel more like a routine with solids added in at family mealtimes.

Mini guide to feeding a 7- 8 month old baby:

• Nearly every 4 hours

• Drinks breastmilk or formula 5 - 8 times per day

• 28 - 34 ounces eaten per day

• Expect 1 - 2 meals of solids

• Can experiment with baby-led weaning or purees

Not sure how feeding shifts around 7 – 8 months? .

9 – 11 months

Finger foods, like cut up soft fruits, veggies, and protein-rich options, may join the menu at this age. Milk is still important, but solids can now make up a bigger portion of daily nutrition as you reach the 1-year mark.

Snippets on feeding a 9 - 11 month old baby:

• Drinks breastmilk or formula 4-6 times per day

• 28 - 34 ounces eaten per day

• Alternate milk feed and solids throughout the day

• Encourage self-feeding as much as possible

Wondering what changes from 9 - 11 months? .

Toddler feeding schedule (12 – 24 months)

As your little one moves into toddlerhood, it becomes less about how often they eat and instead about how they’re learning to eat. Between 12 - 24 months, milk steps back as solids become the main choice.

Here’s what feeding might look like with the focus on what they’re learning at the table rather than the clock:

From year 1 to year 2, feeding challenges might pop up here and there based on appetite swings and picky phases. This could look like:

• Toddlers are learning textures, flavors, techniques, and self-feeding skills. Meals can get messy, but rejection of new foods is common. Think of it as practice rather than a test.

• Insisting on certain foods or refusing others is developmentally normal around 12 – 24 months. Keep offering favorites alongside new foods without pressure.

12 months

The art of self-feeding takes shape with fingers or beginner utensils as your little one’s paintbrushes. The high chair might be a messy masterpiece at the end of mealtimes, created by spoons and plenty of imagination.

• Often starting to wean off formula

• Can switch to cow’s milk or alternative milks if you choose to

• Nursing parents who want to continue breastfeeding can keep going — it still provides comfort and nutrition

• Night feeds may be wrapped up

• 3 meals plus 1 – 2 healthy snacks

Curious about how much changes once your little one turns 1? .

13 – 18 months

Tiny hands are getting better at grabbing food. Expect lots of experimentation and some “No like that” declarations.

• May still drink milk 2 – 3 times per day

• Solids are becoming more filling

• Encouraged to self-feed with utensils or fingers

• Mealtimes may take longer

• 3 meals plus 1 – 2 healthy snacks

Want a snapshot of feeding a 13 - 18 month old? .

19 – 23 months

Growth slows in a baby’s second year so appetite may fluctuate. Sometimes your toddler will eat a lot, and other times they’ll barely nibble. Giving your little one some independence at the table may go a long way! 

• Drinks milk 2 times per day (can be whole milk or an

• 3 meals plus 1 – 2 healthy snacks

• Can mostly self-feed

• Encourage using utensils even if messy

• Introduce small portions of family foods

• Offer choices as often as possible (“Do you want apple slices or a banana?”)

Thinking about how feeding connects with play and sleep at 19 - 23 months? .

2 years

By age 2, toddlers may be eager to run to the family table for mealtimes. They often eat a wide range of foods, though picky eating is common. Portion sizes are still smaller than adults', but they can eat most of what you eat if it’s cut or softened appropriately.

• 3 meals plus 1 – 2 healthy snacks

• Can handle most finger foods and softer family meals

• Self-feeding is mostly independent

• Utensils are mastered with practice

• Thrives with routines — having meals and snacks around the same time each day can help them feel secure and know what to expect

Ready to see what changes at 2 years? .

Preschool feeding schedule (3 – 5 years)

By the preschool years, mealtimes start looking more and more like the rest of the family’s. From 3 - 5 years, your child is rapidly building independence during meals.

Here’s what feeding may look like through the preschool years:

Feeding challenges for 3 - 5 year olds center around their need for independence, such as:

• Kids are learning to use utensils, pour from cups, serve themselves, and clean up after meals. Meals may take longer and get a little messy. That’s part of the learning process.

• Preschoolers often develop clear likes and dislikes. It’s common for preschoolers to resist new foods or insist on routines. Keep offering a variety and model eating the same foods they do at meals.

• Some children will wake early if they haven’t eaten enough the night before (or dinner was too early). Offering a balanced evening snack can sometimes help them stay satisfied until morning.

3 years

By age 3, toddlers are often tiny food adventurers. They’re showing distinct likes and dislikes, and yes, that’s a good thing! (Even if it’s frustrating at times.) Providing options alongside a “safe food” (one they know and love) helps expose your child to new foods while reducing mealtime battles.

• Eats 3 meals plus 1 – 2 snacks per day

• 2 - 3 servings of fruit per day

• 2 - 3 servings of vegetables per day

• Can mostly self-feed with utensils

• Encouraged to try new foods but still allowed some favorite repeats

Wanting to know what to expect a 3 year old to eat? .

4 years

This age is full of curiosity, including what’s on their plates! They may want to help prepare meals, pour their drinks, or decide which veggie goes on their plate. Appetite is usually more predictable than in toddlerhood, but pickiness can still make an appearance.

• Eats 3 meals plus 1 – 2 snacks per day

• Encourage involvement in meal prep or choosing between options

• 2 - 3 servings of fruit per day

• 2 - 3 servings of vegetables per day

• Include a variety of colors and textures

Curious how mealtime looks for a 4 year old? .

5 years

By 5, kids may be little chefs in the making. They can eat most family foods, enjoy experimenting with flavors, are better at self-regulation, and can tell when they’re full. Portion sizes may be closer to adult portions at times, but appetites can still vary day to day — which is normal at this age.

• Eats 3 meals plus 1 – 2 snacks per day

• 2 - 3 servings of fruit per day

• 2 - 3 servings of vegetables per day

• Portion sizes may be near adult servings, but adjust as needed

• Growth spurts can still happen

Ready to see what your little foodie is up to at 5 years old? .

Tips for creating a preschooler’s feeding routine that works

Tip #1: Offer predictable meal and snack times

Preschoolers thrive on consistency, so aim for regular times for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Knowing what to expect gives them a sense of security around food.

Tip #2: Let them make small choices

Encourage independence by offering limited choices, such as picking between two vegetables or choosing their cup. Giving preschoolers a sense of control can increase their willingness to eat, making mealtimes more cooperative.

Tip #3: Include them in meal prep and cleanup

Invite your preschooler to help wash fruit, stir ingredients, or set the table. Participation builds confidence and turns mealtime into a hands-on learning experience that feels fun rather than forced.

Tips for creating a baby feeding routine that works

Tip #1: Start by tracking patterns and hunger cues

Begin by paying close attention to when your baby shows and fullness. Over time, you’ll start to notice natural patterns emerge, which makes planning easier. 

The can help you start. Log everything you care about in seconds: sleep, feeding, pumping, diapers, growth, solids, medicine, and daily activities.

Tip #2: Keep a flexible schedule rather than a strict clock

Feeding schedules are guides, not rules. While it’s helpful to have a general plan, stay aware of and responsive to your baby’s needs. Early snacks and longer stretches are both allowed! This flexibility reduces your stress and helps everyone enjoy mealtimes more.

Tip #3: Rule out hunger as a cause of shortened sleep

If your baby wakes early from naps or at night, hunger can sometimes be the reason. Making sure they’ve had enough to eat before sleep helps you rule that out, so you can focus on other factors that might be disrupting rest.

How to adjust your baby’s feeding schedule

When tweaking your baby’s feeding routine, think of nudging a dial rather than flipping a switch. Start slowly while observing and trusting your little one’s cues. 

Before making any changes, rule out temporary reasons for irregular feeding, like growth spurts, , illness, or new developmental milestones. Life changes, like daycare transitions or travel, also call for gentle schedule adjustments.

Signs it might be time to adjust:

• Your baby consistently finishes feeds early or seems hungry before the “usual” time

• They regularly go longer than expected without showing hunger cues

• Night feeds or nap times are off, leaving you or your baby more frustrated or exhausted than usual

How to shift feeding times or frequency gradually:

• Move feeds in 10 – 15 minute increments every day or two until you reach the desired window

• Add or remove a short feed as needed to balance calorie intake and diaper output (at least 6 wet diapers a day)

• Observe baby’s cues at each stage. If they’re fussy, overtired, or refusing feeds, slow down and adjust more gradually

• Align new feeding times with naps or bedtime for smoother transitions

• When daycare or comes into play, communicate routines clearly and accept a little flexibility

All in all, temporary hiccups should be expected! You’ll find a method that feels natural to both of you.

When to talk to your pediatrician

While many feeding quirks are perfectly normal, some situations warrant professional guidance. Reach out to your pediatrician if you notice patterns that make you concerned about your baby's eating.

Seek professional advice from your medical provider if:

• Your baby consistently refuses feeds or seems uninterested in eating.

• Weight gain is slower or faster than expected for your baby’s age.

• You’re unsure about when or how to start solid foods.

• Your baby is regularly taking more than one hour per feeding

• Night feeds continue to feel endless past 9 – 12 months, disrupting sleep for you or your baby.

Takeaway

• Babies grow and change rapidly, so what works one week may look completely different the next. Instead of stressing over exact timing, focus on understanding your baby’s cues and natural patterns. Flexibility and observation are the real keys to feeding success.

• Newborns rely entirely on breast milk or formula, while older infants begin exploring purees, finger foods, and soft solids around 6 months. By toddlerhood, solids often make up most of their daily nutrition, with milk serving as a supplement. Tracking both milk and solids helps you spot patterns and guide proper portion sizes.

• Independence and self-feeding skills develop over time. From practicing utensil use at 1 year to mastering self-feeding by preschool, children learn at their own pace. Mealtimes become opportunities for skill-building, exploration, learning, and bonding in addition to nutrition.