Newborn feeding schedule
How much and how often to feed a newborn: 8–12 feeds in 24 h (every 2–3 h), with formula-fed babies taking 1–2 oz in the first days, 2–3 oz by 2 weeks per feed.
- How often
- 8–12 feeds in 24 h (every 2–3 h)
- Daily total
- about 16–24 oz
- By weight (median baby)
- ~20 oz / day
Breastfed babies
Feed on demand, 8–12 times a day. Stomach capacity is tiny in the first days, so frequent small feeds are normal.
Solids
None. Breast milk or formula only.
Wake a sleepy newborn to feed if it has been more than about 3–4 hours, until they are back to birth weight (usually by 2 weeks).
Is my baby getting enough?
The best signs are steady weight gain along a similar percentile, 6 or more wet nappies a day after the first week, and a baby who seems content after most feeds. Amounts on this page are averages: some healthy babies take noticeably more or less. Check your baby's weight on the baby weight percentile calculator, or work out amounts from their exact weight with the baby feeding calculator.
Sleep and feeds shape each other: see the newborn sleep schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a newborn eat?
Formula-fed: typically 1–2 oz in the first days, 2–3 oz by 2 weeks (30–90 ml) per feed, 8–12 feeds in 24 h (every 2–3 h), about 16–24 oz a day. Feed on demand, 8–12 times a day. Stomach capacity is tiny in the first days, so frequent small feeds are normal.
How often should a newborn eat?
8–12 feeds in 24 h (every 2–3 h). Feed on hunger cues (rooting, sucking hands, lip smacking) rather than strictly by the clock, and stop when your baby turns away or slows down.
How much formula for a newborn by weight?
The AAP rule of thumb is about 2.5 oz per pound of body weight per day, up to 32 oz. A newborn at the WHO median weight (about 8.2 lb) would need roughly 20 oz a day. Use the feeding calculator for your baby's own weight.
Can a newborn have solids?
None. Breast milk or formula only.
What are the signs of overfeeding?
Frequent large spit-ups, a tight or bloated tummy, gassiness and fussing after feeds, and very rapid weight gain can all point to too much milk, particularly with bottles. Paced bottle feeding and responding to fullness cues help. Mention persistent symptoms to your paediatrician.
Sources: CDC "How Much and How Often to Feed Infant Formula"; AAP HealthyChildren.org "Amount and Schedule of Baby Formula Feedings" and "Starting Solid Foods"; Kent JC et al., Pediatrics 2006 (breast milk intake); WHO infant feeding recommendations. Median weights from the WHO Child Growth Standards.