5-Month-Old Feeding Chart and Schedule
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan · Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: A 5-month-old feeding chart: formula-fed babies usually take about 5-7 oz (150-210 ml) per feed, 5-6 times a day, staying near 24-32 oz in total. Breastfed babies feed 6-8 times. Watch for signs of readiness for solids, like sitting with support and good head control, ahead of about 6 months.
TL;DR
- Formula: 5-7 oz (150-210 ml) per feed, 5-6 feeds a day.
- Breast milk: 6-8 times in 24 hours.
- Follow hunger cues, diapers and weight gain over any chart.
This 5-month-old feeding chart sums up what pediatric guidance says about how much and how often babies eat at this age, for both formula and breast milk. Treat the numbers as typical ranges, not targets: your baby's hunger cues, weight gain and diapers matter more than any chart.
How much should a 5-month-old eat?
| Formula | Breast milk | |
|---|---|---|
| Per feed | 5-7 oz (150-210 ml) | Baby sets the amount; feeds are shorter and more efficient as babies grow |
| Feeds per 24 hours | 5-6 | 6-8 times in 24 hours |
| Typical gap | every 3-4 hours | On demand; varies feed to feed |
| Daily total | about 24-32 oz (710-950 ml) | Not measured; judge by diapers and weight gain |
| Solids | Not yet for most babies. Watch for readiness signs. | Not yet for most babies. Watch for readiness signs. |
The AAP's rule of thumb for formula is about 2.5 oz per pound of body weight per day, up to about 32 oz (960 ml). Use the baby feeding calculator to see an estimate for your baby's weight, or the ounces to ml converter to switch units.
Sample 5-month-old feeding schedule
An example day only. Shift the times to fit your baby, and feed earlier if they show hunger cues.
| Time | Feed |
|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Feed |
| 10:30 am | Feed |
| 2:00 pm | Feed |
| 5:30 pm | Feed |
| 7:00 pm | Feed, bedtime |
| Night | 0-1 feeds |
What changes at this age
Feeding volume stays roughly the same while your baby grows more slowly than in the first months. Start watching for signs of readiness for solids: holding the head steady, sitting with support, interest in your food, and opening the mouth when food approaches. The NHS lists the three key signs as sitting and holding the head steady, coordinating eyes, hands and mouth, and swallowing food rather than pushing it out.
Signs your baby is getting enough
- Steady weight gain along their own curve on the growth chart
- Plenty of wet diapers, usually 4-6 or more a day
- Content and relaxed after most feeds
- Alert and active when awake
If you're breastfeeding, you can't see ounces, which is why many parents log feed times and diapers instead.
How to log feeds in Tot
In Tot you can log breastfeeding with time and duration, bottles in oz or ml, and solids. The home screen shows the last feed, and feeding trends by day and week help you spot patterns to bring to your pediatrician. Share the log with a partner or caretaker so nobody has to guess when baby last ate.
When to call your pediatrician
- Fewer wet diapers than usual, a dry mouth or no tears
- Refusing several feeds in a row, or feeding much less than normal
- Forceful or green vomiting, or blood in stool
- A fever with poor feeding, drowsiness or breathing trouble
- Any time your instinct says something is wrong
Related: baby feeding chart by month · 4-month-old feeding chart · 6-month-old feeding chart · 5-month-old sleep schedule · 5-month-old development · baby feeding tracker · when to start solids
Download Tot free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
Sources
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: Amount and Schedule of Baby Formula Feedings: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: How Often and How Much Should Your Baby Eat?: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- CDC: How Much and How Often to Feed Infant Formula: www.cdc.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- CDC: How Much and How Often to Breastfeed: www.cdc.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: Starting Solid Foods: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- NHS: Your baby's first solid foods: www.nhs.uk (accessed 21 October 2026)
Medical disclaimer:
Tot and this website give general information only. Feeding, sleep and growth ranges vary; always follow your pediatrician's advice. If your baby is unwell, contact your doctor or emergency services.
FAQ
How do I know my 5-month-old is ready for solids?
Look for good head control, sitting with support, interest in food and the ability to move food to the back of the mouth. Most babies show these around 6 months.
How often should a 5-month-old eat?
Usually every 3-4 hours, which is about 5-6 feeds in 24 hours for formula. Breastfed babies: 6-8 times in 24 hours.
How many ounces should a 5-month-old drink?
Typically 5-7 oz (150-210 ml) per feed for formula. Babies vary; follow cues and your pediatrician's advice.
Is it OK if my baby eats more or less than the chart?
Yes, within reason. Charts show averages. If your baby is gaining weight, has enough wet diapers and seems content, small differences don't matter.
Can I track feeds in an app?
Yes. Tot logs breastfeeding, bottles and solids and shows the last feed and trends, shared with everyone who cares for your baby.
Related guides
Track this in Tot
Tot is a free baby tracker app for iPhone and Android that logs breastfeeding, bottle feeds, sleep, diapers, growth, vaccines and medicine, and lets parents share the log with a partner or caretaker.
