Newborn Feeding Chart and Schedule
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan
Same age: Sleep
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan · Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: A newborn feeding chart: in the first days, formula-fed newborns take about 1-2 oz (30-60 ml) per feed every 2-3 hours, 8-12 times a day (CDC). Breastfed newborns feed 8-12 or more times. Amounts grow to 2-3 oz by 2-4 weeks. Feed on cues and wake a sleepy newborn after 4-5 hours.
TL;DR
- Formula: 1-2 oz (30-60 ml) in the first week, rising to 2-3 oz (60-90 ml) by 2-4 weeks per feed, 8-12 feeds a day.
- Breast milk: 8-12 or more times in 24 hours.
- Follow hunger cues, diapers and weight gain over any chart.
This newborn 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 newborn eat?
| Formula | Breast milk | |
|---|---|---|
| Per feed | 1-2 oz (30-60 ml) in the first week, rising to 2-3 oz (60-90 ml) by 2-4 weeks | Baby sets the amount; feeds are shorter and more efficient as babies grow |
| Feeds per 24 hours | 8-12 | 8-12 or more times in 24 hours; the AAP says breastfed newborns often feed every 2 hours, 10-12 times a day |
| Typical gap | every 2-3 hours, day and night | On demand; varies feed to feed |
| Daily total | grows from a few ounces on day 1 to roughly 16-24 oz (475-710 ml) by week 3-4 | Not measured; judge by diapers and weight gain |
| Solids | None. Breast milk or formula only. | None. Breast milk or formula only. |
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 newborn 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 |
| 9:30 am | Feed |
| 12:00 pm | Feed |
| 2:30 pm | Feed |
| 5:00 pm | Feed (evening cluster feeds are common) |
| 7:30 pm | Feed |
| 10:00 pm | Feed |
| 1:00 am | Night feed |
| 4:00 am | Night feed |
What changes at this age
Your newborn's stomach is tiny, so feeds are small and frequent. Most babies lose some weight in the first 3-4 days and regain birth weight by about 2 weeks; the NHS says steady gain after day 3-4 is a sign feeding is going well. The AAP advises waking a newborn who sleeps longer than 4-5 hours to feed in the first weeks. The CDC recommends vitamin D drops for babies fed only breast milk or less than 32 oz of formula a day.
Signs your baby is getting enough
- Steady weight gain along their own curve on the growth chart
- Plenty of wet diapers (the NHS says at least 6 heavy wet nappies a day from day 5)
- 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 of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby under 3 months: call right away (AAP)
- Not back to birth weight by about 2 weeks
- Any time your instinct says something is wrong
Related: baby feeding chart by month · 1-month-old feeding chart · newborn sleep schedule · newborn feeding guide · baby feeding tracker · cluster feeding
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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)
- NHS: Breastfeeding, is my baby getting enough milk?: 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
Should I wake my newborn to feed?
In the first weeks, yes, if your baby sleeps longer than about 4-5 hours, as the AAP advises, or sooner if your midwife or pediatrician recommends it, for example for jaundice or slow weight gain.
How often should a newborn eat?
Usually every 2-3 hours, day and night, which is about 8-12 feeds in 24 hours for formula. Breastfed babies: 8-12 or more times in 24 hours; the AAP says breastfed newborns often feed every 2 hours, 10-12 times a day.
How many ounces should a newborn drink?
Typically 1-2 oz (30-60 ml) in the first week, rising to 2-3 oz (60-90 ml) by 2-4 weeks 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.
