From the Guidelines
Feed your baby 3-4 oz per feeding every 3-4 hours, with the amount increasing by about 1 oz per month, and aim for 8-12 feedings in a 24-hour period, as this schedule supports healthy growth and development, according to the most recent pediatric health guidelines 1.
Key Considerations for Baby Feeding Schedule
- Newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times every 24 hours, with the amount per feeding increasing over time 1.
- By 2 months, infants usually feed every 3-4 hours, taking 3-4 oz per feed, and this amount increases by about 1 oz per month 1.
- At 6 months and beyond, infants typically feed every 4-5 hours, at 3-5 feedings per 24 hours, with the amount per feeding plateauing at around 7-8 oz 1.
- It's essential to watch for hunger cues, such as rooting, lip smacking, or putting hands to mouth, rather than strictly following a schedule, as individual needs may vary based on growth rate and metabolism 1.
- Proper feeding amounts support healthy weight gain and development, while overfeeding can lead to discomfort and spit-up, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and adjusting the feeding schedule as needed 1.
Additional Recommendations for Infant Care
- Sustained breastfeeding is recommended, and if bottle-fed, avoid bottle propping and only use breastmilk or formula in bottles 1.
- Complementary feeding should begin around 6 months, introducing one new food at a time, with iron-rich or fortified foods introduced first, and avoiding foods high in sodium, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners 1.
- Ensure the baby gets 14-17 hours of quality sleep, including naps, for infants 0-3 months, and 12-16 hours for infants 4-11 months, with consistent sleep and wake-up times 1.
- Engage in a variety of interactive activities and floor-based play, including at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread throughout the day, and limit restrained time to less than 1 hour at a time 1.
From the Research
Baby Oz Feeding Schedule
There are no specific studies provided that directly address a "baby oz feeding schedule". However, the available evidence discusses infant feeding practices, breastfeeding, and introduction to complementary foods.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth, and continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond 2.
- A study examining the effects of scheduled vs. on-demand feeding found that mothers who fed to a schedule scored more favorably on wellbeing measures, but schedule-fed babies performed less well academically than demand-fed babies 3.
- Breast milk is considered the best source of nutrition for nearly all infants, with benefits including modulation of postnatal intestinal function, immune ontogeny, and brain development 4.
- Introduction to complementary feeding and diet quality in early childhood vary by infant feeding type and sex, with fully breastfed children introduced to complementary foods closer to the recommended age 5.
- A cross-sectional study in Northern Thailand found a high prevalence of discontinued breastfeeding and bottle feeding among young children, with direct breastfeeding remaining the predominant feeding method for those who continued exclusive breast milk consumption until nearly two years of age 6.