Infant Feeding Schedule

Guide To Feeding Infants

An Overview of the Feeding Schedule for Infants

Never will a person go through more changes in their diet than they do in their first year of life. An infant's diet starts out as complete liquid. It then moves into some solids (albeit pretty mushy) with liquids. By the end of the first year, 50 percent of an infant's nutrition will come from complementary foods; the rest from breast milk or formula.

Infant nutrition goes beyond just satisfying nutritional needs, though. This is also an important time, because research has shown that eating habits established during the first two years of life carry through into adulthood. That is why establishing good eating habits from the start is critical.

Feeding Chart for Healthy Infants

The chart below illustrates a typical infant feeding schedule for the first year of life.

Foods	Birth to 3 Months	4 to 6 Months	6 to 8 Months	8 to 10 Months	10 to 12 Months
Human Milk	Month 1: Frequent feedings; about 10-12 feeding per 24 hours Month 2 and 3: About 8-10 feedings per 24 hours	Frequent feedings; about 7-9 feedings in 24 hours	On demand; will be about 4-6 feedings in 24 hours	On demand; will be about 4 or more feedings in 24 hours	On demand; will be about 3 or more feedings in 24 hours
Iron-Fortified Formula (see Baby Formula Feeding for more details on how to calculate amounts and the number of feedings)	0 to 1 month: 18-24 ounces 1 to 2 months: 22-28 ounces 2 to 3 months: 24-32 ounces	4 to 5 months: 25-40 ounces 5 to 6 months: 25-45 ounces	24-32 ounces; offer cup	24-32 ounces; offer cup	16-24 ounces; offer cup
Cereals and Breads	None	Iron-fortified infant cereal (by spoon) Start with 2-3 teaspoons. Mix with breast milk, formula, or water. Feed twice a day.	All varieties of plain, box infant cereal; 1 to 4 tablespoons twice a day Slowly introduce crackers or dry, unsweetened cereals; 1 serving, twice a day	All varieties of plain, box infant cereal; 2 to 3 tablespoons twice a day Soft breads (such as plain bagels or rolls) or dry unsweetened cereals; 2-3 small servings	Toast, crackers, bread, bagels, rolls, plain muffins, rice, noodles, and unsweetened, dry cereal; 4 small servings per day
Fruit Juices	None	None	100 percent fruit juice with vitamin C; offer child-size cup (1-2 oz) twice a day	100 percent fruit juice with vitamin C; offer child-size cup (1-2 oz) twice a day	100 percent fruit juice with vitamin C; offer child-size cup (1-2 oz) twice a day
Protein Foods	None	None	Pureed meats; 1-2 tablespoons, twice a day Plain yogurt (can be mixed with soft fruit or applesauce); 1-2 tablespoons per day	2- 3 tablespoons per day of: Well-cooked, bite-sized pieces of meat, poultry, or fish Mild soft cheese Cooked beans, egg yolk, and cottage cheese	1 ounce or ¼ cup, twice a day of: Small, tender pieces of lean means, chicken, or fish Ground or chopped meats Cheese strips
Fruits	None	None	Mashed bananas, applesauce, or jarred fruits; 2 tablespoons, twice a day	3-4 tablespoons, twice a day of: Peeled, soft, fresh fruits or fruits canned in water or juice Soft bite-sized pieces, no seeds	¼ cup, twice a day of: Peeled, soft, fresh fruits or fruits canned in water or juice Soft bite-sized pieces, no seeds
Vegetables	None	None	Strained or mashed vegetables (jarred or cooked); 2 tablespoons, twice a day: Squash Peas Green beans Carrots Spinach	3-4 tablespoons, twice a day of: Cooked, mashed vegetables Soft, bite-size pieces	¼ cup, twice a day of: Cooked, mashed vegetables Soft bite-size pieces
Water	None	None	2-4 ounces, twice a day	2-4 ounces, twice a day	2-4 ounces, twice a day

Adapted from the Massachusetts and Maine WIC Programs.

Infant Feeding Series

We have created a number of articles focused on the topic of infant feeding. You can think of it as before solids and after solid foods. Click on any of the links below to learn more about the various topics.

Before Solids

Newborn Feeding

Newborn Feeding Schedule

Breastfeeding Vs. Formula Feeding

How to Give a Baby a Bottle.

After Solids

Starting Solid Foods -- basics of why and when to start, as well as the order in which they should be given

Feeding Solid Foods to Infants -- the ins and outs, including what you should feed your baby and in what order

Finger Foods for Babies

Baby Meals -- Without the Mess.