One of the most common and anxiety-inducing questions for new parents is: “Is my baby eating enough?” Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or navigating the world of purees, it’s easy to feel unsure about portion sizes.
The truth is, while general guidelines are helpful, every baby is unique. This guide will give you a clear framework for what to expect at each stage, while empowering you to trust your baby—and your own instincts.
The Golden Rule: Feed on Cue, Not on Schedule
Before we talk numbers, remember this: Your baby is the best guide. Responsive feeding—watching for your baby’s hunger and fullness cues—is the most effective way to ensure they get the right amount. Their appetite can change from day to day, just like yours!
Look for these signs of hunger (early feeding cues):
· Smacking or licking lips
· Rooting (turning head toward anything that strokes cheek or mouth)
· Putting hands to mouth
· Becoming more alert or active
Crying is a late sign of hunger. It’s best to try to feed before your baby gets to this point.
The Newborn Stage (0-4 Months)
At this stage, a baby’s stomach is tiny! They need to eat small amounts very frequently.
· Day 1: Size of a cherry! Can hold about 5-7 mL (just over 1 teaspoon) per feed.
· Day 3: Size of a walnut! Can hold about 22-27 mL (0.75 – 1 oz) per feed.
· 1 Week+: Size of an apricot! Can hold about 45-60 mL (1.5 – 2 oz) per feed.
· 1 Month+: Can hold about 80-150 mL (2.5 – 5 oz) per feed.
How much & how often?
· Breastfed babies: Feed 8-12 times in 24 hours (about every 2-3 hours). It’s not possible to overfeed a breastfed baby. Let them nurse until they seem satisfied.
· Formula-fed babies: Start with about 1-2 oz per feed, every 3-4 hours. By the end of the first month, they may be drinking up to 3-4 oz per feed. Never force a baby to finish a bottle.
How to tell if they’re getting enough?
· Diaper output is key! Expect 5-6+ wet diapers and 3-4+ soiled diapers a day after the first week.
· Steady weight gain at pediatrician check-ups.
· They seem content and satisfied after a feed.
The Middle Months (4-6 Months)
Babies are eating more at each feed and may start going longer between feeds.
· Breastfed babies: Still nursing 6-10 times in 24 hours, but much more efficiently.
· Formula-fed babies: Typically take 4-6 oz per feed, about 4-6 times a day. Most will cap out at around 32-36 oz in a 24-hour period.
Solid foods should not replace milk at this age. Milk (breast or formula) is still the primary source of nutrition. Solids at this stage are for practice and exploration. If you start solids, offer a small amount (1-2 teaspoons) of puree after a milk feed once a day.
The Explorer Stage (6-12 Months)
This is a period of huge transition! Solid food intake increases, but milk is still crucial.
· Milk Feeds:
· Breastfed babies: Nurse 4-6 times in 24 hours.
· Formula-fed babies: Typically take 6-8 oz, 4-5 times a day (about 24-32 oz total per day).
· Solid Foods:
· Start with one meal, then progress to two, and by 9 months, aim for three meals a day.
· Portion size: A good rule of thumb is 1-2 tablespoons per food type per meal. Think of it as a tasting menu!
· Offer a variety: fruits, vegetables, iron-fortified cereal, proteins (like mashed beans, yogurt, tofu), and grains.
Follow your baby’s lead. Let them show you when they’re full by turning their head, closing their mouth, or playing with their food.
The Toddler Stage (12+ Months)
At this point, solid food becomes the main source of nutrition, and milk transitions to a supportive role.
· Milk: The AAP recommends 16-24 oz of whole milk per day (usually served with meals in a cup). More than 24 oz can fill them up and reduce their appetite for other nutritious foods.
· Solid Foods: Offer three meals and two snacks daily.
· Portion Size: A typical toddler portion is about ¼ of an adult portion. A good visual is 1 tablespoon per year of age for each food group. So, for a 1-year-old, 1 tbsp of peas, 1 tbsp of chicken, etc.
Trust Yourself, Trust Your Baby
It’s easy to get lost in the numbers, but try to focus on the bigger picture:
· Growth: Is your baby following their growth curve?
· Diapers: Are they producing plenty of wet diapers?
· Energy & Development: Are they happy, alert, and meeting developmental milestones?
If the answer is yes, you’re doing a great job.
When to Talk to Your Paediatrician:
· Consistent refusal of feeds or solid foods.
· Fewer than 4-6 wet diapers in 24 hours.
· Excessive fussiness or lethargy.
· Signs of dehydration (sunken soft spot, no tears when crying).
· You are consistently worried about their intake.
You are the expert on your child. Use these guidelines as a map, but let your baby be the compass. They will almost always tell you how much they need—you just have to learn their language.
