How Much and How Often Should You Feed Your Baby? (2–24 Months Guide)

2–4 Months: Still All Milk, and Very Often

At this age, your baby needs only breast milk or formula. No solids yet.

• Breastfed babies usually nurse every 2–3 hours, which adds up to 8–12 times a day.
• Formula-fed babies will drink about 4–5 oz per feeding at 2 months, and up to 5–6 oz by 4 months. Most eat 6–8 times a day.

Babies this age often wake at night to eat — totally normal. Don’t worry about solids just yet. Their little stomachs are still growing.

4–6 Months: Starting to Space Out Feedings

By 4 months, babies may eat a bit more in one sitting and stretch out time between feedings.

• Milk is still the main food: around 5–6 oz per feed, about 5–6 times a day.
• If your baby shows interest in food (watching you eat, reaching for spoons), talk to your pediatrician.

Start solids slowly when your doctor says it’s okay. A spoonful or two once a day is plenty — mashed banana, sweet potato, or baby cereal are good choices.

6–9 Months: Solids Become a Fun Part of the Day

By now, you’ll start adding more variety to your baby’s diet.

• Milk feedings drop to about 4–5 times a day, with 6–8 oz per feeding.
• Start solids 1–2 times daily, then move to 3 small meals.

Try soft finger foods like avocado, scrambled eggs, or well-cooked veggies. Expect messes — they’re learning!

9–12 Months: Meals Start to Look Like Yours

As chewing improves, babies can eat small portions of family meals (chopped or mashed).

• Milk: 3–4 feedings per day, 6–8 oz each.
• Solids: 3 meals plus 1–2 healthy snacks.

Introduce a wide variety — pasta, tofu, soft meats, fruits, veggies, and cheese. Self-feeding with a spoon may begin now.

12–24 Months: Toddlerhood and Real Meals

After 12 months, you can switch from formula to whole milk if not breastfeeding. Most toddlers need:

• Milk: About 16–24 oz per day (2–3 cups).
• Meals: 3 regular meals and 2–3 snacks daily.

Portions can stay toddler-sized — a few spoonfuls per item is plenty. Appetite will vary day to day. Let your toddler guide the pace and amount they eat.

Water should be the main drink between meals. Avoid sugary drinks and keep juice minimal or skip it entirely.

Feeding Time Doesn’t Have to Be a Mess

At UnionSilic, we design easy-to-clean, baby-safe silicone feeding tools to make daily meals simpler. Our suction bowls, soft spoons, and toddler-friendly cups are built to reduce mess and support confident self-feeding — from first bites to family meals.

Feeding your baby doesn’t have to be perfect. Some days they’ll eat more, some days less. That’s okay. Follow their cues, keep it calm, and celebrate the journey.

You’ve got this, mama. 💛