Portion Guide for Baby's First Year

During the first year of your baby's life, it's common to wonder if your child is getting enough to eat and how often to feed him. Even though Baby cannot actually tell you when he's full, often he will take charge of feedings by giving you cues to when he is hungry or full. Learn how much and how often to feed your baby based on these guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

By: Erin Smith

Tina Rupp

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Newborns

Breastfed babies need to eat every two to three hours and usually consume about 90 percent of your breast milk in the first 10 minutes of feeding. Formula-fed babies generally need to eat every three to four hours and usually eat about 2-3 ounces of formula per feeding. During the first month, if Baby does not wake himself up in the middle of the night to eat, it is best for you to wake him to establish a feeding schedule.

When feeding your newborn, pay attention to his hunger cues to tell when he has had enough to eat. Most babies will become disinterested in the bottle or breast when full. He may fall asleep, turn his head, or even push the bottle or breast away. On the other hand, if Baby finishes his bottle but is still hungry, he may smack his lips or cry as a signal for more.

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