Stage 2 · 0–6 Months
0–6 Months
How often to feed your baby, what to expect month by month, and how to handle common feeding worries.
Every baby is different, but one pattern holds true: breastfed babies usually feed more often than formula-fed babies.
That’s because breast milk is digested easily and leaves the stomach faster than formula. Frequent feeds are normal, and they’re how your baby tells your body how much milk to make.
8–12
feeds a day
What most breastfed newborns need in the first few weeks.
How often should my baby feed?
Feed on demand and follow your baby’s cues. These are typical patterns, not rules.
Breastfed babies
In the early weeks, don’t let your baby go longer than 4 hours without a feed, even if you need to wake them.
- Newborn
8–12 feeds in 24 hours
- 1–3 months
7–9 feeds in 24 hours
- 3 months
6–8 feeds in 24 hours
- 6 months
Around 6 feeds a day
From around 6 months, solid foods start to meet your baby’s growing nutritional needs.
Bottle-fed babies
Bottle-fed babies should also be fed on demand. Your baby knows best, but a typical pattern looks like this:
- Newborn
Every 2–3 hours
- 2 months
Every 3–4 hours
- 4–6 months
Every 4–5 hours
Monthly development
Babies grow fast in these months. Most regain their birth weight by about two weeks and roughly double it by 4–6 months. Along the way you may notice:
- Around 2 months: first smiles, and lifting their head during tummy time
- Around 4 months: holding their head steady, cooing, and bringing hands to mouth
- Around 6 months: rolling over, laughing, and reaching for toys
- Every baby develops at their own pace. Your baby's regular check-ups are the best place to ask about growth.
Breastfeeding
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your baby, and the WHO recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months. It adapts as your baby grows and helps protect them against infection.
Feed whenever your baby shows hunger cues. Growth spurts can bring days of extra-frequent feeding, which is normal and helps build your supply.
- Ask your doctor whether your baby needs vitamin D drops, as this is commonly advised for breastfed babies.
Infant formula
If you’re formula feeding, use a first infant formula for the full first 12 months unless your doctor advises otherwise. Cow’s milk isn’t suitable as a main drink before 12 months.
- Follow the pack instructions exactly
- Make each feed fresh and use it within 2 hours
- Throw away any milk left in the bottle
- Don’t add cereal or anything else to the bottle
- Let your baby set the pace and stop when they show they're full.
Common feeding issues
Some spit-up, wind and fussiness are normal in the first months. Holding your baby upright after feeds and winding them gently can help.
Signs your baby is getting enough: steady weight gain and at least 6 wet nappies a day after the first week.
- See a doctor if your baby vomits forcefully or vomits green, has fewer wet nappies, has blood in their poo, has a fever, or is feeding poorly.
This information is for general guidance only and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor, midwife or health visitor.
