During the first year of life, the most important thing for a baby is breast milk. Following a proper breastfeeding schedule for babies ensures they get the right nutrition. It is the most complete source of nutrition, providing essential nutrients, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and immune-boosting compounds that cannot be found elsewhere. But many new mothers often wonder, “How many times a day should my baby breastfeed, and how much is enough?”
This article provides a clear breastfeeding schedule for babies and explains how to follow a proper breastfeeding schedule for babies (0–12 months) based on recommendations from UC Davis Children’s Hospital, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the World Health Organization (WHO), helping mothers plan feeding with confidence.
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Why is a breastfeeding schedule important?
- A breastfeeding schedule ensures that your baby receives adequate nutrition and energy for their age.
- It helps monitor development and health, for example, if the baby is gaining weight appropriately, it indicates the milk intake is sufficient.
- It prevents underfeeding or overfeeding, which can cause issues like bloating, vomiting, or excessive weight gain.
- A schedule helps mothers manage time, especially working mothers who need to pump and store milk.
Breastfeeding Schedule and Feeding Frequency
| Age Range | Breastfeeding Frequency | Complementary Foods: |
| 0–1 Month | 10–12 times/day | Not recommended |
| 2 Months | 8–10 times/day | Not recommended |
| 3 Months | 8–10 times/day | Not recommended |
| 4–5 Months | 6–7 times/day | Start trying complementary foods (if approved by a doctor) |
| 6–7 Months | 5–6 times/day | Mashed vegetables and fruits 2 oz per meal, 1–2 times/day |
| 8–9 Months | 4–6 times/day | Mashed vegetables/fruits 2–5 oz, 2 meals/day |
| 10–12 Months | 4 times/day | Mashed proteins (meat, beans, tofu), easy-to-dissolve snacks, ¼ cup rice/grains, ¼–½ cup vegetables, ¼–½ cup fruits, protein 2 meals/day, fresh juice ≤120 ml/day |
References: UC Davis Children’s Hospital, The First 12 Months: What & When to Feed Your Baby (2013)
Breastfeeding Recommendations by Age
0–3 Months
- Maximum frequency: 8–12 times/day, as the baby’s stomach is still small
- Breast milk: Feed on demand, observing hunger cues such as crying, sucking on hands, or restlessness
- Formula: Gradually increase from 2–3 oz to 4–5 oz per feeding
- Tip: Don’t always rush the baby to finish the bottle; follow the baby’s satiety signals
4–5 Months
- Frequency decreases to 6–7 times/day
- Amount per feeding increases to 4–7 oz
- May start introducing complementary foods gradually (as advised by a doctor)
- AAP recommendation: Start age-appropriate foods once the baby can hold their head up and shows interest in food
- WHO recommendation: Exclusive breastfeeding is advised until 6 months
6–7 Months
- Entering the “complementary feeding stage,” but breast milk remains the main source of nutrition
- Breastfeed 5–6 times/day, 5–7 oz per feeding
- Complementary foods: Mashed vegetables and fruits 1–2 times/day, finely mashed
- WHO recommendation: Continue breastfeeding up to 2 years alongside other foods
8–9 Months
- Breastfeed 4–6 times/day
- More variety in complementary foods: Mashed vegetables, fruits, meat, tofu, boiled egg yolk
- Begin soft, coarse foods: Mashed rice, easy-to-dissolve baby snacks
10–12 Months
- Breastfeed 4 times/day, or formula 6–7 oz per feeding, 3–4 times/day
- Baby can have 3 meals + snacks
- Recommended proteins: chicken, fish, beans, egg yolk (avoid egg white in the first year to prevent allergies)
- Start training the baby to drink from a cup instead of a bottle
Tips for Adequate Breastfeeding
- Feed on demand: Don’t stick strictly to a schedule; follow your baby’s cues
- Observe satiety signals: Baby may stop sucking, turn away from the breast, or relax their body
- Track weight gain: If the baby gains weight according to WHO standards, they are receiving enough nutrition
- Mother’s diet: Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water to maintain milk supply
- Avoid forcing feedings: Rushing the baby to finish can cause bloating, spit-up, or refusal to feed
WHO Weight Standards for Infants 0–12 Months
| Age | Average Weight for Boys | Average Weight for Girls |
| Newborn | 3.3 kg | 3.2 kg |
| 1 month | 4.5 kg | 4.2 kg |
| 2 months | 5.6 kg | 5.1 kg |
| 3 months | 6.4 kg | 5.8 kg |
| 4 months | 7.0 kg | 6.4 kg |
| 5 months | 7.5 kg | 6.9 kg |
| 6 months | 7.9 kg | 7.3 kg |
| 7 months | 8.3 kg | 7.6 kg |
| 8 months | 8.6 kg | 7.9 kg |
| 9 months | 8.9 kg | 8.2 kg |
| 10 months | 9.2 kg | 8.5 kg |
| 11 months | 9.4 kg | 8.7 kg |
| 12 months | 9.6 kg | 8.9 kg |
Reference: WHO Child Growth Standards (0–5 years)
How to Monitor if Your Baby’s Weight Follows WHO Standards
- First 6 months: Weight should increase by an average of 600–900 g/month
- By 5–6 months: Baby’s weight should be approximately double the birth weight
- By 12 months: Baby’s weight should be approximately triple the birth weight
Signs to Consult a Doctor
-
No weight gain for more than 2 consecutive months
-
Weight significantly below WHO standards
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Baby appears lethargic, rarely wakes to feed, or consistently refuses milk
Precautions
- Do not give honey before 1 year old due to risk of botulism
- Avoid choking hazards such as whole grapes, hard nuts, and popcorn
- Do not add salt or sugar to complementary foods
- Do not heat milk in a microwave, as uneven heat can burn the baby’s mouth
Breastfeeding in the first 12 months lays the foundation for your baby’s long-term health and development. The feeding schedule referenced from UC Davis and AAP is an average guideline; mothers should adjust according to their baby’s individual behavior. Remember, there is no strict formula for exact ounces—listen to your baby, observe hunger and fullness cues, and monitor weight according to standards.
UC Davis Children’s Hospital , American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) , World Health Organization (WHO)
Originally published on theAsianparent Thailand