As a parent, one of the first and most common worries you’ll face is: “Is my baby eating enough?” Whether breastfeeding, formula feeding, or combining both, feeding concerns can feel overwhelming — especially when your baby seems fussy or cries after feeding.
It’s normal to wonder if they’re getting enough to grow, thrive, and be happy. In this post, we’ll answer how much your baby should eat, how often, and what signs to look for to know your baby is satisfied. Plus, we’ll share when to seek help and where to find trusted advice.
How Much Should My Baby Eat?
The amount your baby eats depends on age, size, and feeding method (breastfeeding or formula). Here’s a quick feeding guide by age:
Breastfeeding Guide
Breastfed babies usually feed on demand, but most newborns eat every 2 to 3 hours or about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
• First weeks: Expect smaller, frequent feedings — colostrum (early milk) is concentrated and nutritious.
• After the first month: Feedings may become more spaced out, around every 3 hours.
Breast milk is digested quickly, so it’s normal for breastfed babies to eat more frequently than formula-fed babies.
Formula Feeding Guide
Formula-fed babies may feed less often but drink larger amounts.
General guidelines:
• Newborn (0-1 month): 2 to 3 ounces (60-90 mL) every 3 to 4 hours
• 1-2 months: 4 to 5 ounces (120-150 mL) every 3 to 4 hours
• 2-4 months: 4 to 6 ounces (120-180 mL) every 4 hours
• 4-6 months: 6 to 8 ounces (180-240 mL) every 4 to 5 hours
Note: Every baby is different — some will eat a little more, some a little less.
Signs Baby Is Hungry (Before Crying Starts)
Crying is a late sign of hunger — ideally, you want to catch earlier signals. Here are common signs your baby is hungry:
• Rooting: Turning head with open mouth, searching for nipple
• Sucking on hands or fingers
• Lip-smacking or making sucking noises
• Fussiness or restlessness
• Opening and closing mouth
Watching for these signs can make feeding smoother and reduce stress for you and your baby.
Signs Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk or Formula
Wondering if your baby is not eating enough? These positive signs show that your baby is likely getting enough nourishment:
1. Steady Weight Gain: After an initial weight loss in the first few days (which is normal), your baby should start gaining weight consistently. Most babies regain birth weight by 10-14 days and gain 150-200 grams (5-7 ounces) weekly in the early months.
2. Frequent Wet Nappies: After the first week, expect at least 6 to 8 wet nappies a day.
3. Regular Bowel Movements: Breastfed babies may have multiple yellowish stools daily, while formula-fed babies may have fewer but larger stools.
4. Content After Feeding: A well-fed baby is usually relaxed and satisfied, sometimes even falling asleep after a good feed.
Signs Your Baby May Not Be Eating Enough
If you’re worried about how much should my baby eat, watch for these warning signs that suggest your baby isn’t getting enough:
• Fewer than 6 wet nappies per day (after day 5)
• No bowel movements or tiny/hard stools
• Not regaining birth weight by 2 weeks old
• Constant crying or fussiness after feeding (could indicate still hungry or other issues like gas)
• Long, drawn-out feedings (feeding for more than 45 minutes without satisfaction)
• Baby seems weak, lethargic, or unusually sleepy and misses feeds
If you notice these signs, contact your paediatrician immediately.
Understanding Fussiness: Hunger or Something Else?
Sometimes, parents worry their baby is still hungry when they continue to cry after feeding. But crying doesn’t always mean hunger — it may be due to gas, colic, or discomfort.
Other reasons for crying after a feed include:
• Gas pain — caused by swallowed air while feeding.
• Colic — frequent, intense crying for no apparent reason, often in the evening.
• Reflux — stomach contents coming back up, causing discomfort.
• Overfeeding — yes, too much milk can cause discomfort and spitting up!
If your baby won’t stop crying after feeds, burp them well, hold them upright, and check for signs of colic or reflux.
Breastfeeding Frequency: Can You Feed Too Much?
Some breastfeeding parents worry about feeding too frequently, but you cannot overfeed a breastfed baby. Breast milk is digested quickly, and feeding on demand helps regulate your supply and meet your baby’s needs.
However, if your baby is fussy or uncomfortable after bottle feeding (formula or expressed milk), check the flow rate of the bottle nipple — a too-fast flow can cause gulping and gas.
When to Seek Professional Help
You should seek advice from a healthcare professional if:
• Baby is not gaining weight
• Persistent crying after feeding
• Fewer wet or dirty nappies than expected
• Feeding refusal
• You feel anxious or unsure about your baby’s feeding
Trusted Help for Parents: Bright Futures Health
If you’re unsure how much your baby should eat or you’re struggling to understand why your baby is crying a lot, Bright Futures Health is here to help.
Bright Futures Health offers expert resources on breastfeeding, formula feeding, signs your baby is eating enough, and managing colic and gas pain. You’ll also find tools to track feeds and growth and access trusted paediatric advice when you need reassurance.
Visit Bright Futures Health for more information and support.
Final Thoughts
Wondering “Is my baby eating enough?” is a normal part of parenting, and it’s okay to seek help if you’re unsure.
✔️ Look for hunger cues and satisfaction signs
✔️ Monitor nappies and weight gain
✔️ Respond to concerns early — you don’t have to do this alone!
For expert tips, support, and resources, visit Bright Futures Health. They are there to help parents like you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
