3-week-old baby feeding schedule & amounts

Three weeks in and we bet you can already feed your baby one-handed and half-asleep. That’s some impressive progress, mama! Whether you are breastfeeding, formula feeding or combination feeding, your goal at this point should be nourishing your baby in the way that feels right for you—and asking for help if anything feels off. We may not have the same “village” system that mamas from generations ago used to enjoy, but we do have the benefit of access to lactation consultants, pediatricians and video calls with supportive friends.

Related: 1-month-old baby milestones

How much should a 3-week-old baby eat?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and La Leche League recommend the following feeding schedules and amounts for 3-week-olds.

Breast milk: 2 to 3 ounces every 2 to 3 hours

Formula: 2 to 3 ounces every 3 to 4 hours

Note that because formula tends to be metabolized more slowly than breast milk (meaning it takes longer to digest and empty from the stomach), when using formula, your baby’s feeding windows may be a bit more spread out.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommends that parents should follow the responsive feeding method, also known as feeding on demand, which looks to the infant’s hunger cues for when to feed. The schedules below are just examples—be sure to follow your baby’s hunger signals to know when your little one is ready for the next feeding. As babies get older, their hunger cues and feeding times start to become a little more predictable.

Related: Activities for a 1-month-old

How often should a 3-week-old baby eat?

Remember, it’s more important that you follow your baby’s cues than adhere to a set schedule, so schedules outlined are general guides of how frequently you’ll feed your baby—not hard-and-fast rules.

These guidelines also apply primarily to infants born full-term and without any underlying medical conditions. For preterm infants, babies with certain medical conditions or for any specific questions pertaining to your child, be sure to consult your child’s pediatrician for a more customized feeding schedule.

Related: How much sleep does a 3-week-old baby need?

What are common three-week-old hunger cues? 

Your baby has a 3-level system to show when they’re hungry. Here are the signs.

Gentle cues

Eyes moving beneath closed eyelids or eyelids fluttering when waking from sleep, moving their hands toward their mouth, licking their lips, sticking out their tongue or opening and closing their mouth

Stronger cues

Rooting (turning their head from side to side repeatedly), whimpering, sucking on hands

Obvious demands

Crying, tensing up, fussiness

Does your 3-week-old spit-up a lot? How to manage and reduce spit-up

With a 3-week-old baby, spit-up happens—and it’s not usually a sign for concern. The most common cause of spit-up is an immature gastroesophageal system that sends some of what they just ate back up again—especially if your baby consumed too much or ate too quickly.

You may be able to minimize spit-up by holding your baby more upright during feedings and adequately burping them afterward. And, stay positive: Babies tend to grow out of spitting up within a few months. Until then, keep a burp cloth handy!

Related: How to tell if your child has a feeding issue—and what to do next

A note from Motherly on feeding a 3-week-old

After three weeks of feedings (a lot of feedings), you may feel more confident. It’s understandable if you also feel worn-out. This is hard work, mama! Make sure you are looking out for yourself, too. Proper fuel, hydration and rest are key—because what’s good for you is also good for your baby.

Look ahead: 4-week-old baby feeding schedule and amounts

A version of this story was published December 13, 2021. It has been updated.