4 Month Old Feeding Schedule: How Often Does a 4 Month Old Feed

Life is sweet for a 4 month old – it’s all play and no work! They’re laughing, grinning, maybe even gnawing. Seriously, name something cuter.

With so many developmental milestones coming together now, you might be wondering what’s staying the same and what’s different, and should you be doing anything new? Especially when it comes to a baby feeding schedule (is it breast milk or formula, solid foods or something else entirely?)

---

But we know that your baby getting the right amount of feeds is super important for them to get the optimal amount of nutrients and support for their growth and development. When it comes to factoring in a schedule for your baby, most babies feed every 3-4 hours but it differs depending on the day. It’s all a bit confusing, but luckily for you, keeping you in the know is our schtick. From a baby feeding schedule to to when to start solid foods with your 4 month old, we’ve got you covered.

What can a 4 month old eat?

---

Your 4 month old will still be on breast milk or formula at this point, and hopefully be forming a consistent feeding schedule. Those milk feeds (or formula feeding) gives your baby vital nutrients that their little body can’t go without. Breastfeeding is recommended by the World Health Organisation for the first 6 months of a baby’s life, as formula fed babies don’t always get the same health benefits. But we know that everyone’s situations are different, so if you’ve had a chat with your doctor’s about formula feeding, don’t stress it. But the question of the hour is – when can your 4 month old get started on solid foods? Different babies are ready for eating solids at different points. Solid foods are an exciting milestone (one we’re often itching for), but you should check for signs that they’re ready with your baby’s doctor.

When you do get started on solid foods with your 4 month old, opt for something like avocado, bananas or sweet potato. Introducing solid food should be a slow start to their baby feeding schedule, so don’t go crazy with big portions. If they’re going well, present them new solid food options every few days, and keep an eye out for any food allergies.

---

4 month old baby feeding schedule

---

For bottle feeding, your 4 month old should should have around 120ml, 4-6 times a day. Breastfeeding usually happens every 3-4 hours, but everyone’s journey is different. If you and your baby are happy and healthy, that’s all that matters. A baby feeding schedule works if your little one is content.

A baby feeding schedule for solid food starts with just one meal a day. If all goes well for your 4 month old, you can gradually increase it with the coming weeks until they’re eventually having three solid meals a day (with snacks in between). You might offer solid food when your milk supply is at its lowest, or a bright-eyed and energised baby could enjoy sampling solid food in the morning.

---

Tips for 4 month old feeds

---

• Keep in mind that breastfed babies at 4 months of age tend to demand more frequent feeds so their baby feeding schedule will probably look quite different.
• Your 4 month old letting distracted during baby feeding is to be expected. There’s so many exciting things happening in the world around them, and just want to take it all in! It could help to your feeding in a quiet, secluded space.
• Remember that at this point, milk is more than enough for your 4 month old. Solid food with it’s extra kilojoules isn’t needed in your baby feeding schedule. If it suits your 4 month old, solid food could be a good addition into their baby feeding schedule. But you don’t want to give your baby solid food before 4 months, and most babies have solid food by 6 months.

We get it, baby feeding schedules can feel overwhelming and stressful. You want to do the right thing for your 4 month old and get them all the goodies their growing body needs! But life is messy, and things don’t always go to plan. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect. As long as your 4 month old is safe and healthy, fretting about a seamless baby feeding schedule isn’t worth the stress.

Related Articles