At 3 months of age, babies drink about the same amount of breast milk and formula over the course of the day as they have been consuming up until now. The difference: they start to consume larger amounts when feeding, resulting in less need to feed as frequently, and longer stretches of sleep at night. 

---

What to Expect at 3 Months

At this age, babies typically settle into a feeding routine. If you’re already in a rhythm, great—keep going. If your schedule still feels random, that’s okay, too. Keep feeding on-demand: offer the breast or bottle when baby shows signs they are hungry. This gradually builds a predictable schedule of feeding times. 

➔ Baby eats breast milk, formula, or a combination. 

➔ Baby typically eats 22 to 34 fl oz (650 to 950 mL) per day. 

➔ Baby feeds every 2 to 3 hours, but it varies. Watch for hunger, not the clock. 

➔ Baby typically feeds overnight at least once (and often more). 

➔ Cluster feeding (every 30 to 45 minutes) is common before bedtime. 

➔ Baby may eat more at each feed with longer stretches between feeds. 

➔ Baby stays awake for 1.5 to 2 hours, and naps 3 to 4 times per day. 

If baby is exclusively breastfed

This is a great age to introduce a bottle if you would like them to be part of your feeding routine. Introducing bottles can get more challenging as baby grows.

If baby was born prematurely

They may still be getting the hang of feeding. Your medical and therapy teams can provide individualized support. 

★ Remember

You cannot force a baby to take in more than they want, or push them to eat more often or larger amounts than they want. Continue to feed on-demand and follow baby’s lead, which gradually builds a predictable feeding schedule.

---

Sample Feeding Routine

Use this schedule as a starting point and adapt in a way that works for you and baby. It is okay if your baby’s routine differs. You can trust that your plan is working as long as baby is regularly peeing and pooping, and baby is growing with themselves as their own benchmark. As always, discuss your plan with your medical provider as questions come up.

How much should baby eat at 3 months of age?

A 3-month-old baby typically consumes 22 to 34 fl oz (650 to 950 mL) of breast milk or formula over 24 hours.

Daily feeding routines vary from baby to baby. For example: 

All of these scenarios are normal. It is also normal for consumption to vary from one day to the next, especially when they are ill or tired.

Talk to your doctor if your baby regularly wants to feed every 30 to 60 minutes during the day or night and they are not starting to sleep for longer stretches. While it is normal for babies to cluster feed in the evening (feeding every half hour or so before bedtime), they may benefit from lactation or medical support if they regularly want to feed every 30 to 60 minutes.

---

Signs Baby is Eating Enough

✔ Content and alert

They're regularly alert and playful.

✔ Producing wet diapers

They make several wet diapers daily.

✔ Energetic

They are ready to explore most days.

✔ Growing steadily

They are growing along their curve.

There is no “right” answer to how much a baby needs to grow and thrive. As long as they are growing and following their unique curve, trust that baby is eating to meet their nutritional needs. Speak with your doctor if you are concerned about your baby’s intake or weight gain. 

Keep in mind that nursing and bottle feeding offer more than nutrition; some babies remain latched for long periods of time for soothing. This is normal, and it is usually nothing to worry about as long as baby is happy and steadily growing.  

---

Tips for Feeding at 3 Months

Build a routine.

Babies tend to settle into a predictable routine when they are fed on-demand. When baby shows signs of wanting breast milk or formula, offer it. When they show signs they are done, stop the meal. It’s also okay if you do not want to focus on building routine; do what works for you.

Take burp breaks.

About halfway through feeding, pause and let them burp. This way, your baby can get out any swallowed air, which decreases the chance they'll be uncomfortable and gassy.

Pace bottle feeding.

Let your baby feed for 5 minutes or so, and then gently remove the bottle and let them suck on your finger or a pacifier. This mimics the flow of breastfeeding, aids in digestion, and allows them to better listen to their belly. 

Feed more during the day.

Try to breast or bottle feed more frequently through the day. For some babies this helps get longer stretches between meals at night (and more consistent sleep).

Practice with bottles.

This is a good age to introduce a bottle to exclusively breastfed babies if your goal is to help them learn to bottlefeed. 

---

Do I need to wake my 3 month old for feedings?

Generally, no. Most 3-month-old babies do not need to be woken up to feed at night. They are typically capable of waking up if they are hungry. If you are considering night feeds to help them gain weight, talk to your doctor to come up with a plan. 

Can I introduce a bottle if my baby is exclusively breastfed?

Absolutely! This is a great age to introduce a bottle, even if only intermittently. Start with offering a bottle once a day. At this age, they are using their oral reflexes to suck and swallow, and these reflexes begin to integrate around 4 months of age. Babies are often more open to taking a bottle before these reflexes integrate.

What do I need to do to prepare for solid food? 

Most babies start solids around 6 months of age, but it’s not too early to start preparing for the transition. Activities to get ready include:

Floor Time

Let baby play on their back, side, and tummy for playtime. Hang toys above baby’s head to encourage arm and hand movements.

Oral Hygiene

Before bedtime, gently brush baby’s gums or teeth with an age-appropriate soft-bristled toothbrush, or a wet washcloth on your finger (even if teeth have not popped) to get baby comfortable with the feeling and routine.

Check out more activities.

Prepare Yourself 

Take an infant rescue course.

Get to know feeding methods to determine which feels right for you.

Start thinking about high chairs and other equipment you might want to use.

---

Written By 

K. Grenawitzke, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC. Pediatric Feeding/Swallowing Specialist. 

K. Rappaport, OTR/L, MS, SCFES, IBCLC. Pediatric Feeding/Swallowing Specialist

R. Ruiz, MD, FAAP, CLC. Pediatric Gastroenterologist.

V. Kalami, MNSP, RD, CSP. Pediatric Dietitian/Nutritionist.

M. Suarez, MS, OTR/L, SWC, CLEC. Pediatric Feeding/Swallowing Specialist.