Hi mama,
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re holding a tiny human in one arm and your phone in the other, wondering if you're doing this feeding thing “right.” I’ve been there. I still go back to my notes sometimes. Feeding a baby—whether it's breast, formula, both, or something else entirely—is a full-time job with zero training manual.
So I made these quick cheat sheets to help you feel a little more grounded. No pressure, no judgment—just useful info I wish I had taped to my fridge in those early days.
🍼 Breastfeeding Basics (0–6 months)
How often?
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Newborns: every 2–3 hours (8–12 times a day)
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2–3 months: every 3–4 hours
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4–6 months: every 4–5 hours
How do I know they’re getting enough?
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6+ wet diapers/day after day 4
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Steady weight gain after the first 2 weeks
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Swallowing sounds during feeding
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Baby seems content after nursing
Tips:
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The latch matters more than the clock.
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Use a nursing tracker app if it helps you, not if it stresses you.
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If it hurts beyond the first few seconds, get help—pain is not normal.
🍼 Formula Feeding Basics
How often and how much?
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Newborn (0–1 mo): 2–3 oz every 2–3 hrs
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1–2 months: 4 oz every 3–4 hrs
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2–4 months: 4–6 oz every 4 hrs
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4–6 months: 6–8 oz every 4–5 hrs
How to prep safely:
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Always use the scoop that comes with the formula
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Boil water if required by your brand
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Mixed formula is good for 2 hours at room temp, or 24 hours in the fridge
Tips:
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Don’t feel bad if your baby doesn’t always finish the bottle.
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It’s okay to try a few formulas before finding the right fit.
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Keep a small cooler bag stocked for outings.
🍼 Combo Feeding (Breast + Bottle)
Why moms do this:
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Going back to work
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Needing a break (you’re allowed)
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Low supply
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Wanting the best of both worlds
How to make it work:
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Try to keep some breastfeeding to maintain supply (if that’s your goal)
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Use a “paced feeding” method with bottles to avoid bottle preference
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Choose slow-flow nipples to mimic breastfeeding
Sample schedule:
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Morning: breast
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Mid-morning: bottle (formula or pumped milk)
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Afternoon: breast
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Evening: bottle
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Overnight: whatever keeps you sane
Tips:
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You don’t need to explain your choices to anyone.
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Baby fed = baby loved.
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Combo feeding is often the sweet spot for sanity.
Final Thoughts from a Tired, Grateful Mom
Feeding can feel overwhelming—especially when you're sleep-deprived, hormonal, and bombarded with advice. Here's what I learned the hard way: There’s no gold medal for suffering. Do what works for you, your baby, and your family. That’s it. That’s the whole secret.
Whether your baby is nursing at the breast, chugging formula, or switching between both like a champ—if they're fed, growing, and loved—you’re doing it right.
You’ve got this, mama. And if you ever forget that, come back and read this again.
With love,
A fellow mom who’s been in your spot at 3AM, burp cloth over shoulder, googling “how much should my baby eat” with one eye open.
