Don't expect your baby to follow a strict schedule in the first few weeks–especially if you're breastfeeding. Babies have small stomachs and need small meals throughout the day and night to make sure they get all the nutrients they need. Although every child follows a slightly different eating pattern, you can expect your newborn to eat about every two to three hours, or more often when breastfeeding. As your baby grows, the frequency of feedings will decline and the amount of food he eats at each feeding will increase.

Feeding guidelines
No two babies will eat the same, but here are some helpful guidelines for formula-fed babies:

Birth to 4 months of age: he should have 6 to 8 feedings each day (18 to 32 ounces)

4 to 6 months of age: he should have 4 to 6 feedings each day (28 to 32 ounces)

6 to 9 months of age: he should have 3 to 5 feedings each day (24 to 32 ounces)

9 to 12 months of age: he should have 2 to 4 feedings each day (24 to 32 ounces)

Sleeping through the night

To establish a feeding schedule that will let you and your baby sleep through the night, try feeding your baby at 7 p.m. and again at 10 p.m. Late-evening feedings can help keep a baby content all night. (But avoid feeding cereal before Baby is 4 to 6 months of age. It's a myth that cereal will help Baby sleep.)