Quick Answers
At 3 months old, babies still get all their nutrition from breastmilk or formula. They should eat around 25-35 oz (750-1050 ml) of breastmilk or formula per day, spread out over 6-8 feedings. Feeding on demand is recommended rather than a strict schedule. Signs baby is hungry include increased alertness/activity, rooting, and putting hands to mouth. At 3 months, you can introduce a vitamin D supplement if breastfed and not getting adequate sun exposure.
How Often Should a 3 Month Old Eat?
At 3 months of age, most babies will feed around 6-8 times per day. However, it’s best to follow baby’s hunger cues rather than a strict feeding schedule. Signs your baby is hungry include:
- Increased alertness and activity
- Rooting (turning head side to side looking for food source)
- Putting hands to mouth
- Sucking noises or motions
- Crying
Crying is a late sign of hunger so it’s best to watch for earlier cues and feed baby before they get overly upset. If your baby is crying, check for signs of hunger first before looking at other causes like a wet diaper or need for sleep.
At 3 months, babies stomachs are still quite small, so they need to eat frequently. Breastfed babies may feed 8-12 times or more per day. Bottle fed babies may go 4-6 hours between feeds. But every baby is different, so feeding “on demand” when baby shows hunger cues is recommended over a strict schedule.
Typical Feeding Schedule for a 3 Month Old
While feeding on demand is ideal, here is an example schedule of how feedings may be spaced out during the day for a 3 month old:
| Time | Feeding |
|---|---|
| 7-8 AM | Wake up and feed |
| 10 AM | Feeding |
| 1 PM | Feeding |
| 4 PM | Feeding |
| 7 PM | Feeding |
| 10 PM | Feeding before bedtime |
| 1 AM | Night feeding |
| 4 AM | Night feeding |
This would equal around 7-8 feedings per day. Some babies will only wake once at night, while others may wake more frequently. As solids are introduced later on, the schedule may consolidate towards 4-5 feedings spaced further apart.
How Much Should a 3 Month Old Eat Per Feeding?
As a rough guide, a 3 month old will eat around 25-35 oz (750-1050 mL) of breastmilk or formula per day. This daily amount will be divided into 6-8 feedings.
Breastfed Babies
For breastfed babies, it’s best to nurse on demand without watching the clock. Allow baby to feed from one breast until satisfied, then offer the second breast. Watch for swallowing to ensure they are actively consuming milk. The amount baby takes at each feeding can vary significantly based on appetite and growth spurts.
Bottle Fed Babies
Bottle fed infants will generally take around 3-5 oz (90-150 mL) per feeding at 3 months old. Signs baby is full include releasing the bottle nipple, decreased sucking, turning away, and pushing the bottle out with hands or tongue.
To determine the right bottle feeding amount, start with the low end of the 3-5 oz range then let baby’s cues guide you on whether to offer more. Avoid forcing baby to finish a bottle if showing signs of fullness.
Offering More or Less
If your 3 month old is eating way less or way more than the 25-35 oz per day average, don’t worry. Appetites can vary greatly. Consult your pediatrician if concerned about significant departures from the norm to rule out any problems. Otherwise, continue feeding on demand.
How to Know if Your Baby is Eating Enough
To ensure your 3 month old is getting adequate nutrition, look for these signs:
- Steady weight gain and growth: Babies this age should gain around 1-2 pounds per month.
- 6-8 wet diapers per day: Urine should be pale yellow.
- 3-4 dirty diapers per day: Poop is mustard colored and seedy.
- Satisfied after feedings: Not crying persistently from hunger.
- Good energy levels: Alert when awake.
Consult your pediatrician if you notice signs of poor intake like lack of weight gain, dry diapers, constant hunger or lethargy. Making an appointment can provide reassurance or catch any problems early.
Nutritional Needs for a 3 Month Old
Breastmilk or formula will continue providing complete nutrition for babies at 3 months old. Here are some key nutrients needed at this age:
Protein
Aids growth and development of muscle. Found in breastmilk/formula.
Fat
Supports brain development and absorption of vitamins. Also found naturally in breastmilk/formula.
Carbohydrates
Provide energy for a growing baby. Carbs from lactose in breastmilk/formula.
Vitamin D
Necessary for calcium absorption and bone health. Recommended daily intake 400 IU. Supplement if breastfed.
Iron
Helps carry oxygen in the blood to organs and tissues. Breastmilk/formula provide all iron needed at this age.
Other Vitamins and Minerals
A full spectrum is supplied by breastmilk or iron-fortified formula. No need for separate vitamins unless advised by doctor.
Can a 3 Month Old Drink Water?
At 3 months, babies staying hydrated is easy – they get all the water they need from breastmilk or formula. There is no need to offer any extra water, even on hot days. Too much water can interfere with feedings and nutrition intake.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no supplementary water for infants under 6 months. Speak with your pediatrician before introducing any water, especially if baby seems constipated.
Can a 3 Month Old Have Juice?
Juice is also not recommended for babies under 6 months. The AAP advises avoiding all fruit juice before 1 year old due to lack of nutritional benefits. Too much juice can displace breastmilk/formula and lead to diarrhea or overweight.
Small amounts of juice can be introduced after 6 months if desired, but limit to no more than 4 oz a day. Always mix with water – straight juice has too much natural sugar.
Can a 3 Month Old Eat Solids?
At 3 months, a baby’s digestive system is still maturing and not ready for solid foods. Introducing solids too early can increase risk of allergies and choking. The AAP recommends exclusive breastmilk or formula until about 6 months old.
Around 4-6 months, you can start offering a bottle nipple with cereal mixed into breastmilk/formula to help baby get used to thicker textures. But hold off on spoon feeding purees and finger foods until closer to 6 months.
Signs of readiness for starting solids around 6 months include:
- Good head and neck control
- Ability to sit upright supported
- Loss of tongue thrust reflex
- Interest in food on your plate
Work closely with your pediatrician when deciding the right time to introduce solids to your baby.
Tips for Feeding a 3 Month Old
Here are some tips to make feedings go smoothly for your 3 month old baby:
- Respond early to hunger cues before baby gets overly upset.
- Hold baby close and offer eye contact during feedings.
- Burp halfway through and at the end of each feeding.
- Gently arouse baby if falling asleep so they finish the feeding.
- Alternate which breast you offer first at each feeding if breastfeeding.
- Don’t prop the bottle – hold it to avoid ear infections.
- Spit up is normal but call doctor if vomiting large amounts.
Common Feeding Problems at 3 Months
Colic and Reflux
Spitting up and crying due to tummy discomfort peaks at 3 months. Frequent burping and keeping baby upright after feedings can help. If severe, talk to doctor about medication options.
Growth Spurts
Growth spurts can occur around 3 months where baby will eat more than usual for a few days. Feed on demand and make sure to hydrate well.
Distractions
At 3 months babies become more alert and may get distracted easily during feedings. Minimize noise and stimulation to keep focus.
Bottle Refusal
Some babies start preferring breast and refusing bottles at 3 months. Try different nipple types. Also avoid “nipple confusion” by pacing bottle feedings.
Teething
Drooling and chewing on fists can signal early teething starting now. Extra nursing and gum massage can comfort sore gums.
Low Milk Supply
If breastfeeding, a dip in milk supply can occur around 3 months due to dropping prolactin levels. Nurse frequently to boost supply back up.
Talk to Your Pediatrician
Always discuss any concerns about your baby’s feeding with their pediatrician. They can help determine if baby is eating enough and growing well. Don’t hesitate to ask questions – that’s what your pediatrician is there for!
With a routine of feeding on demand along with close attention to wet diapers, weight gain, and satisfaction after eating, you can ensure your 3 month old baby is getting all the nourishment they need.
