How to Track Baby Feeding Schedule: The Complete Guide

"When did she last eat?"

If you've asked this question while staring blankly at your partner at 3 AM, you need a feeding tracker.

Tracking feeds helps you ensure your baby is eating enough, spot patterns, and share the load with your partner. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Track Baby Feedings?

For Newborns (0-3 Months)

• Ensure baby is eating frequently enough (8-12 times per 24 hours)
• Track for pediatrician appointments
• Monitor for feeding issues
• Calculate intake for bottle-fed babies

For Older Babies (3-12 Months)

• Establish consistent schedule
• Coordinate with naps and bedtime
• Track solid food introduction
• Identify allergies or intolerances

For Parents

• Know when next feed is due
• Share feeding duties with partner
• Reduce mental load
• Have data for doctor visits

What to Track

For Breastfeeding

• Time started
• Duration (per side or total)
• Which side(s) - helps alternate
• Baby's behavior - fussy, sleepy, content
• Your notes - pain, concerns, questions

For Bottle Feeding

• Time
• Amount (ounces/ml)
• Type - breast milk, formula, or combination
• Duration - how long it took to finish
• Notes - refused bottle, spit up, etc.

For Pumping

• Time
• Duration
• Output (per side and total)
• Side(s) pumped
• Notes - low output, clogged duct, etc.

For Solids

• Time
• Food offered
• Amount eaten (rough estimate)
• Reaction - loved it, hated it, allergic reaction
• Notes - new foods, texture changes

Tracking Methods: Pros and Cons

Paper Log

Pros: No batteries, simple, always accessible Cons: Easy to misplace, hard to share, no analysis

Notes App

Pros: Always on your phone, free, searchable Cons: No structure, hard to see patterns, manual work

Spreadsheet

Pros: Can create charts, flexible, shareable Cons: Requires setup, not quick to log, desktop-oriented

Dedicated Baby App

Pros: Purpose-built, automatic insights, shareable with partner, tracks patterns Cons: Another app, some have learning curve

For most parents, a dedicated app is worth it—especially one that syncs between both parents.

Sample Feeding Schedules by Age

Newborn (0-4 Weeks)

Total: 10-12 feeds per day, every 2-3 hours

2-4 Months

Total: 6-8 feeds per day, every 3-4 hours

6-9 Months (With Solids)

Total: 4-5 milk feeds plus 2-3 solid meals

Common Questions

How long should a breastfeeding session last?

Newborns: 20-45 minutes total (both sides) Older babies: 10-20 minutes total (more efficient)

How much formula should baby drink?

Rough guide: 2.5 oz per pound of body weight, divided by number of feeds. Example: 10 lb baby = 25 oz total ÷ 8 feeds = ~3 oz per feed

When can I stop tracking feeds?

When you feel confident that:

• Baby is gaining weight well
• You recognize hunger cues
• You have a predictable routine
• You no longer need the data

For most families, this is around 3-6 months.

Should both parents track?

Yes! Shared tracking means:

• Either parent can feed without asking "when was the last feed?"
• Night shift handoffs are seamless
• Less mental load on one person

Tips for Consistent Tracking

1. Log immediately - Don't rely on memory
2. Keep it simple - Track only what you need
3. Use voice - Say "Hey Siri, remind me baby fed at 3pm"
4. Make it visible - Whiteboard, fridge note, or shared app
5. Set reminders - Especially for newborns

What Patterns to Look For

Healthy Patterns

• Consistent number of feeds per day
• Increasing duration between feeds as baby grows
• Steady weight gain
• Content baby after feeds
• Wet and dirty diapers

Concerning Patterns

• Significantly fewer feeds than normal
• Very short or very long feeds consistently
• Baby always fussy after feeds
• Weight loss or plateau
• Fewer wet diapers

If you notice concerning patterns, contact your pediatrician with your logged data.

The Bottom Line

Tracking feeds isn't about being obsessive—it's about having the information you need to care for your baby and share the load with your partner.

Start with more detail in the newborn phase, then simplify as you get into a rhythm. The goal is less stress, not more.

And remember: you don't have to do this alone. Share the tracking (and the feeds) with your partner.

---

Written by parents who've logged thousands of feeds between them. You've got this.