Essential Guide to Feeding an 8-Week-Old Baby: Schedules, Tips, and More

Your baby is now eight weeks old! They aren’t so tiny now and may have started to hit a few important developmental milestones, such as settling into a more predictable feeding pattern and even sleeping for longer stretches at night. If your newborn isn’t there yet, don't worry; that milestone is (hopefully) within sight.

In this guide, you’ll learn feeding schedules, tips, and common concerns you may have about your 8-week-old baby.

Understanding Feeding Your 8-Week-Old Baby

As your little one grows, they can feed more during each breastfeeding or formula-feeding session. Your baby will still feed throughout the day with more spaced feeds at night. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends feeding your baby on demand. Keep an eye out for hunger cues such as:

• Head turning to look for breast.
• Lip smacking or sucking on hands.
• Opening and closing mouth.
• Fidgeting a lot or fussing.

Feed your baby right away if you notice these signs.

Common Feeding Challenges for an 8-Week-Old Baby

At eight weeks, it's normal to encounter challenges such as:

• Refusal to feed — Sometimes, your baby may show all the hunger cues, like rooting, smacking their lips, or crying. But if you try to feed them, they may refuse to suck the breast or the bottle. Try to identify what’s going on for your baby. They might just be distracted or gassy. If this persists, consult your pediatrician, as it could be a sign something needs attention.
• Cluster feeding — Many babies go through a growth spurt at eight weeks and may demand to be fed more frequently. Be careful not to overfeed your baby. Speak to your doctor about the appropriate feeding amount for your baby’s age and weight.
• Spitting up — Your 8-week-old baby may spit up milk when breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. You can reduce this by using anti-colic bottles, burping after every feed, and avoiding overfeeding. Call your doctor right away if your baby is spitting up large amounts and losing weight or not gaining weight as expected.

Typical Feeding Schedule for an 8-Week-Old Baby

If breastfeeding, you can expect to nurse your baby 6-10 times a day, for an average of 5 to 10 minutes on each side per feed. Of course, this may vary depending on your baby’s eating style, the speed at which breast milk lets down, or their appetite.

Expect to bottle-feed your little one about 4 to 5 ounces every 3-4 hours, 6-8 times a day, with more spaced-out feedings at night. A good rule of thumb is to feed your baby when they start showing signs of hunger rather than worrying about “how much an 8-week-old should eat.”

You can tell your little one is eating enough if they:

• Seem content and doze off after a feed.
• Steadily gain weight as expected.
• Wet and soil diapers regularly.

Your baby might not be feeding enough if:

• They’re irritable and cry constantly, even after feeding.
• There is a significant drop in the number of soiled diapers (fewer than five).
• Have a dry mouth and don’t appear satisfied.

If your little one is sleeping throughout the night, you might wonder, “Should I wake up my baby to feed at night?” At eight weeks, it’s normal for some (but not all) babies to start sleeping for longer stretches at night, which is good news for sleep-deprived parents. If your baby is healthy and gaining weight as expected, let them rest. Just feed them enough during the day so they’re less hungry at night. Speak to your pediatrician if you’re worried your baby isn’t feeding enough.

Tips for Successful Breastfeeding

Here are a few breastfeeding tips to help you along the way:

• Feed on demand when the baby shows hunger cues.
• Sit comfortably and bring your baby to your breast. You might want to use breastfeeding pillows for support and comfort.
• Rest your baby’s chin on your breast, holding your breast in one hand and the back of your baby’s head in another to encourage a healthy latch.
• Burp your baby after they stop suckling or come off your breast.
• Eat a balanced diet, drink lots of water, and get plenty of rest to promote a healthy milk supply.

Don’t be afraid to seek help from a lactation consultant if you’re struggling with breastfeeding.

Bottle-Feeding Tips for an 8-Week-Old Baby

Here are some bottle-feeding tips to help you through:

• Choose a baby bottle that mimics natural breastfeeding.
• Hold your baby more upright to help slow the flow of milk or formula.
• Slightly warm the milk and test the temperature on your wrist before feeding.
• Allow your baby to control the feeding pace by taking short breaks.
• Burp your baby after each feed to minimize gas.

Tracking Your Baby’s Feeding Habits

You can use a simple notebook or a digital app to record and track your baby’s feeding patterns. Note the following:

• Date and time of each feeding.
• Hunger cues before feeding.
• Amount of milk or formula consumed.
• Time spent feeding.

Tools to Help with Feeding Your 8-Week-Old Baby

Several tools can make it easier to feed your 8-week-old baby, including:

• Anti-colic baby bottles with nipples that mimic mom's breasts and flow.
• Baby formula formulated for 8-week-old infants.
• Breast pump and pre-sterilized breast milk storage bags.
• MilkFresh, a sensor that tracks the freshness of stored breast milk.
• Breastfeeding pads and nipple creams.
• Breastfeeding pillow.

Feeding Your 8-Week-Old-Baby

Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding formula, or doing a mix of both, what matters is your little one is fed and healthy. Use the schedules and tips above as a guide — not hard and fast rules. Remember, nobody knows your little one better than you do. Trust your gut and do what feels best for you and your precious baby.

If you’re ever concerned about your baby’s feeding habits, don’t hesitate to bring it up with your healthcare provider.