Key Takeaways
- 4-month-olds need 24–36 oz (720–1080ml) of breast milk or formula per day
- Breastfed babies nurse 5–6 times per day, every 3–4 hours
- Formula-fed babies take 5–7 oz (150–210ml) per bottle, 4–5 bottles per day
- Milk is still 100% of nutrition — most babies are NOT ready for solids yet
At 4 months, your baby is more efficient at feeding and may go longer between sessions. You might notice increased hunger from a growth spurt, or wonder if it's time for solids. Here's what you need to know about feeding your 4-month-old.
Feeding Amounts at 4 Months
| Feeding Type | Per Feeding | Feedings/Day | Total/Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breastfed | Varies (full nursing) | 5–6 sessions | 24–36 oz (720–1080ml) |
| Formula-fed | 5–7 oz (150–210ml) | 4–5 bottles | 24–36 oz (720–1080ml) |
Don't rush solids
The AAP recommends introducing solids around 6 months. At 4 months, breast milk or formula provides 100% of the nutrition your baby needs. Starting solids too early can increase allergy risk and doesn't help babies sleep longer.
See also: How Much Should a 3 Month Old Eat? and Formula Feeding Guide.
Breastfeeding at 4 Months
At 4 months, breastfeeding is well-established and sessions are efficient:
- 5–6 nursing sessions per day (every 3–4 hours)
- Feedings last 10–15 minutes — baby is faster and more focused
- Distractible feeding is common — baby may pop off to look around
- Signs of enough milk: 6+ wet diapers/day, steady weight gain of 4–5 oz (110–140g)/week
Learn more: How Much Should a 6 Month Old Eat?
Formula Feeding at 4 Months
Formula-fed 4-month-olds typically take:
- 5–7 oz (150–210ml) per bottle
- 4–5 bottles per day
- Every 3–4 hours between feedings
- Total: 24–36 oz (720–1080ml) per day
See also: Formula Feeding Guide: Types, Amounts & Preparation.
Sample Feeding Schedule
At 4 months, most babies feed every 3–4 hours:
| Time | Feeding | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Breast milk / Formula | 5–7 oz (150–210ml) |
| 10:00 AM | Breast milk / Formula | 5–7 oz (150–210ml) |
| 1:30 PM | Breast milk / Formula | 5–7 oz (150–210ml) |
| 5:00 PM | Breast milk / Formula | 5–7 oz (150–210ml) |
| 8:00 PM | Breast milk / Formula | 5–7 oz (150–210ml) |
This is a guideline — follow your baby's hunger cues rather than a strict clock schedule.
4-Month Growth Spurt
A common growth spurt occurs around 4 months. During this time your baby may:
- Feed more frequently for 2–4 days — wanting to eat every 2–3 hours
- Seem hungrier than usual — this doesn't mean they need solids
- Be fussier between feeds
- Wake more at night to feed (often confused with the 4-month sleep regression)
This is temporary. Increased hunger during a growth spurt is not a sign your baby needs solid food — it's a sign they need more milk.
Learn more: Baby Growth Spurts: When They Happen & What to Expect.
Night Feeds at 4 Months
At 4 months, 1–2 night feeds are still normal. Some babies may sleep a longer stretch of 5–6 hours before waking.
- Most babies still need at least one night feed
- The 4-month sleep regression can temporarily increase night waking
- Don't add cereal to bottles to help baby sleep — it doesn't work and can be a choking hazard
- A dream feed around 10–11 PM can help extend the first sleep stretch
Signs of Readiness for Solids
Most 4-month-olds are not yet ready for solids. The AAP recommends around 6 months. Some pediatricians may approve starting at 4–5 months if baby shows ALL of these signs:
- Good head control — holds head steady without support
- Sitting with support — can sit upright in a high chair
- Lost tongue-thrust reflex — doesn't push food out with tongue
- Interest in food — watches you eat, reaches for food
- Doubled birth weight — at least 13 lbs (6 kg)
Showing interest in food alone is NOT enough — baby must meet all criteria. When in doubt, wait.
See also: Introducing Solid Foods: Complete Guide.
FAQ
Can I start solids at 4 months?
The AAP recommends waiting until around 6 months. Some pediatricians may approve starting at 4–5 months if your baby shows ALL readiness signs (head control, sitting with support, lost tongue thrust, interest in food, doubled birth weight). Talk to your pediatrician — but for most 4-month-olds, milk alone is perfect.
Is my baby eating enough?
Signs of adequate intake: 6+ wet diapers per day, steady weight gain (110–140g/week at 4 months), content between feeds, and meeting developmental milestones. If your baby is growing along their curve, they're getting enough.
Why does my baby seem hungrier suddenly?
A growth spurt around 4 months is very common. Baby may want to feed every 2–3 hours for a few days. This is temporary and doesn't mean they need solids — just offer more milk. The increased demand also helps boost breast milk supply.
Should I add cereal to the bottle?
No. Adding cereal to bottles is not recommended by the AAP. It doesn't help babies sleep longer, can be a choking hazard, and may lead to overfeeding. If your pediatrician recommends it for reflux, follow their specific guidance — but never do it on your own.
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