How much should a 6-week-old eat?

On average, breastfed newborns nurse every 2 to 3 hours; in general, breastfed babies tend to eat more frequently. In comparison, formula-fed newborns usually eat every 3 to 4 hours.

Watch for hunger cues that show when the baby is hungry instead of feeding on a fixed schedule. Newborns may express hunger by rooting, squirming, making sucking motions, smacking their lips, putting their hands or fingers in their mouths, or sticking out their tongues. By the end of the first month, newborns should be taking in at least 4 ounces per feeding, and at 6 months, 6 to 8 ounces per feeding.