Family & tracking
Feeding twins: a schedule that works for two
Last reviewed November 2026 against AAP, CDC, NHS and WHO guidance · Sources
Quick answer
Each twin needs about 8–12 feeds in 24 hours as a newborn, the same as a single baby. La Leche League GB suggests each twin feeds at least 8–10 times a day. Many families sync twins by feeding them together, or one right after the other, and keep a separate log for each baby because their appetites differ.
On this page
How much should each twin eat?
Each twin follows the same age-based amounts as any baby: see the feeding chart. Twins are often smaller or born early, so your pediatrician may give each baby a specific target, and the twins may need different amounts.
Should I feed twins at the same time?
La Leche League GB notes that nursing two at once is often easiest and saves time once breastfeeding is established, but each baby may need different amounts. Many mothers mix approaches, for example feeding together at home and one at a time when out. Switching breasts and babies can help if one twin feeds less efficiently.
With bottles, two caregivers can feed side by side, or one caregiver can feed both in supported positions while staying right there. Never prop a bottle.
What does a twin feeding schedule look like?
| Time | Twin A | Twin B |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 am | Feed | Feed right after (or together) |
| 3:00 am | Feed | Feed |
| 6:00 am | Feed | Feed |
| 9:00 am | Feed | Feed |
| 12:00 pm | Feed | Feed |
| 3:00 pm | Feed | Feed |
| 6:00 pm | Feed | Feed |
| 9:00 pm | Feed | Feed |
How do I keep track of two babies?
- Keep a separate log for each twin: feeds, amounts and diapers.
- Use a color or initial for each baby on bottles, burp cloths and the log.
- Note which breast each twin used, if you switch.
- Share the log with everyone helping, so night shifts know who ate last.
A shared tracker that switches between babies helps here. Feedoo Baby supports more than one baby on an account, and each caregiver's logs show who logged them.
When to call your pediatrician
- A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby 3 months or younger. The AAP says to call right away, even if your baby seems otherwise well.
- Fewer wet diapers than expected for their age (fewer than 6 a day from about day 5), or dark yellow urine.
- Very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds, floppy, or unusually quiet.
- Refusing feeds, or feeding poorly several times in a row.
- Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, no tears, or a sunken soft spot on the head.
- Forceful or green vomiting, or vomiting after most feeds.
- Red, black (after the first meconium poops) or white/pale gray poop.
- Yellow skin or eyes that spread or deepen, or any yellow color in the first 24 hours.
- Trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, or your baby is limp or very hard to wake: call 911 (or your local emergency number) now.
If something feels wrong, trust that feeling and call. You never need a reason beyond worry.
Questions parents ask
How often should newborn twins eat?
Each twin usually needs about 8 to 12 feeds in 24 hours as a newborn (CDC), and La Leche League GB suggests at least 8 to 10 each. A sleepy twin may need waking to feed.
Can I breastfeed twins at the same time?
Yes. La Leche League GB notes tandem feeding is often easiest once breastfeeding is established, and it can help a less efficient feeder because let-down happens more easily. Many mothers also feed one at a time when that suits better.
Should I wake the other twin when one wakes to eat?
Many families do, to keep the twins on a similar rhythm and protect some sleep. If one twin needs more frequent feeds, follow that baby's cues and your pediatrician's advice.
Related guides
- How to track baby feeding and diapersWhy pediatricians ask about feeds and diapers, exactly what to log for breast, bottle and combo feeding, and paper vs notes app vs tracking app compared.
- Sharing night feeds with your partnerNight-feed shift plans for breastfeeding, formula and combo families, safe-sleep tips for tired parents, and how to hand over without waking each other.
- Baby feeding chart by age: ounces and mlA baby feeding chart from week 1 to 12 months: ounces and ml per feed, feeds per day and daily totals for formula and breast milk, with sources.
- Paced bottle feeding, step by stepHow to pace a bottle feed: positioning, a horizontal bottle, breaks every few sucks and fullness cues. Works for breast milk and formula, and for every caregiver.
Free tools
Sources
Last reviewed November 2026. Numbers are ranges from these public health sources; 1 oz ≈ 30 ml.
- La Leche League GB: Twins and More
- CDC: How Much and How Often to Breastfeed
- CDC: How Much and How Often to Feed Infant Formula
- AAP · HealthyChildren.org: Amount and Schedule of Formula Feedings
Feedoo Baby shares general information, not medical advice. Every baby is different. If you're worried about feeding, weight gain, diapers or your baby's health, call your pediatrician, midwife or health visitor.