How much solid food should I be feeding my baby?
INFANT
The amount of solid food your baby needs will vary depending on their age, weight, and individual needs. As a general guideline, during the initial stages of introducing solids, the focus should be on getting your baby used to the experience of eating and trying new flavors and textures, rather than on the quantity of food.
Here's a rough guide to help you understand how much solid food to offer your baby:
6 months: When you first introduce solids, start with a small amount, around 1-2 teaspoons of pureed food or infant cereal per meal. Gradually increase the amount as your baby gets more comfortable eating solids. At this stage, breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition.
7-9 months: As your baby becomes more experienced with solids, you can gradually increase the amount of food to 2-4 tablespoons per meal, offering 2-3 meals per day. Continue to provide breast milk or formula alongside solid foods.
9-12 months: At this stage, your baby may be eating 3-4 tablespoons of food per meal, with 3 meals per day and 1-2 snacks. Your baby may also be able to handle more textured foods and finger foods. Breast milk or formula should still be an important part of their diet.
12 months and beyond: As your baby transitions to a more varied diet, aim for 3 meals and 2-3 snacks per day, with a balance of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy products. You can also start to introduce cow's milk and reduce the reliance on breast milk or formula.
Keep in mind that every baby is different, and their appetite can vary from day to day. It's important to follow your baby's hunger cues and not to force them to eat if they're not interested. If you have concerns about your baby's food intake or nutrition, consult your pediatrician for guidance and recommendations tailored to your baby's specific needs and developmental stage.