The two greatest questions when introducing solids: 1. how much food should my baby eat? 2. how often should my baby eat? The simple answer: it depends on your baby. However, there are guidelines on the recommended ranges for how much your baby should eat depending on their age.
HOW MUCH FOOD SHOULD MY BABY EAT?: ROUGH GUIDELINES
IF MY BABY IS 6-8 MONTHS OLD:
For children aged 6-8 months, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends giving your baby solid foods 2-3 times a day, in addition to breast milk or formula [1]. How much food: Meal size varies fairly widely but often falls somewhere between 2-4 tbsp per meal. At first it may be as little as a teaspoonful after breastfeeding/formula [2].
IF MY BABY IS 8-12 MONTHS OLD:
WHO recommends offering solids 3-4 times a day, in addition to breast milk or formula [1]. Meal size can vary based on your child’s needs, but 3-4 tbsp per meal can be used as a rough guide.
IF MY BABY IS 1-3 YEARS OLD:
For children 1-3 years old, WHO recommends 3 meals per day, with 1-2 snacks. Offer kids ¼ – ½ adult size meal, following USDA MyPlate guidelines. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most 1-3 year olds need 1000-1400 kcal per day, depending on height and activity level.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment in any manner. Always ask your pediatrician or other qualified health provider any questions you have regarding any medical conditions.
