How to Feed Your Baby Step by Step

This is a general guide for feeding a baby. Your baby may eat a little more or a little less than this guide suggests.

0 to 4 months

Breast Milk

• Nurse on demand, 5 to 10 minutes per breast.

Formula

Age              # times/day       serving size           
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0 to 1 Month      6 to 8 times      2 to 4 oz
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1 to 2 months     5 to 7 times      3 to 5 oz
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2 to 3 months     4 to 6 times      4 to 7 oz
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3 to 4 months     4 to 6 times      5 to 8 oz
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• Never prop a bottle. Always hold the baby to feed.
• Don't microwave bottles.
• Don't force a large feeding amount. 6 wet diapers is a good sign your baby is getting enough.
• Do not feed honey to a child until 1 year of age.

4 to 6 months

Breast Milk or Formula

4 to 6 times per day, 6 to 8 oz at each feeding

• Don't prop the bottle.
• Use a pacifier if the baby wants to suck.

Grains

Rice cereal 1 to 2 times per day, 1 to 2 tbsp. servings

• Start cereal if baby is taking over 32 oz per day.
• Don't put cereal in a bottle.

6 to 8 months

Breast Milk or Formula

3 to 5 times per day, 6 to 8 oz servings

• Give breast milk or formula before giving solids.

Grains

Rice Cereal 3 to 5 times per day, 2 to 4 tbsp. servings

• Don't heat in microwave.

Fruits & Veggies

Strained fruits and vegetables, 2 to 4 times per day, 2 to 3 tbsp. servings

• Keep solids refrigerated.
• Start one fruit or vegetable at a time.
• Do not give foods in chunks.

8 to 12 months

Breast Milk or Formula

3 to 4 times per day, 6 to 8 oz servings

• Baby can hold a bottle but don't give a bottle in bed.
• Try using a cup.

Grains

Baby cereal, crackers, bread, or dry cereal, 1 to 2 times per day, 2 to 4 tbsp. servings

• Start with soft finger foods.
• Be patient.
• Feed your baby in a high chair.
• Feed only foods that will dissolve in the mouth.

Fruits & Veggies

Strained or mashed fruits or vegetables, 3 to 4 times per day, 3 to 4 tbsp. servings

Fruit juice (not orange) 1 time per day, 4 oz in cup

• Juice does not replace milk.
• Give juice in a cup.

Meat

Strained chicken, beef, or dried beans, 1 to 2 times per day, 3 to 4 tbsp. servings

• Do not give hotdogs or pieces of meat that need chewing.

Age 1+ years

• You may give whole milk instead of formula. Your child may also have citrus juice, honey, and whole eggs after 1 year of age. Never give honey to babies. Honey may cause a serious disease called botulism in children less than 1 year old.
• Continue to have meals in a high chair or at the table.
• DO NOT allow your child to walk around and eat small amounts of food frequently (grazing).
• Do not add peanuts, treenuts or shellfish to your child's diet until 2 or 3 years of age.
• Give your child snacks at the table. Snacks are important for baby's increasing energy needs.

Other Dairy Foods

• Yogurt, 1/4 to 1/2 cup servings
• Offer cottage cheese, 1 to 2 tbsp. servings

Written by Robert Brayden, MD. Professor of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Pediatric Advisor 2012.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2010-01-27
Last reviewed: 2010-11-29
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2012 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.