Are you constantly pondering whether you've offered your little one enough food? Are you unsure if they've eaten enough? And when it's time to introduce additional meals? If so, you're not alone. Basically all of us grapple with these questions. Everyone may have a different viewpoint on this subject, but this Paediatric Dietitian approved guide is a great place for you to start.
First and foremost - it's essential to understand that there's no one size fits all answer to the question of how much solid food your baby should consume. Each baby is unique, with different nutritional requirements. So, put away the scales and forget about counting macros – offering your baby a meal, regardless of whether they eat one teaspoon or the entire portion, counts as a meal. This is especially pertinent during those initial months when your baby is exploring the world of food.
Around 6 months, not before 4 months:
In line with the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) guidelines, if your baby is displaying signs of readiness, such as holding their head and neck up, showing interest in food, and reaching for the spoon, you can begin introducing solids from around 6 months, but not before 4 months.
Frequency of solids: Offer 1-2 teaspoons per day at least 30 minutes after a breast/formula feed.
Type of solids: Purees (initially smooth) only before 6 months.
How much should bub eat? Not much. In fact, your baby may not even swallow much at this stage. This phase is primarily about exploring tastes, textures, and the mechanics of moving food around the mouth.
It's crucial to note that if you're starting solids before 6 months, stick to pureed foods – baby-led weaning (BLW) can commence at 6 months. Also, solids should not replace breastmilk/formula at this stage.
6-7 Months:
Frequency of solids: Offer 1-2 small meals per day, 30-60 minutes post breast/formula feed. If you began solids before 6 months, you may like to progress to two small meals per meals per day; if starting at 6 months, offer just one meal.
Type of solids: You can choose to start with smooth purees, or soft finger foods (BLW) or a combination of the two, depending what works and feels right for you and your bub.
How much should bub eat? Your baby may only eat a couple of bites or spoonfuls, or they may devour the entire meal. Both scenarios are perfectly normal, as this stage is all about exploration and learning.
Solids should not replace breastmilk/formula at this stage.
7-8 Months:
Frequency of solids:. Offer 2-3 meals per day, 30-60 minutes post breast/formula feed.
Type of solids: As bub becomes more familiar with solids, you can gradually increase the texture of your purees. Continue to offer slightly lumpier purees or soft finger foods for BLW.
How much should bub eat? Your baby might be starting to eat more than a few spoonfuls/bites per meal now. They might eat lots of one meal and only a little bit of the other meal.
Solids should not replace breastmilk/formula at this stage.
8-9 Months:
Frequency of solids:. Offer 3 meals per day before breast/formula feeds, allowing 30-60 minutes between solids and milk.
Type of solids: Continue increasing the resistance and textures of purees, and start offering soft finger foods if your baby hasn't already started. For BLW babies, increase the resistance of their food by cooking it slightly less.
How much should bub eat? With the addition of an extra meal, your baby might eat lots of spoonfuls/bites in some meals and less in others. Or bub could be eating lots of both meals. Both scenarios are normal.
Although solids can be served first now, formula/milk remains your baby's primary source of nutrition at this age, so it should not replace milk feeds.
9-12 Months:
Frequency of solids: Offer 3 meals per day before breast/formula feeds, with 30-60 minutes between solids and milk.
Type of solids: Your baby should be transitioning away from purees and into different textures and finger foods. Ideally, by 12 months, your baby should be eating with the rest of the family, with slight adjustments to some food prep to decrease any choking hazards.
How much should bub eat? Your baby should now be eating a decent amount of each small meal. Variation in their appetite is normal - sometimes they might only have a few bites. Some bubs might even want a snack in between meals if they are eating lots and seem hungry.
As solid intake increases, breastmilk/formula may start to decrease, but ensure you keep up the milk feeds until your baby is at least 12 months old.
12 Months +
Frequency of solids: Offer 3 meals plus 2 snacks per day, with food taking priority over breastmilk/formula.
Type of solids: Meals should be more in line with the rest of the family with adjustments made to decrease choking hazards.
How much should bub eat? Meals should continuously increase in size. If your baby isn't eating enough, you can reduce the amount of breastmilk/formula you're feeding them. Remember, children are very in tune with their hunger cues, so fluctuations in appetite are normal.
What should a meal size look like?
We're not too concerned about the exact size of each meal—it's more about making sure your baby has enough to eat until they're satisfied. It’s all about finding a balance between offering enough food and minimising waste by gauging how much your bub is likely to eat.
Worried bub isn't eating enough?
Try these tips:
- Reduce breastmilk/formula feeds and wait 60 minutes after breastfeeding or formula feeding to allow your baby's hunger to build up.
- Remove all distractions during mealtime to create a calm and focused environment conducive to eating.
- Maintain a relaxed and pressure-free atmosphere, allowing your baby to eat at their own pace and explore new foods without coercion.
- Lead by example by demonstrating positive eating behaviours and enjoying meals together as a family.
- Offer a variety of foods and textures to keep mealtime interesting and encourage acceptance of new flavours.
- Monitor your baby's growth and development by tracking their progress on a growth chart and consulting with your GP if any concerns arise.
- Seek guidance from your GP or a paediatric dietitian if you have questions or concerns about your baby's feeding habits or nutrition.
We hope you found this guide helpful. As long as your bub is growing, developing, and happy, they will be eating enough!
References:
“How to Introduce Solid Foods to Babies for Allergy Prevention - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).” ASCIA Information on How to Introduce Solid Foods to Babies for Allergy Prevention - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), ASCIA, 26 May 2021, www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-prevention/ascia-how-to-introduce-solid-foods-to-babies.
“Infant Feeding Guidelines - Information for Health Workers.” Eat For Health, NHMRC, 2012, www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/the_guidelines/n56_infant_feeding_guidelines.pdf.
Guide to Foods for Baby’s First Year, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/nutrition/guide-to-foods-babys-first-year.pdf. Accessed 12 Feb. 2024.
