Baby Feeding Schedule 6 Months to 1 Year

Introduction: The Nutrition Journey in the First Year

The first year of your baby's life represents an exceptional growth period requiring balanced and thoughtful nutrition. As a nutritionist, I accompany dozens of mothers daily in this exciting journey, and I fully understand your concerns and questions about proper timing, correct quantities, and appropriate food types.

In this comprehensive article, I'll provide you with detailed feeding schedules, practical tested tips, and answers to the most common questions mothers face in my clinic.

When Should We Start Introducing Solid Foods?

The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend starting solid foods at around 6 months of age while continuing breastfeeding or formula feeding. However, each baby is unique, and there are signs indicating your baby's readiness:

• Baby's ability to sit with little or no support
• Good control of head and neck movements
• Clear interest in food (watches you eat, tries to reach for food)
• Disappearance of the tongue-thrust reflex (which pushes food out of the mouth)
• Ability to close lips around a spoon

Very Important: Don't rush introducing solid foods before 4 months, as the digestive system and kidneys are not yet ready, which may increase the risk of allergies and digestive problems.

Feeding Schedule from 6 to 7 Months

Stage One: The Gentle Beginning

At this stage, the primary goal is to introduce your baby to the concept of eating and different flavors, not to replace milk. Milk (breast or formula) remains the main nutritional source.Typical Daily Schedule:

Early Morning (6-7 AM): Milk feeding (breast or 180-210 ml formula)

Breakfast (8-9 AM): 2-3 tablespoons of iron-fortified cereals (ground rice, oatmeal) mixed with milk

Midday (11-12 PM): Milk feeding

Lunch (1-2 PM): 2-4 tablespoons of pureed vegetables (zucchini, carrots, potato, sweet potato)

Afternoon (3-4 PM): Milk feeding

Dinner (6-7 PM): 2-3 tablespoons of pureed fruits (apple, banana, pear, peach)

Before Bed (9-10 PM): Milk feeding

Important Tips for Stage One:

• Start with one food at a time and wait 3-5 days before introducing a new food to monitor for allergies
• Food consistency should be very smooth (semi-liquid) initially
• Don't add salt, sugar, or honey (honey is prohibited until age one)
• Offer food by spoon, not in a bottle
• Choose a time when your baby is awake and comfortable, not too hungry or tired

Feeding Schedule from 7 to 9 Months

Stage Two: Diversification and Progress

At this stage, your baby starts eating larger quantities and a wider variety of foods. Consistency becomes thicker, and the number of meals increases.Typical Daily Schedule:

Early Morning (6-7 AM): Milk feeding

Breakfast (8-9 AM):

• 4-6 tablespoons of whole grain cereals or oatmeal
• 2-3 tablespoons of pureed fruits
• Hard-boiled egg yolk (2-3 times weekly)

Morning Snack (10-11 AM): Milk feeding or full-fat yogurt (unsweetened)

Lunch (12-1 PM):

• 4-6 tablespoons of pureed vegetables (2-3 types mixed)
• 2-3 tablespoons of pureed protein (chicken, beef, lentils, beans)
• One teaspoon of olive oil or avocado

Afternoon Snack (3-4 PM): Milk feeding + soft fruit pieces or teething biscuits

Dinner (6-7 PM):

• 4-6 tablespoons of rice or pureed pasta
• Pureed vegetables and protein

Before Bed (9-10 PM): Milk feeding

New Foods at This Stage:

• Proteins: Chicken, beef, fish (well-cooked and pureed), legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans)
• Grains: Brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, small pasta
• Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, bell peppers
• Fruits: Mango, kiwi, papaya, berries (well pureed)
• Dairy: Full-fat yogurt, soft unsalted cheese
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil, avocado, natural butter (unsalted)

Feeding Schedule from 9 to 12 Months

Stage Three: Independence and Variety

At this stage, your baby becomes more independent in eating. They can start eating soft foods cut into small pieces (finger foods) and share some meals with the family.Typical Daily Schedule:

Early Morning (6-7 AM): Milk feeding

Breakfast (8-9 AM):

• Scrambled eggs or small omelet (whole egg)
• Toast bread or small pancake
• Soft fruit pieces
• Full-fat yogurt

Morning Snack (10-11 AM): Cut fruits + milk or water in a cup

Lunch (12-1 PM):

• Rice, pasta, or diced potatoes
• Cooked soft vegetables cut small
• Protein (chicken, meat, fish, legumes) cut small
• Fresh vegetable salad finely grated

Afternoon Snack (3-4 PM): Milk + healthy crackers or grated carrots or hummus with tahini

Dinner (6-7 PM): Similar meal to lunch from varied food groups

Before Bed (9-10 PM): Milk feeding

Approximate Quantities at This Stage:

• Grains and Starches: 1/4 to 1/2 cup per meal
• Vegetables and Fruits: 1/4 to 1/2 cup per meal
• Protein: 2-3 tablespoons (15-30 grams)
• Milk: 600-700 ml daily (breast or formula)

Essential Nutrients in the First Year

1. Iron

Iron is one of the most important elements at this stage, as the iron stores the baby was born with begin to deplete around 6 months.

Rich Iron Sources:

• Red meat (beef, liver)
• Chicken and fish
• Legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas)
• Egg yolk
• Iron-fortified cereals
• Spinach and dark leafy greens

Important Tip: Offer vitamin C sources (oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, bell peppers) with iron-rich foods to improve absorption.

2. Proteins

Protein is essential for building muscles, tissues, and proper growth.

Daily Requirement: About 11 grams per day

Varied Sources: Chicken, meats, fish, eggs, legumes, yogurt, cheese

3. Healthy Fats

Fats are necessary for brain and nervous system development. Don't offer low-fat products to children under two years.

Healthy Sources:

• Whole milk
• Avocado
• Olive oil
• Natural butter
• Egg yolk
• Fatty fish (salmon)

4. Calcium and Vitamin D

For building strong bones and teeth.

Calcium Sources: Milk, yogurt, cheese, tahini, leafy greens, soybeans

Vitamin D: Your baby may need a vitamin D supplement, especially if breastfed. Consult your pediatrician.

Foods to Avoid Before Age One

• Honey: Risk of botulism
• Cow's Milk as a Drink: Can be used in cooking, but not as a replacement for breast milk or formula
• Very Salty Foods: Kidneys are not mature enough
• Added Sugar: Unnecessary and causes tooth decay
• Whole Nuts: Choking hazard (diluted nut butter is acceptable)
• Low-Fat Milk: Baby needs full-fat

Dealing with Food Allergies

Current recommendations encourage introducing allergenic foods early (between 6-12 months) in small amounts to reduce the risk of developing allergies later.

The Eight Most Common Allergenic Foods:

1. Eggs
2. Peanuts
3. Tree nuts
4. Cow's milk
5. Soy
6. Wheat
7. Fish
8. Shellfish

How to Introduce:

• Introduce each food separately
• Start with a very small amount during daytime
• Wait 3-5 days before introducing a new food
• Watch for allergy signs: rash, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties
• If there's strong family history of allergies, consult pediatrician or allergist before introduction

Practical Tips for Successful Meals

1. Creating a Positive Environment

• Make mealtime enjoyable and stress-free
• Sit with your baby and let them see you eating
• Don't force your baby to eat or pressure them
• Let your baby explore food with their hands

2. Encouraging Independence

• Start introducing finger foods from 8-9 months
• Offer a spoon for your baby to hold (even if not used effectively yet)
• Offer a small cup with small amounts of water
• Expect messiness and consider it part of learning

3. Dealing with Refusal

• Baby may need to try a new food 10-15 times before accepting it
• Don't give up after the first or second attempt
• Offer rejected food with foods your baby loves
• Change preparation method or texture

4. Safety and Choking

• Always sit your baby upright while eating
• Never leave them alone while eating
• Avoid hard and small round foods (whole grapes, nuts, hard candy)
• Cut foods into small appropriate pieces
• Avoid very sticky foods (thick peanut butter)

Quick and Healthy Meal Ideas

Breakfast Meals (15 minutes or less):

1. Oatmeal cooked with milk + mashed banana + pinch of cinnamon
2. Scrambled eggs + toast + mashed avocado
3. Small banana-oatmeal pancake + yogurt
4. Iron-fortified cereal + milk + cut strawberries

Easy Lunch and Dinner Meals:

1. Rice with boiled chicken pieces + cooked zucchini and carrots + tablespoon olive oil
2. Small pasta + homemade tomato sauce + ground beef + broccoli
3. Roasted sweet potato + boiled salmon + green beans
4. Boiled lentils with vegetables + rice + chicken piece
5. Cooked quinoa + roasted beets + boiled egg

Healthy Snacks:

1. Full-fat yogurt + mashed blueberries
2. Cut banana + diluted almond butter
3. Grated carrots + hummus with tahini
4. Soft apple pieces + soft cheese
5. Mashed avocado + rice crackers

Signs of Proper Nutrition

How do you know your baby is eating adequately?

• Steady Growth: Weight and height increase regularly (follow up with pediatrician)
• Diapers: 5-6 wet diapers daily, regular bowel movements
• Activity: Active, alert, happy baby
• Satiety: Shows satiety signs (turns head, closes mouth, moves away from spoon)
• Development: Reaches expected developmental milestones

Conclusion

Feeding your baby in their first year is a journey full of learning and exploration for both of you. Remember that every baby is unique and grows at their own pace. Patience, flexibility, and perseverance are keys to success.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your baby's nutrition. I'm here to support you every step of this beautiful journey.

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a qualified pediatrician or nutritionist. Each baby has unique needs, and recommendations may vary based on individual health conditions. Always consult your child's healthcare provider before making significant changes to their diet, especially if there is a family history of allergies or special health conditions.