Comprehensive Baby Feeding Chart: Ages 0-12 Months

When you have a baby, your life suddenly fills with new responsibilities. There's so much to consider, from what to feed your baby to when to start introducing new foods. On top of that, you'll likely have elders, friends, and even strangers offering advice on what you should and shouldn't do. This flood of information can quickly become confusing, scary, and overwhelming.  

But don't worry—you're not alone on this journey. In today's blog, we're here to help by sharing a comprehensive feeding chart for babies aged 0-12 months. As your little one grows, their nutritional needs change, and it's important to introduce the right foods at the right time. This guide is designed to simplify things, giving you clear, practical advice on what to feed your little one at each stage of their first year.    

Understanding Your Baby's Feeding Needs  

Before we get into the baby feeding chart, we must understand that every baby is unique. While this guide provides general recommendations, your baby's needs may vary. Always consult with your paediatrician to ensure you're on the right track. 

Baby Feeding Chart: 0-12 Months 

Below is a month-by-month breakdown of your baby’s feeding needs, including when to introduce new foods and how much to feed. 

0-4 Months: Breast Milk or Formula Only  

In the first four months, your baby's diet consists solely of breast milk or formula. This is the period when your baby is learning to latch, suck, and swallow. Breast milk provides all the essential nutrients your baby needs, including antibodies to fight infections. If you're formula-feeding, choose a formula that closely mimics the nutritional profile of breast milk.  

It's important to feed on demand during this time, which means offering milk whenever your baby seems hungry. This could be as often as every 2-3 hours, including at night. 

4-6 Months: Introduction to Solids  

At around four to six months, your baby might start showing interest in solid foods. They might watch you eat, open their mouth for a spoon, or sit up with support. This is the time to start introducing solids but remember, breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition.  

Start with iron-fortified single-grain cereals like rice or oatmeal mixed with breast milk or formula to a thin consistency. Use a small, shallow spoon to feed your baby and be patient as they get used to the new texture. As your baby gets more comfortable with solids, you can start offering small amounts of pureed fruits and vegetables.  

A bamboo feeding bowl is a natural and safe option for feeding your baby. The silicone suction base securely grips flat surfaces to prevent mealtime spills.  

6-8 Months: Exploring New Flavors  

Your baby is ready to explore more flavours and textures between six to eight months. This is the perfect time to introduce pureed fruits, vegetables, and meats. You can include sweet potatoes, carrots, bananas, and avocados in their meal. When trying new foods, introduce them one at a time. Wait a few days before adding another food to check for any allergic reactions.  

Breast milk or formula should still be offered, but now you can gradually increase the amount of solid food. Pureed foods should be soft and smooth, making it easy for your baby to swallow.  

If you haven't already, you can introduce a glass feeding bottle at this stage. Glass bottles are a safe choice for your baby because they’re durable, easy to clean, and free from harmful chemicals like BPA.  

8-10 Months: Finger Foods and Self-Feeding  

By eight to ten months, your baby might be ready for more textured foods and even some finger foods. Soft fruits like bananas, steamed veggies like carrots, and small pieces of soft cheese are wonderful choices. Let your baby try feeding themselves with their little fingers—it’s a fun way for them to practice their motor skills and start building independence.  

You can also start offering small amounts of family meals, as long as they are soft and not heavily seasoned. You can offer them Mash foods like potatoes on a fun looking wooden plate. Buy a Car Shaped Bamboo Feeding Plate, that is sturdy, and eco-friendly. This bamboo plate does not absorb bacteria or odours from your baby's meal.  

10-12 Months: Eating with the Family  

As your baby approaches their first birthday, they'll be eating a variety of solid foods and joining in on family meals. At this stage, they can handle more textures and flavours, so they offer a wide variety of soft-cooked family foods. Continue to provide breast milk or formula, but you'll notice they start drinking less as they eat more solids.  

Introduce a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Encourage your baby to feed themselves with a spoon or fork but be prepared for some mess as they learn this new skill. Continue to monitor your baby for any food allergies and avoid foods that are choking hazards, like whole grapes or nuts.  

Bonus Tip:

Make mealtimes enjoyable by sitting with your baby and eating together. This not only makes feeding fun but also encourages your baby to develop healthy eating habits by watching and imitating you.  

FAQs  

What is a good feeding schedule for a baby?  

A good baby feeding schedule totally depends on your baby's age. Newborns typically eat every 2-3 hours, while older babies may feed every 3-4 hours. You can simply follow your baby's hunger cues and adjust the schedule as needed.  

How do I calculate my baby's feeding?  

You can calculate your baby's feeding by considering their age, weight, and whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Generally, babies eat about 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight per day. For breastfed babies, you can always feed on demand.  

Why is my baby still hungry after feeding?  

Your baby might still be hungry due to growth spurts, not getting enough milk or a fast-feeding session. Just make sure they are fed long enough. You can even consult your pediatrician if it continues.  

How to tell if the baby is full?  

Signs your baby is full include slowing down during feeding, turning away from the bottle or breast, closing their mouth, or appearing relaxed and content.  

Does burping mean the baby is full?  

Burping does not necessarily mean a baby is full. It simply helps release any air swallowed during feeding. Your baby may still need more milk after burping.  

How to avoid overfeeding a baby?  

To avoid overfeeding, watch for hunger and fullness cues, feed slowly, and allow your baby to take breaks. Don't force them to finish a bottle if they show signs of being full.