Feeding patterns and diet - children 6 months to 8months:-

An age-appropriate diet:

Gives your child proper nutrition

Is right for your child's state of development

Can help prevent childhood obesity

Recommendations:


At this age, your baby will probably eat about 4 to 6 times per day, but will eat more at each feeding than the first 6 months.

If you feed formula, your baby will eat about 6 to 8 ounces (180 to 240 milliliters) per feeding, but should not have more than 32 ounces (950 milliliters) in 24 hours.

You can start to introduce solid foods at age 6 months. Most of your baby's calories should still come from breast milk or formula.

Breast milk is not a good source of iron. So after 6 months, your baby will start to need more iron. Start solid feedings with iron-fortified baby cereal mixed with breast milk or formula. Mix it with enough milk so that the texture is very thin. Start by offering the cereal 2 times a day, in just a few spoonfuls.

You can make the mixture thicker as your baby learns to control it in their mouth.

You can also introduce iron-rich pureed meats, fruits, and vegetables. Try green peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, applesauce, pears, bananas, and peaches.

Some dietitians recommend introducing a few vegetables before fruits. The sweetness of fruit may make some vegetables less appealing.

The amount your child eats will vary between 2 tablespoons (30 grams) and 2 cups (480 grams) of fruits and vegetables per day. How much your child eats depends on their size and how well they eat fruits and vegetables.

There are several ways you can tell that your baby is ready to eat solid foods:

Your baby's birth weight has doubled.

Your baby can control their head and neck movements.

Your baby can sit up with some support.

Your baby can show you they are full by turning their head away or by not opening their mouth.

Your baby begins showing interest in food when others are eating.

You should also know:

Never give honey to your baby. It may contain bacteria that can cause botulism, a rare, but serious illness.

Do not give your baby cow's milk until they are 1 year old. Babies under age 1 have a difficult time digesting cow's milk.

Never put your child to bed with a bottle. This can cause tooth decay. If your baby wants to suck, give them a pacifier.

Use a small spoon when feeding your baby.

It is fine to start to give your baby water between feedings.

Do not give your baby cereal in a bottle unless your pediatrician or dietitian recommends it, for example, for reflux.

Only offer your child new foods when they are hungry.

Introduce new foods one at a time, waiting 2 to 3 days between. That way you can watch for allergic reactions. Signs of an allergy include diarrhea, rash, or vomiting.

Avoid foods with added salt or sugar.

Feed your baby directly from the jar only if you use the entire jar contents. Otherwise, use a dish to prevent food-borne illness.

Opened containers of baby's food should be covered and stored in a refrigerator for no longer than 2 days.