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How to Feed Your Baby Step-by-Step

Every baby is very special. Don't worry if your baby eats a little more or less than this guide suggests. In face, this is perfectly normal. The suggested serving sizes are only guidelines to help you get started.

Age

Food Group

Foods

Daily Servings

Suggested Portion Size

0 to 4 months

Milk

Breast milk

On demand

0 to 4 months

Milk

Formula*

0 to 1 months

1 to 2 months

2 to 3 months

3 to 4 months

6 to 8

5 to 7

4 to 7

4 to 6

2 to 3 ounces

2 to 5 ounces

3 to 6 ounces

5 to 7 ounces

Feeding Tips 0 to 4 Months

Nurse as long and as often as your baby wants. Every 1 1/2 to 2 hours is okay.
Nurse your baby at least 10 to 20 minutes on each breast.
Six wet diapers a day is a good sign that your baby is getting enough to eat.
Hold your baby while feeding, if you bottle feed.
There's no need to force your baby to finish a bottle.
Babies should never be put to bed with a bottle. It can cause choking and baby bottle tooth decay.
Heating formula in the microwave is not safe. The milk may heat unevenly and burn your baby's mouth.

Age	Food Group	Foods	Daily Servings	Suggested Portion Size
4 to 6 months	Milk	Breat milk	On demand
4 to 6 months	Milk	Formula*	4 to 6	6 to 8 ounces
4 to 6 months	Grain	Baby cereal (iron-fortified)	1 to 2	1 to 2 tablespoons

Feeding Tips 4 to 6 Months

Breast milk or formula has all the nutrition your baby needs and will satifsfy your baby longer than cereal.
Start iron-fortified baby cereal by spoon when your baby shows these signs of readiness:
Sits with support
Opens mouth when food is offered
Able to move semi-solid food from the front of tongue to the back
Introduce only one new cereal each week.

Age	Food Group	Foods	Daily Servings	Suggested Portion Size
6 to 8 months	Milk	Breast milk	On demand
6 to 8 months	Milk	Formula*	3 to 4	6 to 8 ounces
6 to 8 months	Grain	Baby cereal (iron-fortified	2	2 to 4 tablespoons
6 to 8 months	Grain	Bread or crackers	Offer	1/2 slice bread or 2 crackers
6 to 8 months	Fruit	Fruits	Fruit	2 to 3 tablespoons

Feeding Tips 6 to 8 Months

Add strained vegetables and fruits first, then add cooked vegetables and mashed or finely chopped fruit later.
Take out the amount you need for one feeding from the jar of food. Refrigerate the rest.
Try to give your baby water in a cup. 2 ounces 1 to 2 times a day. Do not give juice to your baby.
Feed only one new food each week.

Age	Food Group	Foods	Daily Servings	Suggested Portion Size
8 to 12 months	Milk	Breast milk	On demand
8 to 12 months	Milk	Formula*	3 to 4	6 to 8 ounces
8 to 12 months	Milk	Cheese	Offer	1/2 ounce
8 to 12 months	Milk	Plain yogurt	Offer	1/2 cup
8 to 12 months	Milk	Cottage-cheese	Offer	1/4 cup
8 to 12 months	Grain	Baby cereal (iron-fortified)	2 to 3	2 to 4 tablespoons
8 to 12 months	Grain	Bread or crackers	2 to 3	1/2 slice bread or 2 crackers
8 to 12 months	Fruit	Fruits	2	3 to 4 tablespoons
8 to 12 months	Vegetable	Vegetables	2	3 to 4 tablespoons
8 to 12 months	Meat	Chicken, beef or pork Dried beans (cooked) Egg yolk	1 to 2	3 to 4 tablespoons 1

Feeding Tips 8 to 12 Months

Add strained or finely chopped meats now. Offer only one new meat a week.
Wait until baby's first birthday to feed egg whites. Some babies are sensitive to the egg white. It is okay to give baby cooked yolks.
Offer fresh fruit and cooked vegetables in bite size portions. Some fruit may need to be peeled (apples, pears).
Be patient. Babies are messy when they feed themselves.
Always taste heated foodsbefore serving them to your baby to make sure they are not too hot.
Continue to offer water in a cup.
Offer finger foods to encourage self-feeding.
Let your baby use a spoon for self-feedings.
Do not give your baby honey in the first year of life.

Age	Food Group	Foods	Daily Servings	Suggested Portion Size
12 to 24 months	Milk	Breast milk	On demand
12 to 24 months	Milk	Milk*	4	1/2 cup
12 to 24 months	Milk	Cheese	4	1/2 ounce
12 to 24 months	Milk	Yogurt Cottage-cheese	4	1/4 cup
12 to 24 months	Grain	Cereal, pasta or rice Bread, muffins, rolls Crackers	6	1/2 ounce 1 slice 2 crackers
12 to 24 months	Fruit	Fruits	2	1/2 medium
12 to 24 months	Vegetable	Vegetables fresh or cooked	4 to 5	1/4 cup (cooked) 1/2 cup (fresh)
12 to 24 months	Meat	Fish, chicken, turkey, beek or pork Cooked beans or peas Egg	2	1 ounce 1/4 cup 1

Feeding Tips 12 to 24 Months

If formula feeding, change to cow's milk now. Ask your doctor which fat level is best for your baby. Choose whole, 2%, 1% or fat free.
Continue breast feeding, if you choose, but also offer milk in a cup.
Offer small portions. Never force your toddler to eat.
Try to avoid power struggles over food. Respect your toddler’s likes and dislikes. Offer the food your child rejects at another time.
Make meals fun and interesting. Serve colorful foods that are crunchy, smooth or warm.
Toddlers need 3 meals and 2 to 3 snacks every day. Do your best to offer meals and snacks at about the same time each day.
Wean your baby from a bottle to a cup.
To avoid choking cut up meats.
Toddlers should be in high chairs for meals and snacks.
Do not give nuts, hard candies, gum or popcorn.

*Most doctors recommend iron-fortified formula. Ask your doctor which formula is best for your baby.