If you’re starting to give your baby solid foods or moving on to a new stage, you might be thinking, “How much food is right for my baby?” Don’t worry—it’s a common concern for lots of new parents, especially when you’re just starting with solid foods. Keep reading to find out how much food your baby needs.

How Much Should My Baby Eat?

During the first year of life, babies rely on human milk or formula for their nutritional needs (1). As you start introducing solid foods at around six months, portion sizes should be small and gradually increased based on your baby’s cues. You can also ask a Registered Dietitian for feeding advice.  

About 6 months (based on signs of readiness): at this stage, your baby is learning how to interact with food

• Start with 2 teaspoons once a day (2)
• Increase to 2 tablespoons of food once a day (2)
• Choose iron rich-foods (e.g. meats, vegetables) 
• Continue to feed your baby human milk and/or formula

6-8 months: at this stage, your baby is more comfortable with solids

• Start with about 2 tablespoons of food twice a day (2)
• Increase to 4-8 tablespoons of food twice a day (2)
• Add a second food to each meal and different textures
• Continue to choose iron-rich foods (e.g. meats, vegetables) 
• Continue to feed your baby human milk and /or formula

8-12 months: at this stage, your baby’s energy needs are increased and will need more frequent meals

• Aim for 4-8 tablespoons, of food three times a day (2)
• Add one or two, 4 tablespoon size snacks a day in between meals (2)
• Choose iron-rich meals and calcium-rich snacks 
• Add a variety of foods, colours and textures
• Continue to feed your baby human milk and /or formula

If you’d like to learn more about the signs of readiness for solids, take a look at our blog post!

Signs Your Baby is Full

Many things can affect how hungry your baby feels, like how active they are, growth changes, sickness, or teething and these might change every day (3). Always finish feeding when your baby shows they’re done. Signs that your baby is full include:

• Turning their head away (3)
• Baby relaxes their hands (3)
• Not wanting to take another bite, even after swallowing (don’t push for one more spoonful) (2)
• Leaning back in their chair (2)
• Playing with the spoon or food instead of eating (2)

Final Notes from The Nest

Please note, your child might eat a bit less or more than what you see here. Your task is to give them different nutrient-dense foods regularly, without pushing, and their job is to choose what and how much to eat (4). If you’re interested in learning more about introducing solids head to our previous blog post How do I Safely Feed My Baby Solid Foods? In addition, if you have questions about feeding and portion sizes, schedule a one-on-one consultation with a Registered Dietitian at The Nest. 

References

1. Solid Starts [Internet]. Brooklyn: Solid Starts LLC; c2019-2022 [cited 2024 Jan 8]. Readiness to babies to start solid food; [about 7 screens]. Available from: https://solidstarts.com/readiness
2. Dougherty E. How much should my baby eat? A guide to baby food portionsHinga E, editor. [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2024 Jan 8]. Available from: https://www.babycenter.com/baby/solids-finger-foods/how-much-food-should-my-baby-eat-a-visual-guide_40005798 
3. Signs Your Child is Hungry or Full [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2021 [cited 2024 Jan 8]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/mealtime/signs-your-child-is-hungry-or-full.html 
4. Raise a healthy child who is a joy to feed [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2024 Jan 8]. Available from: https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/how-to-feed/the-division-of-responsibility-in-feeding/