Baby Food Chart: Feeding Guide for Your Baby's First Year

Welcoming a new baby into your family is an exciting and overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to ensuring proper nutrition. As a new mother or mother-to-be, you may have countless questions about feeding your little one during their first year. This comprehensive guide will walk you through a baby food chart, helping you understand your baby's nutritional needs as they grow and develop.

What should I know about feeding my baby in their first year?

The first year of your baby's life is crucial for their growth and development. During this time, your little one's nutritional needs will change rapidly. It's essential to understand these changes and adapt your feeding practices accordingly. Here are some key points to remember:

1. Breast milk or formula is the primary source of nutrition for the first six months.
2. Introducing solid foods should begin around six months of age.
3. The transition to solid foods should be gradual and based on your baby's readiness.
4. Always consult with your paediatrician before making significant changes to your baby's diet.

Baby food chart: A comprehensive feeding guide

Understanding your baby's nutritional necessities particularly for their first year is crucial for healthy growth and development. Based on our research, we have prepared a complete baby food chart that provides a detailed guide on what, how much, and how often to feed your little one at different stages of their first year.

Age	Milk feeding	Solid foods	Feeding frequency	Amount per feeding	Additional notes
0-1 month	Breast milk or formula	None	8-12 times in 24 hours	45-90 ml	Feed on demand
1-3 months	Breast milk or formula	None	7-9 times in 24 hours	90-150 ml	Feed on demand
4-6 months	Breast milk or formula	Possibly iron-fortified rice cereal (consult paediatrician)	4-6 times in 24 hours	120-180 ml	Start solids only if baby shows readiness signs
6-9 months	Breast milk or formula	Pureed fruits (e.g., banana, apple, pear) Pureed vegetables (e.g., carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato) Mashed dal Soft khichdi Iron-fortified cereals	3-5 milk feedings daily, 1-2 solid food feedings	180-240 ml milk, 2-3 tablespoons solid food per meal	Introduce one new food at a time, waiting 3-5 days before introducing another
10-12 months	Breast milk or formula	Soft, bite-sized fruits and vegetables Mashed egg yolk Soft tofu Cottage cheese (paneer) Yoghurt Small amounts of cow's milk in cooking	3-4 milk feedings daily,  3 meals and 2 snacks	180-240 ml milk, 1/4 to 1/2 cup solid food per meal	Encourage self-feeding with appropriate finger foods
After 12 months	Breast milk, formula, or whole milk	Variety of foods from all food groups Fruits and vegetables Whole grains Protein sources (dal, eggs, meat) Dairy products	3 meals and 2 snacks	1/4 to 1/3 cup solid food per meal	Transition to family foods, cut into small, manageable pieces

Additional feeding tips:

1. Start slowly and gradually: When introducing solid foods, start with single-ingredient purees and gradually move to complex textures and combinations.
2. Texture progression: As your baby grows, progress from smooth purees to mashed foods, then to soft pieces, and finally to finger foods.
3. Water introduction: Once you start solid foods, offer small amounts of water in a sippy cup with meals.

Related: Water Intake for Babies: When and How Much?

1. Allergenic foods: Introduce common allergenic foods (e.g., egg, peanut products) one at a time, in small amounts, and watch for any allergic reactions. Consult your paediatrician for guidance.
2. Responsive feeding: Pay attention to your baby's hunger and fullness cues. Never force-feed your baby.
3. Family foods: Around 10-12 months, start introducing modified versions of family meals, ensuring they're soft and cut into small pieces.
4. Avoid certain foods: Do not give honey before 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism. Avoid adding salt or sugar to your baby's food.
5. Iron-rich foods: Ensure iron-rich foods are part of your baby's diet, especially after 6 months. This includes iron-fortified cereals, pureed meats, and legumes.
6. Cultural foods: Feel free to introduce traditional Indian foods like dal, khichdi, and suji ka halwa (without sugar) as appropriate for your baby's age.
7. Breastfeeding: Continue breastfeeding as long as mutually desired by you and your baby, even after introducing solid foods.

Remember, this baby food chart serves as a general guide. Every baby is unique and may progress at their own pace. Always consult with your paediatrician for personalised advice, especially if you have concerns about your baby's growth or feeding patterns.

Frequently asked questions

1. How to know if my baby is hungry? 

You need to recognise your baby's hunger cues for responsive feeding. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Opening and closing mouth
• Turning head towards breast or bottle (rooting)
• Bringing hands to mouth
• Flexing arms and legs
• Sucking on fingers or fist

Crying is a late sign of hunger. We would suggest you feed your baby before they become overly hungry and upset.

2. How much should I feed my baby?

The amount of food your baby needs depends on their age, weight, and developmental stage. Follow your baby's cues and let them guide you. As a general rule:

• For breastfed babies: Feed on demand
• For formula-fed babies: Follow the guidelines on the formula package, adjusting as needed based on your baby's hunger cues

3. How often should I feed my baby?

Feeding frequency varies with age:

• Newborns: Every 2-3 hours
• 2-3 months: Every 3-4 hours
• 4-6 months: Every 4-5 hours
• 6+ months: 3-5 times per day, plus solid foods

4. When should I serve semi-solid/solid food?

Most babies are ready for solid foods around 6 months of age. Look for these signs of readiness:

• Can sit up with little or no support
• Has good head control
• Shows interest in food

5. What foods should I avoid in the first year?

Avoid these foods to prevent choking and allergic reactions:

• Honey (risk of botulism)
• Cow's milk as a drink (can be used in cooking)
• Nuts and seeds
• Hard or round foods like whole grapes or hard sweets
• Added salt or sugar

6. How can I make homemade baby food?

Making homemade baby food is simple:

1. Wash fruits or vegetables thoroughly
2. Steam or boil until soft
3. Puree or mash to desired consistency
4. Store in small portions in the refrigerator or freezer

Always prepare food in a clean environment and use clean utensils to prevent contamination.

Conclusion

Feeding your baby during their first year is a journey of discovery for both you and your little one. For the same reason, you can consider this baby food chart as a guide, but not a hard-and-fast rule. Remember, every baby is unique. Pay close attention to your baby's cues, consult with your paediatrician regularly, and ensure your baby gets all the nutrition they need.  Remember, the key to successful feeding is patience, flexibility, and responsiveness to your baby's needs. As you navigate this exciting first year, trust your instincts and don't hesitate to seek support when needed. Happy feeding!