Baby Feeding Chart: Feeding Your Baby in Their First Year

Breast milk or organic baby formula remains the primary source of nutrition for the first six months, with solids introduced gradually thereafter.

While our baby feeding chart provides average volumes, always follow your baby’s individual hunger and fullness cues for responsive feeding.

Introduce new foods one at a time to monitor for allergies, and transition to a structured routine of three meals and a cup by 12 months.

Feeding your baby is a core part of early care. It starts as a simple reflex and becomes a social activity by the time your child is a toddler. This guide provides a clear look at how to manage milk and solid foods during these early months.

The following baby feeding chart outlines volumes, how often to feed, and when to start solids. Use these figures as a general reference. We recommend following your baby’s hunger cues, such as rooting or fussing, rather than a rigid clock. Always consult your pediatrician for advice tailored to your child’s specific growth.

Baby Feeding Chart By Volume: Formula Feeding Guidelines

For formula-fed babies (iron-fortified always recommended). Breast milk follows on-demand similar patterns. Amounts are averages; prioritize cues over exact oz. Total daily ~19 to 32 oz after early months; cap at ~32 oz as solids increase.

Adapted from How Much and How Often to Feed Infant Formula, by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d. (https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/formula-feeding/how-much-and-how-often.html). Copyright by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Baby Feeding Chart By Age: Introducing Solids (From Birth to 12 months)

Babies should rely on milk for the first six months. You may introduce solids around the six-month mark if your child is ready. Introduce one new food every few days to check for reactions. Iron-rich foods like cereal or pureed meat are often good starting points.

Adapted from The first 12 months: What and when to feed your baby, by UC Davis Health, n.d. (https://health.ucdavis.edu/media-resources/children/documents/general/First%2012%20Months_rev.pdf). In the public domain.

Nutrition Stages: From Liquids to Table Foods

While baby feeding charts provide the “what” and “how much,” understanding the “why” behind each stage helps you support your baby’s specific developmental needs. From the rapid growth of the newborn phase to the curiosity of the high-chair stage, here’s what to expect as your baby grows.

0 to 3 Months: The Liquid Phase

During the first quarter of the year, babies grow at a rapid rate. They require frequent feedings of breast milk or organic baby formula to stay nourished. Focus on responsive feeding to ensure your baby gets enough calories during this early stage.

4 to 5 Months: Readiness for Change

Some babies show interest in food around four or five months. If your pediatrician agrees, you might start with a small amount of thin organic baby cereal. However, milk remains the most important part of the diet. You can buy HiPP formula or other trusted brands to ensure your baby gets proper iron during this time.

6 to 7 Months: New Tastes

Most babies start solids at six months. This is an ideal time to offer pureed vegetables and fruits. If you’re looking for convenience, an organic baby food bundle can provide a variety of tastes. Introduce single ingredients one at a time to keep track of any sensitivities.

8 to 9 Months: Finger Foods

As your baby learns to pick up small objects, you can offer soft finger foods. This is a good time to add more texture to their meals. You may find it helpful to buy Holle formula or similar follow-on options that complement a growing diet of solids.

10 to 12 Months: Joining the Table

By the end of the first year, babies often eat three small meals a day. They can enjoy many of the same healthy foods as the rest of the family. This is also when you should start moving away from the bottle toward a regular cup.

Moving Toward Structured Feeding

Feeding habits change as your baby grows and eats more solid food. In the beginning, feeding is entirely about hunger and comfort. As the year progresses, it becomes part of a daily schedule.

• 0 to 6 Months: Feed on demand. This supports the rapid physical and brain growth that occurs in the first half-year.

• 6+ Months: Start a routine with three meals and a few snacks. Milk stays in the diet but becomes a smaller portion of the total intake. You will notice your baby takes fewer bottles as they eat more solids.

• 12 Months: Your child should follow a toddler routine with meals, snacks, and milk from a cup. This structure helps them prepare for the transition to whole cow milk.

Collaboration with Your Pediatrician

A doctor can help you understand your baby’s unique growth. They will check weight gain and look for any issues like reflux or allergies. Every baby develops at their own pace, and a professional can tell if your child is hitting their milestones correctly.

Important questions to ask your baby’s pediatrician to ensure that you’re properly aligned in your baby’s nutritional needs include:

• Is my baby growing as expected based on their growth chart?

• Should I start using baby vitamins drops like Vitamin D to support bone health?

• When is the best time to introduce common allergens like eggs or peanuts to help prevent future allergies?

• Do we have to buy Kendamil formula or other brands if we need to switch for digestive reasons?

Safety and Feeding Habits

Safety is the most important factor when your baby starts eating. A safe feeding environment helps prevent accidents and allows your baby to focus on their food.

• Avoid Honey: Never give honey to a baby under one year old. It can contain spores that cause botulism, a serious illness.

• No Added Salt or Sugar: Keep your baby’s food plain. Their kidneys cannot handle much salt, and avoiding sugar helps prevent tooth decay and a preference for overly sweet foods.

• Choking Risks: Avoid whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, or hard candies. Always cut soft foods into very small, manageable pieces about the size of a pea.

• Allergy Checks: Give new foods one at a time. Wait three to five days before trying another. This helps you identify exactly which food caused a reaction if one occurs.

Healthy Baby Feeding Choices at Formuland

The first twelve months involve significant changes in how your baby receives nutrition. You’ll move from a liquid-only diet of breast milk or organic baby formula to a varied routine that includes solids and textured finger foods. While you shouldn’t take it as a hard set rule, a baby feeding chart works in ensuring that your child reaches their growth milestones while developing a healthy relationship with food.

At Formuland, we support this transition by offering a curated selection of European essentials. Whether you need to buy HiPP formula, find an organic baby food bundle, or select the right baby vitamins drops, we provide high-quality options for every stage. Our goal is to provide parents with the products and information needed for a successful first year.

Shop Formuland today for a wide range of options to support your feeding goals and explore other baby essentials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Feeding Chart

When should solids start?

Most babies are ready at about six months, but it might not be the same for every baby. Look for signs like sitting up well, losing the tongue-thrust reflex (where they push food out of their mouth), and showing interest in what you are eating.

Can I mix cereal with formula?

Yes, you can mix them for spoon feeding. This helps your baby get used to a thicker texture. However, don’t put cereal in a bottle unless a doctor tells you to do so for a medical reason.

What if my baby refuses food?

This is normal. Babies often need to try a new taste ten to fifteen times before they accept it. If they refuse food, don’t force it. Simply wait a few days and try again later. Tastes change as they grow.