How Much Should You Feed a 6-Month-Old?
At six months of age, babies usually begin to consume solid foods along with breast milk or formula. Between six and nine months, a baby's diet expands to include a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, juices and other foods. Breast milk or formula should still be a baby's main source of nutrients at six months, and other foods should be offered in moderation.
Other People Are Reading
-
Breast Milk/Formula
-
Your baby should continue drinking breast milk or formula throughout the first year of his life. Solid foods cannot meet all of your baby's nutritional needs at this point. According to BabyCenter lactation consultant Jan Barger, you should continue breastfeeding on demand after your baby starts solids. At six months, formula-fed babies are commonly taking 7 to 8 oz. at a time, and they usually have three or four bottles per day.
Infant Cereal
-
Single-grain infant cereal is a common first food for babies. According to the "Mayo Clinic Complete Book of Pregnancy and Baby's First Year," babies should first be offered 1 tbsp. of cereal, mixed to a thin consistency, once a day. Gradually increase the amount and thickness until your baby is taking 2 to 3 tbsp. of cereal at a feeding. At this point, you can add another cereal feeding. According to the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board, your baby may begin taking 3 to 9 tbsp. of cereal per day between six and eight months of age.
-
Fruits and Vegetables
-
BabyCenter recommends offering babies just starting fruits and vegetables 1 tsp. of each daily. Gradually increase the amount and frequency of feedings until your baby is eating1/4 to 1/2 cup each of strained fruits and vegetables per day. Remember to offer your baby only one or two new foods each week so you can recognize any food allergies.
Juice
-
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies can be offered small amounts of 100 percent fruit juice once they are six months old. The AAP advises parents not to serve infants more than 4 to 6 oz. of juice per day. To prevent tooth decay, offer juice in a cup instead of a bottle, and don't allow your baby to sip juice throughout the day.
Warning
-
If your baby is just starting solid foods, offer foods that are strained and runny. Your baby will press food to the roof of his mouth instead of grinding it, so be sure foods are mushy and easy to swallow. Don't give your six-month-old honey, cow's milk or other foods that may be dangerous at this age (see Resource).
-
