Feeding guide
Month-by-month baby feeding chart
Most babies move from 1-2 tablespoons of solids a day at 6 months to 3 meals plus snacks by their first birthday, while milk stays the main source of nutrition until at least 9-10 months. Every baby paces this differently, so treat the chart below as a guide, not a schedule to hit exactly.
A calm overview of how milk, solids, textures, and meals typically progress from 4 to 12 months. Every baby develops differently, so follow their cues.
| Age | Milk | Solid food progression |
|---|---|---|
| 4–5 months | Breast milk or formula remains the only food most babies need. | Wait for all readiness signs. Speak with your care team before starting before 6 months. |
| Around 6 months | Continue breast milk on demand or usual formula feeds. | Offer 1 small meal daily. Start with soft finger foods or smooth, mashed textures and iron-rich foods. |
| 7–8 months | Milk remains the main source of nutrition. | Build toward 2–3 meals. Increase texture and variety; offer sips of water with meals. |
| 9–10 months | Continue regular breast or formula feeds. | Offer 3 meals when ready. Include iron-rich food, fruit or vegetables, and an energy-rich food. |
| 11–12 months | Continue breast milk or infant formula until 12 months. | Move toward shared family meals in safe sizes and textures, plus 1–2 snacks if needed. |
Safety essentials
- ✓ Sit baby upright and supervise every meal.
- ✓ Use textures and shapes appropriate for development.
- ✓ Avoid honey before 12 months and whole nuts.
- ✓ Introduce common allergens one at a time in safe forms.
This chart is general education, not individual medical advice. Ask your pediatrician, health visitor, or dietitian about allergies, growth, prematurity, or feeding difficulties.
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