The Baby Food Chart That Will Change How You See Meal Time
You are planning to introduce solids for the first time and your doctor has given a green signal. What now? Cereals or vegetables, fruits or fish? Introducing Solid Food Chart for babies to help you out here!
A new born baby gets all his nourishment from his mother’s milk. Solids should be introduced only once your little one’s digestive system is strong enough to resist infection. You also need to check for the signs that your little one is ready for solids. Ensure he’s able to hold his head up and close his mouth on a spoon, for instance.
Once you are convinced and ready to start out, a solid food chart for babies as per age can guide you on the whens, whats and how much of different foods. Check out this detailed baby food chart and breathe easy!
Baby Food Chart Month by Month
1st Month
Doctors recommend only breast milk at this time. Formula feed (2-4 ounces per day) only if your baby rejects breast milk. The frequency should be 6-10 times a day or whenever your baby demands. Solids should be strictly avoided.
2nd Month
This is a repeat of the first month. Feed your infant 6-8 times a day. Look out for signs like lip smacking and fist sucking which are generally signs that your little one is hungry.
3rd Month
Your 3-months baby food chart will look very similar to the previous 2 months- no solids and feeding 4-6 ounces around 6-8 times per day.
4th Month
It’s recommended to start with iron fortified rice cereals mixed with breast or formula milk in your 4 months baby food chart. You can experiment with juices, cereals and vegetable puree post a go ahead from your doctor. Restrict to a few spoons and a single serving a day initially. You can go up to 6-7 feeding during a day. Look for any signs of cold, allergy, diarrhea or vomiting in the event of which such foods need to be discontinued immediately.
| New Foods To Consider |
| Iron-fortified rice cereal |
| Oatmeal-based cereal |
| Fruit juices |
| Vegetable puree |
5th Month
There are no major changes in 5 months baby food chart. You can increase the fruit juice/pulp to 10 spoons/day and precooked vegetable puree to 8 ounces. The only extra caution that must be taken is that your child should not reject breast milk in light of his new found taste for solids.
6th Month
Your baby might have started teething and will try to move his tongue inside his mouth. A ceiling of 4-6 feedings in a day should suffice. Do increase the servings depending upon his intake. Don’t try to force him while you follow 6 months baby food chart. Also be mindful of important considerations while weaning your baby.
| New Foods To Consider |
| Light pulses |
| Fruit juice |
| Boiled and mashed rice |
| Lightly roasted vermicelli |
7th Month
You can introduce yogurt in your baby’s food chart now. Don’t exceed 6 feedings. Follow the same routine in your 7 months baby food chart with cereals, fruits and vegetables.
8th Month
Your baby now grows more adventurous with his fingers and food and actively participates in the eating process. You can introduce small portions of lean meat in your baby’s diet depending upon his capacity to digest. You should also increase the portion of textured foods like small cubes of vegetables in your 8 months baby food chart. However, be extra careful that he doesn’t choke on the pieces.
| New Foods To Consider |
| Small fruit or vegetable chunks |
| Minced lean meat |
| Textured grains |
9th Month
His dependence on milk will reduce. But breast milk should be given 4-6 times a day You can give him cereals,vegetables, lean meat and fruit juice as before. You can also go for minced meat mashed egg white and grains. 2 servings of fruits and vegetables are essential with a quarter cup of yogurt and half cup of lean meat. Take care not to feed any packed, canned food or junk food. You can make your 9 months baby food chart exciting by introducing pasta and cheese of the softer kind.
| New Foods To Consider |
| Pasta |
| Soft cheese |
| Chunkier fruit and vegetable pieces |
10-12th Month
10-11 months baby food chart can be clubbed till he’s a year old. By this age your baby is better suited to hold objects as well as appreciate taste. Along with breast or formula milk, you can give him boiled or blanched vegetables, fresh fruit juices, scrambled eggs, lean meat and soft cheese. He will try eating himself so it’s best to give him finger foods like banana and other fruit or vegetable pieces. Again, 2 servings of fruit and vegetables and half a cup of meat and yogurt are enough. Remember not to overfeed him with food which he might find tasty.
| New Foods To Consider |
| Scrambled eggs |
| Boiled eggs (shredded) |
| Banana pieces |
Important Precautions While Feeding Your Baby
While this baby food chart month by month will come in handy, you should also ensure the following checklist:
- Don’t introduce too many new foods together. Allow your baby’s taste buds and stomach to get adjusted to 1 variety for a week before introducing a new taste.
- Avoid added sugar, salt or flavoring while preparing your kid’s meals.
- Insist on organic vegetables and fruits and wash them thoroughly prior to cooking.
- Canned food, hard nuts, chocolates and cow’s milk are best avoided till the kids are older.
- Always consult your doctor whenever in doubt.
