#asktheexpert Feeding schedule for 8 month

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Accepted Answer

At 8 months old, babies are typically transitioning from exclusive milk feeds to a more varied diet that includes a combination of breast milk or formula and solid foods. Here's a general feeding schedule for an 8-month-old baby:

1. **Breastfeeding or Formula Feeding**: Continue to offer breast milk or formula as the primary source of nutrition. Aim for about 3-4 breastfeedings or formula feedings per day, spaced evenly throughout the day.

2. **Introduction of Solid Foods**: Introduce a variety of age-appropriate solid foods to your baby's diet, gradually increasing the variety and texture as they become more accustomed to eating solids. Offer iron-rich foods such as iron-fortified cereals, pureed meats, poultry, fish, cooked beans, and lentils.

3. **Frequency of Solid Meals**: Offer solid foods 2-3 times per day, ideally after a breastfeed or formula feed to ensure your baby is still getting enough milk for nutrition. Start with small portions and gradually increase the amount as your baby's appetite grows.

4. **Sample Feeding Schedule**:
   - Upon Waking: Breastfeed or Formula Feed
   - Breakfast (1-2 hours later): Offer a small portion of iron-fortified cereal, mashed fruits, or cooked vegetables.
   - Mid-Morning: Breastfeed or Formula Feed
   - Lunch (2-3 hours later): Offer a combination of mashed or pureed fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods such as pureed meats or legumes.
   - Afternoon: Breastfeed or Formula Feed
   - Snack (2-3 hours later): Offer finger foods such as small pieces of soft fruits, cooked vegetables, or infant cereal puffs.
   - Evening: Breastfeed or Formula Feed
   - Dinner (1-2 hours later): Offer a variety of soft, cooked foods such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or well-cooked pasta, along with protein-rich foods.
   - Before Bed: Breastfeed or Formula Feed

5. **Responsive Feeding**: Pay attention to your baby's hunger and fullness cues, and respond accordingly. Offer additional breastfeeds or formula feeds as needed, and allow your baby to decide how much solid food they want to eat at each meal.

6. **Stay Hydrated**: Offer water in a sippy cup or straw cup with meals to help your baby stay hydrated, especially when introducing solid foods.

7. **Continue Breastfeeding or Formula Feeding on Demand**: While solid foods are becoming a more significant part of your baby's diet, breast milk or formula remains an essential source of nutrition and hydration. Continue to breastfeed or offer formula on demand as needed throughout the day and night.

Remember that every baby is unique, so this feeding schedule may need to be adjusted based on your baby's individual needs, appetite, and developmental readiness. Consult with your pediatrician or a registered dietitian for personalized guidance and recommendations based on your baby's growth and development.