#asktheexperts How many times a day should a 1 year old baby eat?

Question

Accepted Answer

For a one-year-old baby, the frequency of meals typically includes:

### **1. Meals:**
- **Three Main Meals:** Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Each meal should include a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy or alternatives.

### **2. Snacks:**
- **Two to Three Snacks:** Offer healthy snacks between meals. These can include fruits, vegetables, yogurt, cheese, or whole-grain crackers.

### **3. Milk:**
- **2-3 Cups of Milk per Day:** Around 16-24 ounces (480-720 mL) of milk daily. This can be cow's milk or a suitable alternative if there are dietary restrictions or allergies.

### **4. Additional Points:**
- **Balanced Diet:** Focus on a balanced diet with a variety of foods to ensure your baby gets the necessary nutrients.
- **Hydration:** Offer water regularly throughout the day in addition to milk.

### **Sample Daily Meal Plan:**

- **Breakfast:** Oatmeal with fruit, or scrambled egg with toast.
- **Mid-Morning Snack:** Sliced fruit or yogurt.
- **Lunch:** Mashed sweet potatoes, steamed veggies, and a small portion of protein like chicken or beans.
- **Afternoon Snack:** Cheese slices or whole-grain crackers.
- **Dinner:** Rice, vegetable curry, and a protein source like fish or tofu.

### **Conclusion**

At one year old, a baby typically eats three main meals and two to three snacks daily, along with about 16-24 ounces of milk. Ensure the meals are balanced and varied to support healthy growth and development.