MommaMatch

The following is a month by month baby feeding schedule chart to be used as a guide for your infants growth. Keep in mind that every baby is different, and will have unique growth patterns, however the below chart can be used as a guide to ensure that your baby is getting the proper amount of nutrition for his/her age.

It is always recommended to slowly introduce different types of foods, especially those which could be a potential allergen gradually into a child's diet. This way if an allergy is present, it will be easier to determine which food was the culprit. The most important factor however is your baby's feeding cues.Your baby will be the one to tell you when he/she is having a growth spurt, when he/she is ready for solids, and which type of food they prefer. Your job as the parent is to be aware of these cues, feed them appropriately and guide them into a future of good feeding habits.

The following chart shows types of foods and amounts appropriate for most babies according to each specific age group. For the first 6 months, the amount of breastmilk needed for infant growth is estimated at 2.5 to 3 times their body weight in ounces per day. For example your 8lb baby would require (after the first week of life) between 20-24oz a day. When introducing solids such as vegetables and fruits, it is a good idea to start with the vegetables so your baby will be more willing eat them. Fruit, as we know is much sweeter then our veggies so babies who have fruit before veggies aren't as interested. Who would want to eat mushed peas when you can have juicy peaches? Studies have shown when veggies are introduced prior to fruit babies adjust to a more well rounded diet.

All babies will differ in appetite and readiness for solid food. It is important that you follow the guidance of your pediatrician for the appropriate time to introduce different types of solid foods into your baby's diet. Your baby's doctor or a registered dietitian may make other recommendations for your child to meet their specific needs. For further questions on your child's over all health consult your pediatrician.

(click here for a printable version) Month by Month Feeding Chart

AGE	APPROPRIATE FOODS	AMOUNT
0-2 months (0-8weeks)	Breastmilk or Newborn formula**Can't overfeed a breastfed infant.You can overfeed a FORMULA fed infant.Newborn formula	Feed on demand 8 or more x in 24 hour period(Baby should regain birth weight between 10-14 days of life. Normal infant weight gain is 4-7 oz a week)2-3 oz every 3 hours. (based on infants weight baby should receive between 16-28oz a day.
2-4 months	Breastmilkiron fortified formula	Feed on demand 6 or more times in 24 hours4-6 feedings a day. Total daily amount based on baby's weight between 28-32 oz in 24 hours
6 months	BreastmilkFormulairon fortified cereal	Feed on demand 6 or more times in 24 hours4-6 Feeding,around 32 oz in 24 hours1-2 tablespoons, 1-2 times a day
6-9 months	BreastmilkFormulairon fortified cerealStrained vegetablesStrained fruitsStrained meatsplain toast or teething biscuit	3-5 feedings, or as desired by mom and baby3-5 feedings, 30-32 oz in 24 hours2-3 tablespoons, 2 times a day2-3 tablespoons, 2 times a day2-3 tablespoons, 2 times a day1-2 tablespoons, 1-2 times a day1/2 -1 serving
9-12 months	BreastmilkFormulawater in a sippy cupiron fortified cerealsoft chopped vegetablessoft chopped fruitstender chopped meats, avoid hot dogs, bread and bread products, cottage cheese, plain yogurt, soft cheese	3-4 feedings, or as desired by mom and baby24-30 oz in 24 hours3-4 oz3-4 tablespoons, 2 times a day3-4 tablespoons, 2 times a day3-4 tablespoons, 2 times a day 2-3 tablespoons, 2 times a day 1/2-1 serving, offer small servings
1 year	Breastmilkwhole cows milk, offered in a cupNo limits on Solid foods	2-4 feedings or as desired by mom and baby2-4 feedings 24 oz a dayconsult pediatrician for new dietary guidelines

Copyright 2011 Danielle Gauss,IBCLC JustBreastFeeding.com. All Rights Reserved.