Here, I outline detailed schedules from 3 months to 2 years, including key milestones such as introducing solids, transitioning from formula to cow milk, and moving from bottles to cups.
3-5 Months: Feeding schedule (no solids)
Time
Milk
Solid food
Nap
6:30am
✓
8:00am
✓
9:30am
✓
11:00am
✓
12:00pm
✓
1:30pm
✓
3:00pm
✓
4:30pm
✓
5:30pm
✓
6:30pm
✓
7:00pm
✓
Key changes: At this age, your baby’s diet is primarily milk-based. Solid foods are generally not introduced until 6 months. Focus on maintaining a regular feeding and sleep schedule.
6-7 Months: Feeding schedule (1 meal solids)
Time
Milk
Solid food
Nap
6:30am
✓
7:00am
✓
8:30am
✓
10:00am
✓
12:30pm
✓
1:00pm
✓
2:30pm
✓
4:30pm
✓
5:15pm
✓
5:45pm
✓
6:30pm
✓
7:00pm
✓
Key Changes: Start introducing solid foods around 6 months. Begin with single-ingredient purees and slowly add more variety. See here a checklist of solid foods to start with and a list of allergens to pay attention to. Milk remains the primary source of nutrition.
8-9 Months: Feeding schedule (1-2 meals of solids)
Time
Milk
Solid food
Nap
6:30am
✓
7:00am
✓
8:30am
✓ (optional)
9:00am
✓
11:00am
✓
12:00pm
✓ (optional)
2:00pm
✓
2:30pm
✓
4:00pm
6:00pm
✓ (optional)
6:30pm
✓
7:00pm
✓
Key changes: Increase the variety and texture of solid foods. Introduce mashed or soft foods. Gradually decrease the number of milk feedings as solid food intake increases.
10-11 Months: Feeding schedule (3 meals of solids)
Time
Milk
Solid food
Nap
6:30am
✓ (optional)
7:00am
✓
9:00am
✓
9:30am
✓
11:00am
✓ (optional)
12:30pm
✓
2:00pm
✓
2:30pm
✓
4:00pm
✓
5:00pm
✓
6:30pm
✓
7:00pm
✓
Key changes: By this age, solid foods should start becoming a significant part of the diet. Introduce a variety of foods to ensure balanced nutrition. Start reducing the dependency on milk.
Key changes: Start transitioning from formula to cow milk around 12 months. Introduce cow milk gradually, replacing one formula feeding at a time. Ensure solid foods provide substantial calories and nutrients.
Key changes: By 18 months, milk can be served in a cup rather than a bottle to promote independence. Solid foods should now be the primary source of calories and nutrients.
Additional aspects to consider when feeding
Allergies:
Introduction of allergenic foods: introduce common allergens such as peanuts, eggs, dairy, wheat, soy, and fish one at a time, starting around 6 months. watch for any allergic reactions and consult your pediatrician if you notice any symptoms.
Signs of allergies: be aware of symptoms like rashes, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing. immediate medical attention is required if severe reactions occur.
Puree vs. finger foods:
Purees: start with smooth purees to introduce new tastes and textures. this is especially important for younger babies (around 6 months).
finger foods: as your baby develops better hand-eye coordination and chewing skills (around 8-9 months), introduce soft finger foods like small pieces of steamed vegetables, fruits, or soft cheeses.
Baby-led weaning: some parents prefer this method, which skips purees and offers soft, manageable pieces of food from the start, allowing babies to self-feed and explore textures.
Choking hazards:
Avoid certain foods: steer clear of small, hard foods like nuts, whole grapes, popcorn, and raw vegetables, which can be choking hazards. cut foods into small, manageable pieces.
Supervision: always supervise your baby while eating to prevent choking and to encourage safe eating habits.
Variety and balance:
Nutritional balance: offer a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. this helps provide essential nutrients for growth and development.
Encouraging new foods: introduce new foods multiple times, even if your baby initially rejects them. it can take several attempts for a baby to accept a new taste or texture.
Hydration:
Water: start offering small amounts of water in a cup around 6 months, especially with meals. this helps with hydration and teaches drinking from a cup.
Avoid sugary drinks: avoid offering sugary drinks like juice or soda. breast milk, formula, and water should be the primary fluids.
Feeding environment:
Routine and consistency: establish regular meal and snack times to create a predictable routine. this can help with digestion and behavior.
Positive mealtime atmosphere: make mealtimes pleasant and stress-free. avoid distractions like tv or toys, and focus on enjoying the meal together.
Things never to feed to baby
Honey (before 12 months): Can contain spores that cause infant botulism, a serious illness.
Cow’s milk (before 12 months): Can be difficult for babies to digest and doesn’t provide the necessary nutrients found in breast milk or formula.
Raw or undercooked eggs: Risk of salmonella infection.
Choking hazards: Small, hard foods like whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, raw vegetables, and hard candies.
High-sodium foods: Excessive salt can strain a baby’s kidneys.
High-sugar foods: Sugary snacks and drinks can lead to dental issues and unhealthy eating habits.
Caffeinated beverages: Can affect a baby’s sleep and overall development.
Unpasteurized dairy products: Risk of bacterial infections.
Certain types of fish: High in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and mackerel.
Processed meats: Like hot dogs and deli meats, which can contain high levels of nitrates and sodium.
Large chunks of food: Always cut food into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking.
Hard, sticky, or chewy candy: These can pose choking hazards and are difficult for babies to chew properly
