- Breast milk? Formula? Breast milk and formula should still be your baby’s main sources of nutrition at six to nine months old. As they learn to enjoy solid foods, you’ll notice your baby naturally wanting less breast milk or formula.
- Ask your pediatrician about good first foods. Many pediatricians suggest starting with simple foods such as single-grain cereals or strained fruits. That’s because they are easy to eat. What about veggies? Many pediatricians say go right ahead. You may even encourage a veggie-lover for life. Talk to your pediatrician about first food tips for your six to nine-month-old.
- Introduce one new solid food at a time. Give each new food three to five days before introducing another. Yum. Repeat. Yum. Repeat. This repetition helps your baby develop preferences. If your six to nine-month-old doesn’t like that carrot or sweet potato the first time, you can always reintroduce it later. Maybe they’ve changed their mind! Keep an eye out for indications of food intolerance or allergy, such as rash, diarrhea, or vomiting as you introduce each new solid food.
- Avoid sugar and salt.Your six to nine-month-old will love the natural taste of food without these additives.
- Limit fruit juice. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 4 to 6 oz of juice each day. Why? Fruit juice fills your child up, leaving less room for nutritious food. Also, too much fruit juice high in sugars may increase the likelihood of cavities. If your little one wants juice, make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar. Your hugs are sweet enough.
- Finger foods, please. Around eight months your baby is ready to pick up and eat food without your help. It’s not only adorable, you’ll be helping to feed their independence.
- Keep an eye out for choking hazards. Grapes, raisins, nuts, popcorns, or small, hard pieces of food are all potential choking hazards. Sticky foods can also be difficult to swallow and cause choking.
- Skip honey. Honey is a natural sweetener, but it can contain bacterium spores that lead to botulism in babies. So, to be safe, the American Academy of Pediatrics says it’s best to wait on honey until after your baby’s first birthday. That’s when their digestive system is mature enough to process it.
Your 6 to 9 month old feeding schedule
For balanced nutrition, be sure to talk to your baby’s doctors and include the following key foods daily:
- Breast milk. Offer on-demand, about four to six feedings per day.
- Formula. The average at this age is four to five feedings per day, about six to eight fluid ounces per feeding (up to a maximum of 32 fluid ounces a day).
- Grains. Try feeding your 6 to 9-month-old finger foods with more texture like oat cereal O’s or toast fingers.
- Fruits and veggies. Pureed or mashed fruits and vegetables are both good options.
- Dairy and meat. Try yogurt and pureed or finely ground meats like chicken.
There’s a whole new world of taste sensations out there. This 6 to 9-month-old feeding schedule can help your baby discover new yummy things. You’ll be helping support their growth and becoming happy eaters.
"Being a mom is a hard job. If you find something that works, that makes you and your baby happier...score!” – Enfamil® mom
