Baby Food Portion Size Guide | How Much Solids by Age (6-12 Months)
How much baby food should I give? This is the most common question when starting solids at 6 months. This guide covers baby food portion sizes by age (early, middle, late stages), feeding frequency, how to increase portions, and milk intake adjustment.
Baby Food Stages Overview
Baby food is typically divided into 4 stages:
| Stage | Age | Focus | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early | 4-6 months | Swallowing practice | Thin purees |
| Middle | 7-8 months | Mashing with tongue | Thicker purees, mashed |
| Late | 9-11 months | Chewing practice | Soft chunks, finger foods |
| Toddler | 12-15 months | Transition to family food | Soft table foods |
Early Stage Portions (4-6 Months)
This is when baby first starts solids. The goal is getting used to food other than milk.
6 Month Baby Food Amount
| Week | Per Feeding | Frequency | Milk Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 1-2 tsp (5-10ml) | 1x/day | As usual |
| Week 2 | 1-2 tbsp (15-25ml) | 1x/day | As usual |
| Week 3-4 | 2-3 tbsp (30-50ml) | 1x/day | As usual |
| Week 5-8 | 3-5 tbsp (50-80ml) | 1-2x/day | Slightly less |
Early Stage Foods
- Grains: Rice cereal, thin porridge
- Vegetables: Sweet potato, squash, carrots, peas
- Fruits: Apple, pear, banana (small amounts)
Early Stage Tips
- Introduce one new food at a time, wait 3 days for allergies
- Try feeding around 10-11 AM before milk
- If baby refuses spoon, wait a few days and try again
Middle Stage Portions (7-8 Months)
Baby can now mash food with tongue. Start feeding solids twice a day.
7 Month Baby Food Amount
| Food Group | Per Meal | Daily Total |
|---|---|---|
| Grains (thick porridge) | 50-80g (3-5 tbsp) | 100-160g |
| Vegetables/Fruits | 20-30g (1-2 tbsp) | 40-60g |
| Protein (tofu) | 30-40g | 60-80g |
| Protein (meat/fish) | 10-15g | 20-30g |
8 Month Baby Food Amount
| Food Group | Per Meal | Daily Total |
|---|---|---|
| Grains | 80-100g (5-6 tbsp) | 160-200g |
| Vegetables/Fruits | 30-40g (2-3 tbsp) | 60-80g |
| Protein (tofu) | 40-50g | 80-100g |
| Protein (meat/fish) | 15-20g | 30-40g |
Middle Stage Frequency & Milk
- Solids frequency: 2x/day (morning + afternoon)
- Milk intake: 600-800ml/day (3-4 bottles)
- Nutrition ratio: Solids 30-40% : Milk 60-70%
Middle Stage Tips
- Start meat now (important for iron)
- Begin introducing lumpy textures
- Introduce finger foods for self-feeding
Late Stage Portions (9-11 Months)
Baby can chew with gums. Start feeding solids three times a day.
9-10 Month Baby Food Amount
| Food Group | Per Meal | Daily Total |
|---|---|---|
| Grains (soft rice) | 90-100g | 270-300g |
| Vegetables/Fruits | 30-40g | 90-120g |
| Protein | 20-30g | 60-90g |
Late Stage Frequency & Milk
- Solids frequency: 3x/day + 1-2 snacks
- Milk intake: 500-600ml/day (2-3 bottles)
- Nutrition ratio: Solids 50-60% : Milk 40-50%
Toddler Stage (12-15 Months)
Nearly eating family foods now.
12+ Month Portions
| Food Group | Per Meal | Daily Total |
|---|---|---|
| Grains | 100-130g | 300-400g |
| Vegetables/Fruits | 50-60g | 150-180g |
| Protein | 40-50g | 120-150g |
Toddler Stage Milk
- Milk intake: 400-500ml/day (whole milk OK)
- Nutrition ratio: Solids 70% : Milk 30%
How to Increase Baby Food Portions
If baby isn't eating much, try these tips:
Increasing Portions
- Add 1-2 spoonfuls at a time, gradually
- Mix favorite foods with new ones
- Offer solids before milk when hungry
When Baby Refuses Food
- Try different preparations (puree → soup → chunks)
- Adjust texture and temperature
- Eat together as a family to spark interest
- Let baby self-feed with finger foods
Track Feeding with BebeSnap
Why tracking baby food matters:
- Know how much baby is actually eating
- Track allergic reactions to new foods
- Provide accurate info for doctor visits
With BebeSnap:
- One-touch recording of portions, ingredients, time
- Automatic daily/weekly intake calculations
- Balance check with milk intake
- AI analysis of appropriate amounts for age
FAQs
Q: My baby eats very little
This is normal! Appetite varies by baby. If growth curve is normal and baby is active, don't worry. Check the 3-7 day average.
Q: When should I feed solids?
Morning (10-11 AM) is recommended for the first feeding. If an allergic reaction occurs, you can visit the doctor during office hours.
Q: When should I start meat?
Start at 6-7 months. For breastfed babies, meat is especially important for iron.
Q: If baby eats a lot of solids, should I reduce milk?
Before 12 months, milk is the main nutrition source. Maintain at least 500-600ml daily. Natural reduction is OK.
References
Manage Easier with BebeSnap
AI stool analysis, feeding & sleep tracking, health reports—all in one app.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your baby's health, please consult a pediatrician.
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