Feeding Chart for Healthy Infants

The chart below illustrates a typical infant feeding schedule for the first year of life. Foods Birth to 3 Months 4 to 6 Months Human Milk Month 1: Frequent feedings; about 7-9 feedings in 24 Frequent feedings; about hours 10-12 feeding per 24 hours Month 2 and 3: About 8-10 feedings per 24 hours Iron-Fortified Formula 0 to 1 month: 4 to 5 months: (see Baby Formula Feeding for more ounceson how to calculate amounts and the number of feedings) 18-24 details 25-40 ounces 1 to 2 months: 22-28 ounces 2 to 3 months: 24-32 ounces None 5 to 6 months: 25-45 ounces

Cereals and Breads

Iron-fortified infant cereal (by spoon)

Start with 2-3 teaspoons. Mix with breast milk, formula, or water. Feed twice a day.

Fruit Juices

None

None

Protein Foods

None

None

Fruits

None

None

Vegetables

None

None

Water

None

None

6 to 8 Months On demand; will be about 4-6 feedings in 24 hours

24-32 ounces; offer cup

All varieties of plain, box infant cereal; 1 to 4 tablespoons twice a day Slowly introduce crackers or dry, unsweetened cereals; 1 serving, twice a day 100 percent fruit juice with vitamin C; offer child-size cup (1-2 oz) twice a day

Pureed meats; 1-2 tablespoons, twice a day

Plain yogurt (can be mixed with soft fruit or applesauce); 1-2 tablespoons per day

Mashed bananas, applesauce, or jarred fruits; 2 tablespoons, twice a day

Strained or mashed vegetables (jarred or cooked); 2 tablespoons, twice a day: Squash Peas Green beans Carrots

Spinach 2-4 ounces, twice a day

8 to 10 Months On demand; will be about 4 or more feedings in 24 hours

24-32 ounces; offer cup

All varieties of plain, box infant cereal; 2 to 3 tablespoons twice a day Soft breads (such as plain bagels or rolls) or dry unsweetened cereals; 2-3 small servings

100 percent fruit juice with vitamin C; offer child-size cup (1-2 oz) twice a day 2- 3 tablespoons per day of:

Well-cooked, bite-sized pieces of meat, poultry, or fish Mild soft cheese Cooked beans, egg yolk, and cottage cheese 3-4 tablespoons, twice a day of: Peeled, soft, fresh fruits or fruits canned in water or juice Soft bite-sized pieces, no seeds 3-4 tablespoons, twice a day of:

Cooked, mashed vegetables Soft, bite-size pieces

2-4 ounces, twice a day

10 to 12 Months On demand; will be about 3 or more feedings in 24 hours

16-24 ounces; offer cup

Toast, crackers, bread, bagels, rolls, plain muffins, rice, noodles, and unsweetened, dry cereal; 4 small servings per day

100 percent fruit juice with vitamin C; offer child-size cup (1-2 oz) twice a day 1 ounce or cup, twice a day of:

Small, tender pieces of lean means, chicken, or fish Ground or chopped meats Cheese strips cup, twice a day of: Peeled, soft, fresh fruits or fruits canned in water or juice Soft bite-sized pieces, no seeds cup, twice a day of:

Cooked, mashed vegetables Soft bite-size pieces

2-4 ounces, twice a day