Feeding in the First Year

These instructions are for families to learn about feeding children from birth to 1 year old.

Important information:

• The information and instructions here can be used as a guideline for feeding your baby in the first year.

• Developmental characteristics at each stage are listed. Keep in mind that this is a guide. Readiness, skill progression, and feeding behaviors vary from baby to baby.

General instructions for feeding in the first year:

• Continue breast or formula feeding until at least 12 months, even after you begin spoon-feeding. You may continue breastfeeding beyond 12 months of age.

• Introduce solid foods when your baby shows developmental signs they are ready, such as sitting without support. If your baby is receiving breast milk, iron-containing cereals and meat-based baby foods are recommended early.

• It is recommended to wait 3-5 days between introducing each new food. Watch for signs of a reaction or allergy. Common signs may include diarrhea, rash, or vomiting. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you believe your baby has an allergic reaction to a food.

• Avoid giving your baby the following foods in the first year:

  • Juice, soda, or other sweetened drinks; avoid these until at least 24 months old.

  • Baby cereal added to bottles, unless recommended by a provider.

  • Honey; do not give until at least 12 months old.

  • Foods commonly recognized as choking hazards.

    • Gum

    • Hard candies

    • Popcorn

    • Whole grapes

    • Chewy candies

    • Raisins

    • Hot dogs

    • Nuts or seeds

    • Raw carrots

    • Chips

    • Chunky peanut butter

    • Cherries with pits

    • Marshmallows

    • Large chunks of meat

    • Whole cherry tomatoes

Instructions for feeding birth to 4 months:

At this age, babies have developed the ability to suck.

• Hold baby while feeding.

• Only breast milk or formula should be given.

• See more instructions for feeding your newborn formula

Instructions for feeding 4 to 6 months:

At this age, babies have developed the ability to sit with support, control head movements, and move food from spoon to throat.

• Begin spoon-feeding with Stage 1 and 2 foods. These include pureed fruits and vegetables, infant cereal, and pureed meats.

• See more instructions for feeding your supported sitter.

Instructions for feeding 7 to 9 months:

At this age, babies can chew, grasp, and hold objects, such as pieces of food or a spoon. Increase textures of food from smooth (purees) to lumpy.

• Consider offering:

  • Plain yogurt

  • Cottage cheese

  • Refried beans

  • Egg and tofu

  • Soft mashed and moist foods from the family meal

• Offer a second spoon or fork for your baby to hold while being fed.

• Place foods on tray for baby to explore.

• Introduce a cup. Consider a soft-spouted sippy cup with or without handles.

• Offer sips of breast milk, formula, or water with each meal.

• See more instructions for feeding your independent sitter.

Instructions for feeding 9 to 12 months:

At this age, babies can feed themselves with their hands or spoons. Expect a mess during mealtimes. Babies also begin teething. Offer foods with more texture.

• Offer finger foods that are soft, easy to swallow, and cut into small pieces.

• Introduce meltable baby snacks, such as puffs, and teething biscuits.

• Try:

  • Well-cooked vegetables

  • Sliced banana

  • Graham crackers

  • Soft cheeses

  • Well-cooked pasta

• Continue to avoid choking hazards.

• See more instructions for feeding your crawler.

Instructions for feeding one year and beyond:

At this age, your baby's appetite may decrease. It is normal for them to eat more one day and less the next. They may even skip meals as growth slows.

• Encourage self-feeding.

• Offer 3 meals and 2-3 snacks each day.

• Offer a variety of foods from all food groups.

• Offer foods from the family meal.

• Praise for all meals well done.

• Avoid giving cookies, cake, pie, or candy for dessert.

• May continue breastfeeding if desired.

• Begin offering whole cow's milk in a cup. Do not offer low-fat or skim milk until your baby is 2 years old.

• Avoid sweetened beverages unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider.

• See more instructions for feeding your toddler.

Tips to prevent picky eating:

• Offer a variety of flavors, colors, and textures early on. Taste preferences are set at about 9 months.

• It can take up to 20 exposures to a new flavor for a child to get used to it. Offer 1-2 bites at a time and keep trying! It will be worth it!

Tips to promote positive mealtimes:

Creating positive mealtimes can impact your baby's interest, acceptance, and enjoyment of feeding. It is important to:

• Hold your baby while bottle-feeding for at least the first 4 months.

• Seat your baby upright in a supportive chair for spoon feeds.

• Set a good example; parents should eat a good variety of foods from all food groups.

• Eat together as a family.

• Let your baby self-regulate and decide when enough is enough; never force your baby to eat or drink.

• Make feeding time a happy time for the whole family.

Reviewed July 2025 by Liesje Carney, RD, Laura Tobias, RD