Feeding in the First Year

These instructions for families of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients review information for feeding children aged newborn to one 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. It does not matter which solid foods are first introduced as long as they are age appropriate. If your baby is receiving breast milk, iron-containing cereals and meat-based baby foods are recommended.

• 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.

  • Do not add baby cereal to bottles.

  • Do not give any honey until at least 12 months old.

  • Foods commonly recognized as choking hazards.

Instructions for feeding birth - 4 months:

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

• Hold baby while feeding.

• Breast milk is best.

• Formula should be used if not using breast milk.

• See more instructions for feeding your newborn.

Instructions for feeding 4 - 6 months:

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

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

• See more instructions for feeding your supported sitter.

Instructions for feeding 7-9 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 9-12 months:

At this age, babies can feed themselves with 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

• Prevent choking by avoiding these foods:

  • Raw fruits and vegetables

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Hot dogs

  • Popcorn

  • Whole grapes and cherry tomatoes

  • Spoonfuls of peanut butter

  • Hard candies and chewing gum

• 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.

• 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 on August 1, 2019, by Kelsey Palm, RD