6 month old feeding schedule: Amounts, food chart, formula, breastmilk

The feeding adventure takes an exciting turn around 6 months! While all babies will still get most of their nutrition from breastmilk or formula until age 1, many babies are ready to begin eating some solid foods now. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about feeding your 6 month old including a sample feeding schedule. 

6 month old baby sample feeding schedule

Your baby’s schedule may vary based on their individual needs as well as the needs of your family. The following schedule is meant as a sample guide, not a strict plan.

How much to feed a 6 month: Food chart

At 6 months, your baby will continue to drink breast milk and/or formula as well as begin to explore solid foods []. You may choose to introduce solids in the form of or — or both. Either way, your baby may start with one meal a day and continue to work up to adding more meals and snacks as they move toward one year of age.

Most babies will continue to have about 4 - 6 breast milk or formula feeds a day [] equaling roughly 24 - 32 oz per day. As the calorie intake from solids increases over time, you may see a slight decrease in milk intake. As long as your baby is growing well and having about 6 wet diapers a day, your baby is getting enough to eat. In terms of solid food, most babies will eat small amounts at this age. This may look like 1 - 2 tbsp of purees or a few bites of food served baby-led weaning style.

Baby-led weaning

Purees

7 tips for feeding your 6 month old baby

Tip #1: Keep liquid feeds the same

• Your baby will gradually decrease their intake of breastmilk and formula, but right now they are still the main source of nutrition for your baby.   in small amounts starting around 6 months as well.

Tip #2: Use hunger and fullness cues

• Feed your baby according to their hunger and fullness cues whether they are nursing, taking a bottle, or eating solid foods. Also note feeding patterns may briefly change if your baby is uncomfortable due to a cold, , etc.

Tip #3: Check for signs of readiness before beginning solids

• Your baby should be able to sit with minimal support, bring objects to their mouth, have good head and neck control as well as show an interest in food before beginning solid foods.

Tip #4: Start slow with solids

• Babies at this age will want to explore and play with their food - this helps them learn! There’s no rush for them to eat large amounts of solid food at this age, so take it slow and offer about one solid meal per day. 

Tip #5: Ensure baby is safe when eating

• Babies should be fed in a well-supported high chair and never be left alone. Food should be served in the right size and consistency. 

Tip #6: Focus on priority nutrients

• Priority nutrients for this age group include iron, zinc, protein, and other . Be sure to include solid foods with these nutrients in their diet. 

Tip #7: Introduce allergens early and often

• The latest research [] shows introducing high-risk allergen foods such as peanuts, eggs, and dairy may help lower the occurrence of food allergies. Unless advised otherwise by your pediatrician, introduce these foods early and often.

Night feedings at 6 month olds

Many babies can sleep for longer stretches through the night at this age, but it is common for babies to still have 1 - 2 night feedings. If your baby wakes up hungry, go ahead and feed them as you normally would. However, unless directed to by your pediatrician, there is no need to wake a baby to feed them at this age. 

Takeaway: Feeding 6 month olds

• Challenges are normal: Feeding at 6 months is exciting, but can also be challenging. Your baby is still relying on breastmilk and/or formula, so stick with your usual feeding amounts and frequencies.

• It's about exploration at this age: Start with 1 – 2 foods at a time, whether purees or baby-led weaning. Small amounts, like a few bites or 1 – 2 tablespoons, are normal and all about exploration. Remember, this stage is about gradual exploration, not getting perfect nutrition at every meal.

• Babies’ appetites can fluctuate: It’s normal for them to gum or spit out new foods as they develop the muscles to chew and swallow safely.

• Take it at your own pace: Introducing solids is a big change for both you and your baby. Take it slow and remember you are both learning about this new phase of feeding.