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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. 

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.

6:30 AMNurse or bottle (wake up)
8:00 AMSolid meal
10:00 AMNurse or bottle
1:30 PMNurse or bottle
4:30 PMNurse or bottle
6:30/7:00 PMNurse or bottle (before bed)

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.

Wake-up:Breast milk or formula
Breakfast:Breast milk or formula
Mid-morning:Breast milk or formula
Lunch:Chicken breast (served in strips), avocado strips, and banana strips
Mid-afternoon:Breast milk or formula
Dinner:Breast milk or formula
Before bed:Breast milk or formula
Wake-up:Breast milk or formula
Breakfast:Breast milk or formula
Mid-morning:Breast milk or formula
Lunch:Black bean, avocado, or banana puree
Mid-afternoon:Breast milk or formula
Dinner:Breast milk or formula
Before bed:Breast milk or formula

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.  

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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

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.

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. 

Feeding at 6 months is exciting, but can also be challenging. Your baby is still relying on breastmilk and/or formula, but they are also getting started exploring new foods! A lot is the same, but a lot is new too. Take it slow and remember you are both learning about this new phase of feeding.

If you're curious about what lies ahead when it comes to feeding, get a glimpse with a . And see how far you've come by checking out a .

6 month old feeding schedule FAQ

Yes, a 6 month old can start to drink small amounts of water. Ideally, a few sips of water are introduced at mealtime from an open cup or straw cup. Avoid giving more water throughout the day at this age so it does not displace formula or breast milk.

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Note: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your doctor, pediatrician, or medical professional. If you have questions or concerns, you should contact a medical professional.

3 Sources

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  1. Greer, et al. (2019). The Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children.

    https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/143/4/e20190281/37226/The-Effects-of-Early-Nutritional-Interventions-on?autologincheck=redirected