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 dip their toes into the world of solid foods. From first tastes to messy discoveries, this stage can be full of surprises.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about feeding your 6 month old, including sample feeding schedule, common feeding challenges, and tips to navigate it all with a little bit of ease.

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

You may choose to introduce solids in the form of purees or baby-led weaning foods — 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. 

When considering what makes up a “meal” at this age, start with 1 - 2 foods at a time. Solids for 6 month olds are all about exploration. Most babies will eat small amounts at this age. This may look like:

• 1 - 2 tbsp of purees

• a few bites of food served baby-led weaning style

As exciting as starting solids is, your baby still replies on milk as their primary nutrition. You can expect your little one to:

• Eat about 4 - 6 breast milk or formula feeds a day

• Total roughly 24 - 32 oz of breast milk or formula per day

• Possibly decrease their milk intake as they eat more solids over time

As long as your baby is growing well and having about 6 wet diapers a day, your baby is getting enough to eat. Here are two examples of how to schedule breast milk and/or formula feeds alongside baby-led weaning and/or purees.

Baby-led weaning

Purees

Feeding challenges for a 6 month old baby

Around 6 months, babies are transitioning to solids while still nursing or taking bottles. It’s a learning curve for you both, and it’s normal if things feel messy and unpredictable at first. This period brings excitement — and a few common feeding hurdles.

• Textures and flavors can take time to accept when adjusting to solids

• Gumming or spitting out food happens as they learn to chew and swallow safely

• Gagging might feel stressful, but it is a normal part of your baby learning how to eat

• Appetite fluctuations are normal

• Watch for allergic reactions or sensitivities to new foods

• Short attention span during meals is frustrating, yet typical

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 over time, but right now they are still the main source of nutrition for your baby. Stick with the same amounts to start, and follow your baby’s cues for when to reduce the amount (usually this gradual change comes a few months later). Also, babies can have water in small amounts starting around 6 months.

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 that feeding patterns may briefly change if your baby is uncomfortable due to a cold, teething, 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 [4].

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 [5]. 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 high-energy foods such as fat. Be sure to include solid foods with these nutrients in their diet. 

Tip #7: Introduce allergens early and often

The latest research [3] 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.

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.