First-Year Feeding Guide

Children have natural ability with eating. They eat as much as they need, they grow in the way that is right for them, and they learn to eat the food their parents eat. Step-by-step, throughout their growing-up years, they build on their natural ability and become eating competent. Parents let them learn and grow with eating when they follow the Division of Responsibility in Feeding.Remember it can be 20 yucks to 1 yum- keep offering different foods.

Feeding Guide for First Year

The Division of Responsibility for infants:

• The parent is responsible for what.
• The child is responsible for how much (and everything else).
• Parents choose breast- or formula-feeding, and help the infant be calm and organized. Then they feed smoothly, paying attention to information coming from the baby about timing, tempo, frequency, and amounts.

The Division of Responsibility for babies making the transition to family food:

• The parent is still responsible for what as well as when and where the child is fed.
• The child is still and always responsible for how much and whether to eat the foods offered by the parent. Don’t become a short order cook!

Establish healthy eating habits with help from the Ellyn Satter Institute.

Other helpful websites:

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP.ORG)
• Healthychildren.org
• World Health Organization (WHO.int)

No honey or cow’s milk until 12mos+

4-6 feedings/day
(28-32 ounces/day)

3-5 Tbsp single grain cereal mixed with breast milk (water/formula)

1-2 Tbsp plain/pureed , 1-2 times/day

1-2 Tbsp plain/pureed,1-2 times/day

1-2 Tbsp pureed,1 time/day

Rice cereal, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, bananas, avocado, applesauce

Babies receive enough water from breast milk/formula

Food should be very soupy and gradually thicken over time. Introduce one at a time and for 3-5 days. Stay with child while eating.

3-5 feedings/day
(30-32 ounces/day)

3-5 Tbsp single grain cereal mixed with breast milk (water/formula)

2-3 Tbsp plain/pureed,2 times/day

2-3 Tbsp plain/pureed,2 times/day

1-2 Tbsp pureed,2 times/day

Tofu, noodles, peaches, apricots, green beans, carrots, squash, turkey, chicken, beef, fish, beans

Not necessary, but can Introduce minimal amounts with foods (1-2 ounces)

Start bite-size pieces and soft finger foods and practicing with sippy cup-caution with gagging and choking. Stay with child while eating.

3-5 feedings/day
(30-32 ounces/day)

5-8 Tbsp single grain cereal mixed with breast milk (water/formula)

2-3 Tbsp soft/mashed, 2 times/day

2-3 Tbsp plain/ mashed,2 times/day

1-2 Tbsp pureed,2 times/day

Beans, avocado, pears, nectarines, spinach, kale, pancakes (cut up), dry cereals, natural cheeses, egg yolk

2-3 ounces/day

Increase solid foods. Ensure child is receiving a variety of foods. Stay with child while eating.

3-5 feedings/day
(30-32 ounces/day)

5-8 Tbsp single grain cereal mixed with breast milk (water/formula)

2-4 Tbsp soft/mashed, 2 times/day

2-4 Tbsp soft/mashed/ bite size,2 times/day

2-3 Tbsp of tender/ finely chopped,2 times/day

Cous cous, plain yogurt, cantaloupe, apples, pineapple, broccoli, cauliflower, whole milk cottage cheese, rice

3-5 ounces/day

Increase solid foods. Enhancement of developmental skills of eating; (grasping, holding, pinching).Stay with child while eating.

3-4 feedings/day
(24-30 ounces/day)

5-8 Tbsp single grain cereal mixed with breast milk (water/formula)

2-4Tbsp soft/mashed, 2 times/day

2-4 Tbsp soft/mashed/ bite size, 2 times/day

2-3 Tbsp finely chopped meats/fish (w/out bones) mild cheese, 2 times/day

Blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, quartered and peeled grapes, quinoa

4-6 ounces/day

Encourage child to self feed, give praise- getting messy can be part of the learning experience. Let them explore, hold, and learn how to be a healthy eater. Stay with child while eating.