Baby feeding schedule by age
When to start solids, how much milk at each stage, and where the common allergens fit in — a simple, pediatrician-informed feeding schedule from the first tastes to the first birthday.
Most babies start solids around 6 months, once they can sit with support and show readiness. Breast milk or formula stays the main nutrition until about 12 months — early solids are for practice, iron, and introducing allergens.
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When to start solids Feeding schedule by age A sample 6-month day Where allergens fit in FAQ01When to start solids
Most babies are ready for solids around 6 months. Solids aren't recommended before 4 months. Look for these readiness signs together, not just age:
- Sits with support and holds their head steady.
- Lost the tongue-thrust reflex — food isn't automatically pushed back out.
- Shows interest — reaching for food, opening up when a spoon comes.
- Can move food to the back of the mouth and swallow.
02Feeding schedule by age
Milk leads early and solids gradually grow. Here's the general shape — every baby is different, so follow your baby's cues and your pediatrician's advice.
| Age | Milk (breast milk / formula) | Solids |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 months | Only source of nutrition, on demand | None yet |
| 4–6 months | Still the main nutrition | Some babies start near 6 months once showing readiness |
| ~6 months | Main nutrition; ~24–32 oz/day | Start solids: iron-rich foods, purées or soft finger foods — and begin allergens |
| 6–9 months | Still primary; milk feeds around meals | Build to 2–3 small "meals"; more textures |
| 9–12 months | Primary, but solids matter more | 3 meals + snacks; finger foods and family textures |
| 12 months+ | Whole cow's milk can replace formula | Family foods; solids become the main nutrition |
03A sample 6-month-old feeding schedule
A loose example — adjust to your baby's wake windows and hunger cues:
| Time | Feed |
|---|---|
| On waking | Milk feed |
| Mid-morning | Milk feed + a small taste of solids (iron-rich food or an allergen) |
| Early afternoon | Milk feed |
| Late afternoon | Milk feed + a second small taste of solids |
| Evening | Milk feed before bed |
Offer new allergens earlier in the day so you can watch your baby for a couple of hours afterward.
04Where allergens fit in
Once your baby is handling a few first foods, start working through the nine common allergens — peanut and egg first, since they're the best-studied. Introduce one new allergen at a time, then keep the ones that go well in regular rotation a couple of times a week.
Current guidance is "eat early, eat often." Delaying allergens past 6 months doesn't help and may raise allergy risk. See how to introduce allergens and grab the free allergen schedule.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start solids?
What does a 6-month-old feeding schedule look like?
How much milk should a 6-month-old have?
When do allergens fit into the schedule?
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