Feeding Your Baby in the First Year: Care Instructions

Good nutrition in a baby's first year is important for healthy growth and development. This is a time of many changes for your baby. For example, your baby will move from drinking breast milk or formula to eating solid foods. And feeding is a time for bonding with your baby.

How can you feed your baby in the first year?

Feeding your baby for months 0 to 5

• Feed your baby whenever they are hungry.

• Look for signs of hunger such as hand-sucking or lip-smacking.

• Your baby may be full if they slow down or turn away while feeding.

• If you're breastfeeding, ask your doctor if your baby needs vitamin D or another supplement.

Introducing solid foods

• Offer small portions. A serving might be 1 to 2 tablespoons at first.

• You can give your baby food that is blended, mashed, or soft and cut small. Try soft vegetables, iron-fortified infant cereals, proteins, and fruits.

• Maybe you'll feed your baby with a small spoon. Or your baby may be able to do it on their own. This may vary by the meal.

• When your baby can easily eat soft foods, try chopped or ground food.

Serving snacks and new foods

• Try offering food 2 or 3 times a day. Breast- or bottle-feed in between those times.

• Offer a variety of foods. Try new colors, textures, and flavors of food. You may have to offer a new food many times before your baby accepts it.

Practicing safe and healthy feeding

• For foods that may cause an allergic reaction, introduce them a few days apart. These foods include nut butters, milk, eggs, and wheat. Watch for signs of allergic reactions, such as hives, swelling, and vomiting.

• To introduce a food that may cause an allergic reaction, try giving a small amount with a food your baby has had before. For example, try mixing some peanut butter into oatmeal.

• Avoid foods that may cause your baby to choke. Cut or smash hot dogs and grapes into small sizes, and cook hard vegetables like carrots.

• Feed your child solid food while they are sitting up in a high chair. Have an adult with your child to help prevent choking.

• Look for signs that your baby is full. Stop if your baby is full or doesn't like the food.

• At about 6 months, once they're eating solid foods, let your baby drink from a cup. Breast milk, formula, and water are the best options. Start with 4 to 8 ounces a day.

How can you introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby?

Experts recommend feeding your baby only breast milk for the first year. Using a bottle may help all caregivers feed your baby. Talk to your doctor if you plan to switch from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. Here are some tips.

When should you call for help?

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.