![]() Mealtime doesn’t have to be the same meal each day-you may do breakfast during the week and lunch on the weekend. We want baby to associate the table with happiness and have the energy and gusto to learn how to eat food. Pick a mealtime where baby is happy, playful, and well-rested. Baby is also offered a bottle as part of the bedtime routine in this sample schedule however, if your goal is to separate eating and sleep, then consider offering the bottle as the first part of the routine – just before a bath and bedtime stories – to avoid the feed-to-sleep association. If you want to disassociate sleeping and eating ( i.e., trying to avoid baby falling asleep on the bottle at naptime), it’s best to offer any top-off bottle at least 30 minutes before baby’s next naptime, and keep baby awake during the feed. Even if baby does not swallow anything, this is still considered a "meal."īaby is likely awake for about 2-2.5 hours at a time and most babies will nap three times a day. Remember, we use the word "meal" to describe times baby is at the table exploring food. Eating solid food at this stage will mainly be for practice, so try not to worry about consumption. You might need to offer a "top-off" bottle after solids if baby still exhibits hunger, as many babies will not eat much during meals at this age. We recommend one mealtime per day at this age, though if you and baby have the time in your day and both enjoy being at the table, you are welcome to offer solids twice a day. ![]() ![]() When first starting solids, breast/human milk or formula should still be baby’s primary source of nutrition. Your baby should not decrease the number of bottles they are taking yet, even with the new addition of a solid food meal. If your baby is taking more or less than this number of bottles and is growing well, peeing and pooping as expected, and overall thriving, then you are likely feeding just the right amount for your baby. Describe the foods you are preparing so baby hears descriptive words about food (hot, cold, sour, sweet, salty).Įxpressed breast milk or formula: 24 to 32 fluid ounces (710 to 946 milliliters) per dayīaby is likely bottle-feeding six to eight times per day, with most still taking one or more bottles during the night. Let baby watch, smell, and hear food preparation in a safe infant seat, carrier, or on the kitchen floor. Encourage reaching and grasping activities by hanging toys above baby's head this lets them practice using their arms and hands in preparation for grabbing food. Allow baby the opportunity to play on their back, side, and tummy. ![]() Avoid chunks of food or food bites that need chewing-at these young ages, opt for small tastes that are easily swallowed with saliva.įloor play: It’s important at this age to give baby lots of floor time to strengthen their core in preparation for sitting. If your baby’s doctor has given you the green light, you might consider sharing small tastes of fresh foods for baby to lick. Baby may show some interest in tasting what you’re eating. Let them smell the food and drinks, watch you bring food to your mouth, and talk about the meal. Bring baby near the table while you eat, and if you like, sit baby on your lap during the meal.
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