Welcome to a guide that will help you navigate the exciting yet sometimes daunting task of introducing your little one to solid foods. One of the most common questions that new parents ask is “What age do babies start eating baby food?” The answer might surprise you – it’s typically around 6 months old! But before you start thinking about purees and spoon-feeding, it’s important to understand the right techniques and methods for introducing solid foods to your baby. In this guide, we’ll explore the best practices for introducing baby food, including when to start, what foods to offer, and how to make the transition from breastmilk or formula smooth and enjoyable for both you and your baby. So let’s get started!
What is Baby Food?
Definition and Purpose
Baby food refers to the solid foods that are specifically designed for infants, typically between the ages of 4-6 months, when they are ready to transition from breastmilk or formula to solid foods. The purpose of baby food is to provide essential nutrients, such as iron, zinc, and vitamins, that are necessary for the growth and development of the baby’s brain and body.
It is important to note that baby food should not be confused with adult food, as it is designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of infants. Baby food can come in various forms, including pureed fruits and vegetables, cereals, and proteins, and can be made at home or purchased in stores.
It is recommended that parents consult with their pediatrician before introducing any new foods to their baby, as they can provide guidance on the appropriate age and method of introduction, as well as any potential allergies or sensitivities to be aware of.
Types of Baby Food
When it comes to introducing baby food, it’s important to understand the different types of food that are available. Here are some of the most common types of baby food:
- Pureed or mashed fruits and vegetables: These are some of the first foods that babies are introduced to, as they are soft and easy to digest. Common fruits and vegetables include apples, bananas, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
- Cereals: Cereals are another common type of baby food, and they can be mixed with breast milk or formula to create a smooth puree. Oatmeal, rice, and barley are some examples of cereals that can be used in baby food.
- Meats and poultry: As babies get older, they can be introduced to meats and poultry. These foods are usually pureed or mashed to make them easier to swallow. Examples include chicken, beef, and lamb.
- Dairy products: Dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk can be introduced to babies as they get older. These foods are a good source of calcium and protein.
- Eggs: Eggs are a nutritious food that can be introduced to babies once they have developed a tolerance to protein. They can be cooked and mashed or used in purees.
- Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds such as avocado, peas, and lentils can be introduced to babies once they have developed a tolerance to textures. They can be pureed or mashed to make them easier to swallow.
It’s important to note that these are just some examples of the types of baby food that are available. It’s important to consult with a pediatrician or nutritionist to determine the best types of food to introduce to your baby based on their age, dietary needs, and any allergies or intolerances they may have.
When to Start Introducing Baby Food?
Recommended Age
Introducing solid foods to babies is an exciting milestone for both parents and children. However, determining the right age to start this process can be confusing. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting at around 6 months of age, but it’s essential to understand the reasons behind this recommendation.
- Developmental Readiness
At around 6 months, babies are developmentally ready to start eating solid foods. They have developed the necessary muscles for chewing and swallowing, and their digestive system is mature enough to handle solid foods. Additionally, babies at this age are more interested in exploring their environment and are better able to understand and communicate their needs. - Nutritional Needs
Babies require specific nutrients to support their growth and development, and these nutrients are best provided through a combination of breast milk or formula and solid foods. At 6 months, babies need more iron, zinc, and vitamins B and C, which can be found in a variety of solid foods. - Prevention of Allergies
Introducing solid foods at around 6 months can also help prevent food allergies. Studies have shown that delaying the introduction of certain foods, such as peanuts and eggs, beyond 6 months may increase the risk of developing allergies.
While the AAP recommends starting at 6 months, it’s essential to consult with your pediatrician to determine the best approach for your individual baby. Some babies may be ready earlier or later than the recommended age, and your pediatrician can help guide you in making the right decision for your child.
Signs Your Baby is Ready
Introduction
When it comes to introducing baby food, it is important to know the right age to start and the proper techniques to use. In this section, we will focus on the signs that indicate your baby is ready to start eating solid foods.
Factors to Consider
Before discussing the signs, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Age: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting at around 6 months old.
- Development: Your baby should be able to sit up unassisted, show interest in food, and have developed the ability to chew and swallow.
- Readiness: Your baby should show signs of being ready for the next stage of development.
Signs Your Baby is Ready
Here are some signs that indicate your baby is ready to start eating solid foods:
- Sitting up unassisted: Your baby should be able to sit up unassisted and maintain a steady head position.
- Showing interest in food: Your baby should show interest in food by looking at it, reaching for it, and opening their mouth when they see food.
- Developed the ability to chew and swallow: Your baby should have developed the ability to chew and swallow food.
- Curious about what others are eating: Your baby may start to show curiosity about what others are eating and want to participate in family meals.
- Weight gain: Your baby should be gaining weight at a healthy rate.
Conclusion
These are some of the signs that indicate your baby is ready to start eating solid foods. If you notice these signs, it is time to start introducing baby food and continue to monitor your baby’s development.
Preparing Baby Food
Nutritious Ingredients
When preparing baby food, it is essential to use nutritious ingredients that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Some of the most nutritious ingredients for baby food include:
- Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for baby food. Some of the best options include pureed sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, peas, and avocados.
- Protein sources: Protein is an essential nutrient for growth and development, and it can be found in a variety of sources, including lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and legumes.
- Whole grains: Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats, are rich in fiber and can help support healthy digestion.
- Dairy products: Dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, are excellent sources of calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.
- Healthy fats: Healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil, can help support brain development and provide energy.
When introducing these ingredients into your baby’s diet, it is important to do so gradually and in small amounts to ensure that they are tolerated well. Additionally, it is essential to avoid any foods that may be choking hazards, such as whole nuts, seeds, and chunks of meat or vegetables. It is also important to note that some foods may need to be cooked or processed differently to make them safe for consumption by infants. For example, eggs should be cooked until the yolks and whites are firm, and raw meat and poultry should be cooked until they are no longer pink.
Simple Recipes to Try
Introducing solid foods to your baby can be an exciting milestone for both you and your little one. However, preparing baby food can seem daunting, especially if you’re not sure where to start. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple recipes that are easy to prepare and can provide the necessary nutrients for your baby’s growth and development.
Here are some simple recipes to try:
- Mashed Fruits and Vegetables
One of the easiest ways to introduce your baby to solid foods is by mashing fruits and vegetables. These can be mixed together or fed separately, depending on your preference. Good options include sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, and avocados. You can also add breastmilk or formula to thin out the consistency. - Oatmeal Cereal
Oatmeal cereal is another easy option for introducing your baby to solid foods. You can prepare it by cooking the oatmeal with water or breastmilk until it reaches a thick consistency. Let it cool before feeding it to your baby. - Ground Meat
Once your baby has developed some teeth, you can introduce ground meat. Be sure to cook the meat thoroughly and let it cool before feeding it to your baby. Good options include chicken, beef, and lamb. - Mashed Nuts
Mashed nuts such as peanuts or almonds can be a good source of protein for your baby. Be sure to cook the nuts first and let them cool before mashing them up. - Yogurt
Yogurt is a great source of calcium and can be introduced to your baby once they have developed some teeth. Look for plain yogurt without added sugar and make sure it doesn’t contain any nuts or seeds.
Remember, when preparing baby food, it’s important to use safe preparation techniques and store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer. Always check with your pediatrician before introducing any new foods to your baby.
Storage and Safety Tips
Proper storage and safety measures are crucial when preparing baby food. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your baby’s food stays fresh and safe to eat.
- Cleanliness is key: Always wash your hands thoroughly before preparing baby food, and clean any surfaces or utensils that may come into contact with the food.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh produce, such as carrots and potatoes, should be washed thoroughly before peeling and cutting them. Avoid using any waxed or treated produce, as these may contain harmful chemicals.
- Cook to the right temperature: Cook all fruits and vegetables until they are soft and fully cooked to prevent the risk of food poisoning. Use a food thermometer to ensure that the food has reached the recommended internal temperature.
- Cool quickly: After cooking, allow the food to cool quickly to prevent the growth of bacteria. Place the food in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible.
- Label and date: Label and date all baby food containers, and store them in a cool, dry place with good ventilation.
- Check for spoilage: Check the expiration date on any purchased baby food, and discard any food that has expired or shows signs of spoilage.
- Thaw safely: If you need to thaw frozen baby food, do so in the refrigerator or microwave, not at room temperature.
By following these storage and safety tips, you can ensure that your baby’s food is safe and nutritious.
How to Introduce Baby Food?
Starting with Pureed Foods
When it comes to introducing baby food, starting with pureed foods is a great way to begin. Pureed foods are made by blending fruits, vegetables, and other foods until they are smooth and easily digestible. Here are some tips for starting with pureed foods:
Tips for Starting with Pureed Foods
- Start with a single-ingredient puree: When introducing your baby to pureed foods, it’s best to start with a single-ingredient puree, such as pureed peas or pureed sweet potato. This allows you to gauge your baby’s reaction to the new food and ensure that they don’t have any adverse reactions.
- Start with mild flavors: It’s best to start with mild flavors when introducing your baby to pureed foods. You can gradually introduce more bold flavors as your baby becomes accustomed to eating solid foods.
- Use a blender or food processor: To make pureed foods, you’ll need a blender or food processor. Blenders are great for pureeing fruits and vegetables, while food processors are better for pureeing meats and other proteins.
- Puree in small batches: When pureeing foods, it’s best to do it in small batches. This allows you to monitor the consistency of the puree and ensure that it’s the right texture for your baby.
- Serve at the right temperature: Pureed foods should be served at room temperature or slightly warmed. Do not serve them hot, as this can be too difficult for your baby to swallow.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re starting your baby off on the right foot when it comes to introducing pureed foods.
Introducing Textures
Introducing different textures is an important part of the process of introducing solid foods to babies. As a parent, it is important to understand the appropriate ages for introducing different textures and the best techniques for doing so.
- Age-appropriate textures
- 6 months: Soft, mashed, or pureed fruits and vegetables
- 8-9 months: Soft, mashed, or pureed proteins such as beans, tofu, and yogurt
- 10-12 months: Soft, mashed, or pureed proteins, as well as some soft, cooked grains
- Techniques for introducing textures
- Mashing: Use a fork or your fingers to mash soft fruits and vegetables until they are smooth.
- Pureeing: Use a blender or food processor to puree soft fruits and vegetables until they are smooth.
- Grating: Use a cheese grater or food processor to grate soft fruits and vegetables into small pieces.
- Soft-cooking: Cook soft grains until they are tender.
- Mixing: Combine different textures to create a variety of flavors and textures.
It is important to remember that the goal is to introduce new textures gradually and slowly over time, so that the baby can get used to the different sensations and flavors. Also, make sure to watch the baby’s cues, such as their facial expressions and reactions, to know if they are ready for a new texture.
Gradual Introduction of Solid Foods
When it comes to introducing solid foods to your baby, it’s important to take a gradual approach. This means starting with small amounts of food and gradually increasing the amount and variety over time. Here are some specific tips for gradual introduction of solid foods:
Start with a single-ingredient puree
When you’re ready to start introducing solid foods, begin with a single-ingredient puree made from a fruit or vegetable that is easy to digest, such as pureed peas or squash. This will allow your baby to get used to the taste and texture of solid food without being overwhelmed.
Gradually increase the amount of food
As your baby becomes more accustomed to solid foods, gradually increase the amount of food you are giving them. Start by giving them a small amount of food on a spoon, and then gradually increase the amount until they are able to eat a few bites at a time.
Introduce new foods one at a time
When you’re introducing new foods to your baby, it’s important to introduce them one at a time. This will allow you to monitor your baby’s reaction to each food and ensure that they are not allergic or sensitive to any particular food.
Mix new foods with familiar foods
When you’re introducing new foods to your baby, it can be helpful to mix them with familiar foods. This will help your baby to recognize the new food and feel more comfortable eating it. For example, you could mix a new vegetable puree with a familiar fruit puree.
Wait at least 3-4 days between new foods
It’s important to wait at least 3-4 days between introducing new foods to your baby. This will allow you to monitor their reaction to each food and ensure that they are not allergic or sensitive to any particular food.
By following these tips for gradual introduction of solid foods, you can help your baby to develop healthy eating habits and enjoy a variety of foods throughout their life.
Feeding Your Baby
Creating a Healthy Meal Schedule
Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone, but it’s important to ensure that you’re providing a balanced and nutritious diet. Creating a healthy meal schedule for your baby involves considering their age, developmental stage, and individual needs. Here are some guidelines to help you create a healthy meal schedule for your baby:
- Start with simple, pureed foods: When introducing solid foods, start with simple, pureed foods that are easy for your baby to swallow. These can include pureed fruits and vegetables, as well as soft, cooked meats.
- Gradually introduce new textures: As your baby grows and develops, gradually introduce new textures, such as mashed potatoes, soft breads, and pasta. This will help your baby learn to chew and develop their oral motor skills.
- Include a variety of foods: To ensure that your baby is getting a balanced diet, include a variety of foods in their meal schedule. This can include fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy products.
- Offer small portions: Offer small portions of food at a time, as babies can become full quickly. You can offer additional portions if your baby is still hungry.
- Consider your baby’s allergies and preferences: If your baby has any food allergies or sensitivities, be sure to avoid those foods in their meal schedule. Additionally, consider your baby’s preferences and try to incorporate foods that they enjoy into their meal schedule.
- Pay attention to portion sizes: As babies grow, their portion sizes will need to increase. Pay attention to your baby’s hunger and fullness cues to determine when they’re ready for a larger portion size.
By following these guidelines, you can create a healthy meal schedule for your baby that will provide them with the nutrients they need for optimal growth and development.
How Much and How Often to Feed
Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone, but it’s essential to ensure that you’re feeding them the right amount and frequency. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Amount of Food
The amount of food that your baby needs will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. Generally, a good starting point is to offer about 1-2 teaspoons of food at a time, three to four times a day. This may seem like a small amount, but it’s important to remember that babies have small stomachs and can’t eat large quantities at once.
Frequency of Feeding
Newborns need to be fed every 2-3 hours, but as they get older, their stomachs will start to stretch, and they’ll be able to go longer periods between feedings. By around 6 months of age, most babies are able to go 4-5 hours between feedings during the day, and at night, they may sleep for 6-8 hours without a feeding.
It’s important to note that every baby is different, and their hunger and fullness cues may vary. Some babies may seem hungry all the time, while others may eat only when they’re offered food. It’s essential to pay attention to your baby’s cues and adjust the amount and frequency of feedings accordingly.
Signs of Satiety
As your baby gets older, they’ll start to develop signs of satiety, which means they’ll be able to tell when they’re full. Some signs of satiety include:
- Turning away from the breast or bottle
- Closing their mouth
- Playing with the spoon or food
- Drinking less or stopping altogether
If your baby is showing these signs, it’s a good indication that they’ve had enough to eat. However, it’s essential to continue offering them food at regular intervals to ensure they’re getting enough nutrients.
Understanding Your Baby’s Growth
It’s important to keep an eye on your baby’s growth and development, as this can impact how much and how often they need to eat. Your pediatrician will monitor your baby’s growth during well-baby visits and make recommendations based on their individual needs.
Remember, introducing solid foods to your baby is a gradual process, and it’s essential to follow their cues and adjust your feeding schedule accordingly. By paying attention to their needs and offering them nutritious foods, you’ll help them develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
Introducing Water and Other Fluids
Water is one of the first fluids that babies are introduced to in addition to breastmilk or formula. Introducing water early on can help your baby get used to the taste and texture of fluids, making it easier for them to transition to other liquids and solid foods later on. Here are some tips for introducing water and other fluids to your baby:
- Start with small amounts: Begin by offering only a few teaspoons of water at a time, gradually increasing the amount as your baby becomes more accustomed to the taste and texture.
- Use a clean, empty bottle: Clean the bottle thoroughly before using it to give your baby water. It’s also a good idea to boil the bottle to kill any bacteria that may be present.
- Offer water during and after meals: Offer water to your baby during and after meals to help them hydrate and prevent constipation.
- Be consistent: Try to offer water at the same time every day to help your baby get into a routine.
- Encourage sipping: Encourage your baby to sip the water rather than gulp it down quickly. This will help them develop good drinking habits and prevent choking.
In addition to water, you can also introduce other fluids such as fruit juices, smoothies, and milk. However, it’s important to note that fruit juices should be limited due to their high sugar content, and milk should be avoided until your baby is at least one year old. It’s best to consult with your pediatrician before introducing any new fluids to your baby’s diet.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Picky Eaters
One of the most common challenges that parents face when introducing baby food is dealing with picky eaters. It is not uncommon for babies to be selective about the foods they eat, especially as they get older and become more aware of their preferences. However, there are several strategies that parents can use to encourage their baby to try new foods and eat a variety of nutritious options.
Encouraging Trying New Foods
One effective strategy for encouraging picky eaters to try new foods is to involve them in the meal preparation process. By allowing the baby to help with simple tasks such as mixing or stirring, they may feel more invested in the meal and be more willing to try it. Additionally, offering a variety of foods at each meal can help to ensure that the baby is exposed to a range of flavors and textures, which may encourage them to be more open to trying new foods.
Gradual Introduction of New Foods
Another strategy for dealing with picky eaters is to gradually introduce new foods into their diet. This can be done by starting with small amounts of a new food and gradually increasing the amount over time. This can help the baby to become accustomed to the taste and texture of the new food, which may make them more willing to try it. It is also important to remember that it may take several attempts before a baby is willing to try a new food, so it is important to be patient and persistent in encouraging them to try new things.
Positive Reinforcement
Finally, positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool for encouraging picky eaters to try new foods. By praising the baby when they do try a new food, even if they do not like it, parents can encourage them to be more open to trying new things in the future. Additionally, offering small rewards or incentives for trying new foods can also be effective in encouraging picky eaters to be more adventurous with their food choices.
Transitioning to Table Foods
Transitioning your baby from pureed baby food to table foods can be a challenging task for many parents. Here are some tips to help make the transition smoother:
Introduce Table Foods at the Right Time
It’s important to introduce table foods at the right time to ensure that your baby is developmentally ready. Typically, babies are ready to start eating table foods around 6-8 months old, when they have developed the necessary motor skills to chew and swallow solid foods.
Start with Soft, Mashed Foods
When introducing table foods, it’s best to start with soft, mashed foods that are easy for your baby to chew and swallow. Examples include mashed bananas, soft cooked carrots, and soft cooked peas.
Gradually Introduce More Textures
As your baby becomes more comfortable with eating table foods, gradually introduce more textures and chewy foods, such as meat, chicken, fish, and vegetables. It’s important to monitor your baby’s chewing and swallowing abilities to ensure that they are able to handle more challenging textures.
Be Prepared for Messes
It’s important to be prepared for messes when introducing table foods to your baby. Make sure to have a clean, well-lit area for feeding, and dress your baby in messy clothes or a high chair cover. Also, keep in mind that it’s normal for babies to make a lot of messes when they first start eating table foods, so don’t worry too much about the mess.
Offer a Variety of Foods
Finally, it’s important to offer a variety of foods to your baby when introducing table foods. This will help ensure that your baby gets a balanced diet and will also help prevent picky eating habits later on. Try to offer a variety of foods from different food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.
Tips for Successful Transition to Solid Foods
Introducing solid foods to a baby can be an exciting yet challenging experience for parents. To ensure a smooth transition, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Start with a single-ingredient puree: When introducing your baby to solid foods, it’s best to start with a single-ingredient puree, such as pureed carrots or peas. This will allow you to easily identify any potential allergies or sensitivities that your baby may have.
- Introduce new foods gradually: Introduce new foods gradually, one at a time, every 3-5 days. This will help you to monitor your baby’s reaction to each new food and prevent any potential allergies or sensitivities.
- Pay attention to portion size: It’s important to monitor portion size when introducing solid foods to your baby. Start with a small amount, about 1-2 teaspoons, and gradually increase the amount as your baby becomes more accustomed to eating solids.
- Encourage self-feeding: Encourage your baby to self-feed by letting them hold the spoon and feed themselves. This will help them develop important fine motor skills and feel a sense of independence.
- Be patient: Introducing solid foods to a baby is a process that takes time. Be patient and don’t rush the process. If your baby isn’t ready for solids, it’s okay to wait. They will eventually be ready when they are developmentally ready.
By following these tips, you can ensure a successful transition to solid foods for your baby. Remember, it’s important to listen to your baby’s cues and take things at their pace. Introducing solids is a big milestone for your baby, and it’s important to make it a positive experience for both you and your baby.
Future Developments in Baby Food Research
The field of baby food research is constantly evolving, with new studies emerging on a regular basis. Here are some of the key areas of research that are currently being explored:
- Nutritional Content: Researchers are investigating the nutritional content of baby foods to determine which ingredients are most beneficial for promoting healthy growth and development. This includes studying the levels of vitamins, minerals, and other key nutrients in different types of baby foods.
- Allergenic Ingredients: There is a growing body of research focused on identifying potential allergenic ingredients in baby foods and developing strategies to reduce the risk of allergies in infants. This includes studies on the use of hydrolyzed proteins and other allergen-reducing techniques in baby food formulation.
- Safety and Hygiene: Researchers are also exploring ways to improve the safety and hygiene of baby foods, with a focus on reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring that foods are prepared in a safe and sanitary manner. This includes studies on the use of new preservation techniques and packaging materials.
- Cultural Differences: Another area of research is examining the impact of cultural differences on baby food preferences and choices. This includes studies on the types of foods that are commonly used in different cultures and how these foods may influence the development of taste preferences and dietary habits in infants.
- Food Texture and Purity: Researchers are also exploring the role of food texture and purity in the development of feeding skills and oral motor skills in infants. This includes studies on the effects of different textures and pureed consistencies on the development of these skills.
Overall, these areas of research are helping to shape the future of baby food development and provide valuable insights into the best practices for feeding infants. As research continues to advance, it is likely that we will see even more innovative and effective baby food products and feeding strategies emerge.
FAQs
1. When is the right age to start introducing baby food?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting solid foods at around 6 months of age, once your baby is showing signs of readiness. These signs may include reaching for food, opening their mouth when they see food, or being able to sit up unassisted. It’s important to remember that every baby is different, so if your baby is not quite ready at 6 months, it’s okay to wait a bit longer.
2. How much baby food should I give my baby at a time?
At first, it’s best to start with a small amount of baby food, about 1-2 teaspoons, and gradually increase the amount as your baby gets used to the new food. By 8-9 months, your baby should be eating about 3-4 tablespoons of food at a time, and by 12 months, they should be eating about 4-6 tablespoons of food at a time. It’s important to watch your baby’s cues to know when they’ve had enough.
3. What types of baby food should I introduce first?
It’s best to start with single-ingredient baby foods, like pureed fruits and vegetables, before introducing more complex mixtures. This allows your baby to get used to the taste and texture of each individual food before trying it in combination with others. You can also introduce soft, cooked meats like chicken or beef, as well as soft, cooked eggs. It’s important to avoid honey, cow’s milk, and other potential allergens until your baby is at least 1 year old.
4. How should I prepare baby food?
You can prepare baby food at home by steaming or boiling fruits and vegetables until they are soft, then pureeing them in a blender or food processor. It’s important to be sure that the food is completely smooth, with no chunks or pieces that could be a choking hazard. You can also purchase baby food from the store, but be sure to read the labels carefully to avoid potential allergens and added sugars.
5. When should I introduce allergens like eggs and nuts?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing potentially allergenic foods like eggs and nuts around 6 months of age, along with other solid foods. However, it’s important to watch your baby closely for any signs of an allergic reaction, like hives, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. If you have a family history of allergies, it’s a good idea to talk to your pediatrician before introducing these foods.
6. How often should I feed my baby solids?
It’s best to start with 1-2 feedings of baby food per day, and gradually increase the frequency as your baby gets used to the new food. By 8-9 months, your baby should be eating 3-4 times per day, and by 12 months, they should be eating 3-4 times per day, plus occasional snacks. Be sure to watch your baby’s cues to know when they’ve had enough.
