Seeing your baby’s reactions to new tastes, textures and sensations is one of the best parts of weaning. What will become their favourite fruit? Which vegetable will they want to totally avoid? Introducing foods can be fun and fascinating – but how much do you give them? Can my baby eat a strawberry whole, or an entire plate of spaghetti?
Different stages of weaning
The amount of food your baby needs will vary depending on their age and weaning stage. By the time they reach six months of age, they will begin to consume solid foods in addition to breastmilk or formula. The amount of solid food a baby needs at this stage will vary, but typically ranges from 1-2 tablespoons per meal.
By around seven to nine months of age, most babies will consume three meals per day. At this stage, babies will consume around 3-4 tablespoons of solid food per meal. Once they reach their first birthday, this will probably have increased to around 5-6 tablespoons.
When it comes to serving sizes for babies, it’s important to remember that every baby is different. Some babies may eat more or less than others, so pay attention to your baby’s hunger and fullness cues. A good rule of thumb for serving sizes for babies is to start small and offer more if they are still hungry.
Feeding tips
In addition to paying attention to serving sizes, there are some other tips for feeding babies that can be helpful:
- Follow your baby’s lead: Pay attention to their actions and expressions during mealtimes, and don’t force them to eat more than they want.
- Offer a variety of foods: Introduce a number of different foods early on to help the baby develop a taste for different flavours and textures.
- Be patient: Babies may take longer to eat than adults, and may need breaks during a meal. Take your time and be patient with the process.
- Avoid choking hazards: Make sure to cut food into small pieces or mash it up for babies who are just starting to eat solid food. Avoid giving them foods that could be choking hazards, such as popcorn, nuts, and hard sweets.
Serving guides
The rules for portions and serving sizes can vary depending on the food. We’ve put together a series of guides on how to safely serve a number of popular foods for varying ages:
For recipes and ideas for your young child, subscribe to the eco rascals YouTube channel and browse our weaning recipes on the eco rascals website.
