How Much Should My Baby Eat?

Starting solids is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming experience. Many parents wonder how much their baby should be eating and if they are getting enough nutrition. The truth is, every baby is different, and their appetite can vary daily depending on how they are feeling. Instead of focusing on portion sizes, it's best to follow your baby's hunger and fullness cues while providing a variety of nourishing foods.

How Much Food Does My Baby Need?

There’s no fixed amount of food your baby should eat. Babies have a great ability to regulate their own appetite. Some days they will eat more, some days less—just like adults.

At different stages of weaning, here’s a rough guide to what to expect:

Starting Solids (Around 6 Months)

Start with a few spoonfuls of puree or soft finger foods once a day.
Your baby’s main source of nutrition is still breastmilk or formula.
The focus when starting solids is exposing your baby to new tastes and textures rather than worrying about quantity.

Building a Routine (7-9 Months)

Meals start to become more established, increasing to 2-3 small meals per day.
Portions may be around 1-4 tablespoons per meal, but every baby is different.
Introduce more flavors, textures, mashed foods, and soft finger foods.

Moving Towards Family Meals (10-12 Months)

Baby should be having 3 meals a day plus snacks.
Their portion will still be small—just a couple of tablespoons. Let your baby's appetite dictate the portion size.
Encourage self-feeding and offer a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats at every meal.

How to Tell If Your Baby is Eating Enough

Instead of measuring portions, focus on your baby’s cues:

Signs of Hunger: Reaching for food, crying, opening their mouth, and showing excitement at mealtime.
Signs of Fullness: Pushing food away, turning their head, shaking their head, saying ‘no,’ becoming distracted, or even throwing their bowl on the floor.
Overall Well-being: A happy, growing baby with plenty of wet and regular dirty nappies is likely eating enough.

Tips for a Stress-Free Weaning Journey

Offer a variety of foods and textures, but don’t worry if they don’t eat much at first. Remember, this is a whole new experience for them.
Let your baby take the lead—don’t force them to finish food.
Milk is still important—breastmilk or formula remains a key part of their diet until 12 months. Babies will naturally regulate their intake as they progress in weaning and their appetite for food increases.
Keep mealtimes relaxed and enjoyable as a family occasion, and remember—eating is a learning experience.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to portion sizes. Trust your baby, offer a range of nutritious foods, and focus on their overall development rather than counting spoonfuls. Remember, mealtimes should be a positive experience for both of you.

Want more support with weaning? Join my Starting Solids Workshop in association with Baby on Board Spain for expert guidance on introducing solids with confidence! [Sign Up Here]