Meal Plan for 6 Month Old Baby and Above
What should you know about feeding your 6 month-old and above?
- Learn about how to introduce solid foods to your baby
- Know that what foods you introduce now help influence baby’s preferences in the future
- Explore menus that help you understand the transition from purees and breast milk to soft solids Starting solid foods is an exciting time for you and your baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend introducing solid foods around 6 months of age.
While starting solids, you will continue to provide most of the essential nutrition and hydration your baby needs from breast milk or formula, while also exposing your baby to a new world of diverse flavors and nutrients.
In fact, this is one of the most influential periods in your baby’s taste development. Your baby will most readily try and accept all kinds of foods at this age so it’s important to offer a variety of different flavors from meal to meal.
Pro tips for 6 month-old baby and above meal plans
Eating solids at this age is mostly about letting your baby explore new flavors and textures. Breast milk or formula will remain your baby’s primary nutrition source during their first year, so continue to give breast milk and/or formula just as you were before starting solids. Your little one will begin to reduce how much formula or breastmilk they take as they get closer to 1 year.
For breastfed babies, introduction of solids at 6 months helps your little one get enough of certain nutrients. For example, at 6 months stored iron begins to diminish. Since breast milk is not a good source of iron, including some iron-rich foods, such as fortified cereals and pureed meats, will help your little one get enough.
For more information on the nutrient needs of your older baby, check out our Ebook for your 6 month old baby and above.
How much should I feed my baby?
At around 6 months old, you can start by offering 1 to 2 tablespoons of food once or twice per day. Once your little one gets the hang of eating and shows more interest, slowly begin offering foods 2 to 3 times per day and ¼ to ½ cup at a time.
Remember to listen to your baby’s hunger and fullness cues throughout their feeding journey, rather than go by specific portions. Your little may take more or less each day; by responding to their feeding cues, you’ll be providing them with just what they need.
It’s important to advance texture once your baby is comfortable. Start with thin, pureed foods, thickening them a bit as baby gets used to eating. Next, move to lumpy, mashed foods, followed by finely chopped, soft foods.
Baby doesn’t like a food? Try, try again!
Your baby may grimace, wrinkle their nose, or make other faces when they try new foods and textures. Know that this is completely normal and doesn’t mean your little one dislikes the food or is being picky.
Babies may need to taste a food up to 10 or more times before they start to accept it, so just keep offering (though not forcing) that food.
Remember, starting solids is mostly about introducing a variety of flavors and textures – and keeping it fun and stress-free!
What parents are saying after trying our meal plan for their 6 months old and above
Edo State
Before I found this meal plan, my baby was not eating well and wasn’t gaining weight. She was always refusing food, and I didn’t know what to do. But since I started using the ebook, things have changed. The meals are full of good nutrients, and now she eats better. I noticed she has more energy, and she’s starting to gain weight. The meals are also easy to prepare, and feeding time is no longer stressful. I’m very grateful for this meal plan—it helped my baby become stronger and healthier.
Mrs Odosa
Imo State
I’m very careful about what my baby eats, so I wanted a meal plan with healthy, nutritious foods. This ebook gave me exactly what I was looking for. I love that it uses fresh ingredients and foods rich in iron. My baby enjoys the meals, and I’m sure he’s getting all he needs to grow strong and healthy!
Mr Ekene
Lagos State
Feeding my twins was a challenge before I found this meal plan! It’s been amazing to have a clear, organized guide for both babies. The meal suggestions are easy to prepare, and I love how I can adapt them based on their different tastes. The ebook gave me the confidence I needed to make healthy meals for both of them!
Mrs Funke
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