How Often Should Baby Eat – A lot Actually!
Did you know? Your baby may need to eat three meals and two mini meals each day.
Your baby at eight to 10 months old needs to eat more frequently than you. In order to get the nutrients she needs for healthy growth and development, offer your baby small, frequent meals during the day—typically three balanced meals and two nutritious mini meals.
Your little one is active and energetic, but still has a small tummy and needs to eat often. She requires about 700 calories each day, with breast milk providing about half of the calories. Make every bite of food count, to make sure she gets the nutrition she needs. There is no space in her tummy for high-calorie, low-nutrient foods.
Every mouthful matters
“Research shows that by 12 months of age, children get as many as 25% of their calories from snacks, and often from inappropriate foods,” says Kathleen Reidy, DrPH, RD, Head, Nutrition Science and Global Project Leader of the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) at Nestlé Infant Nutrition in New Jersey, USA. “This is why it is so important to make sure to offer healthy choices at every opportunity. Avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, like chips, cookies, and sugary drinks. Concentrate on foods that have a high nutritional value, such as fruits and vegetables, and offer water instead of sugary drinks.”
Sources
Deming DM, Reidy KC, Fox MK et al. Cross-sectional analysis of eating patterns and snacking in the US Feeding Infants and Toddler Study 2008. Public Health Nutr 2017; 20(9):1584-92.
Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization. Guiding principles for complementary feeding of the breastfed child. Washington DC, Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization, 2002.
World Health Organization. Complementary feeding. Family foods for breastfed children. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2000.
World Health Organization. Infant and young child feeding: Model chapter for textbooks for medical students and allied health professionals. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2009.
Related articles
Baby Crying And Soothing
Because babies don't come home with instruction manuals, here are some tips to help you through those first few weeks
4 mins to read
Baby immunizations—a parent’s guide
Immunization time—gulp! Your baby’s first injections can be upsetting parents and babies. If you are anxious, your baby may pick up on your feelings so try to stay calm.
3 mins to read
Baby Eating Patterns – How to instil Healthy, Early
Did you know? Your baby’s dietary patterns are set before his second birthday.
2 mins to read
Vision
Curious about your baby’s vision? Your little one sees the world very differently than you do. Here is a guide to the general development of a baby's eyesight.
1 min to read
Baby names help
Need baby names inspiration? Here comes the fun bit! You may already have a favorite, or perhaps you’re waiting until you meet junior face-to-face.
2 mins to read
Activities for your 6-8-month-old
Playing with your baby is not only fun, it also helps him develop skills to build on for an active childhood.
4 mins to read
Congratulations on reaching 1000 days!
Did you know? By completing the First 1000 Days Nutrition Program, you’ve learned how to increase your toddler’s chances for healthy growth and development.
4 mins to read
Easy 3 Step Guide To Introduce Solids
A month or so after introducing purees to your baby's diet, you can start experimenting with soft, lumpy foods.
3 mins to read
Baby food allergies Vs intolerances—things to consider
Baby allergies and intolerances can develop at any time. An allergy is our immune system’s reaction to a substance it thinks is harmful.
3 mins to read
Healthy Baby Snacks – Find Balance in Nutrition
Focus on your baby’s nutrition by offering her smart eating choices in between mealtimes.
3 mins to read
Getting In Shape After Giving Birth
4 mins to read
How to help baby or infant reflux
Baby reflux. It’s one of the most common symptoms in babies in their first year. Here are some baby reflux remedies to help prevent and ease the symptoms.
2 mins to read
Helping your little one love good food—for life!
Perhaps one of your most important jobs as a parent is to be a good role model for your baby, particularly when it comes to healthy eating.
4 mins to read
Travelling With Baby
Going away with your baby gives you the opportunity to spend time with your family and enjoy their company. To make your trip a success, good preparation and organization are essential.
2 mins to read
Understanding why babies cry
Wondering why babies cry? If you’re struggling to understand what your baby is trying to tell you, check this list for possible clues to help.
1 min to read
Playtime ideas for your 6-month-old baby
There are plenty of fun activities you and your baby can do together to ensure that undesirable screen-watching habits never start.
3 mins to read
Foods to offer your baby now to encourage healthy eating later
Variety is key when you start complementary feeding. Help set her up for a future of healthy eating with these need-to-know numbers and food ideas.
1 min to read
Introducing & Starting Solids
Good nutrition will play an important role throughout your child's entire life so it is important to start them on the right track from the beginning and let it happen at a natural pace.
4 mins to read
How to relieve colic pain in infants
Babies cry. Some babies cry more than others. If your otherwise healthy baby is under five months old and has repeated bouts of uncontrollable crying, it could be colic.
2 mins to read
