How Much Should You Feed Your Baby?

Finding the Right Amount of Baby Food

by Theresa Kiene

At least once a day, a mom in our baby food tasting room will ask me: how much should I feed my baby each day? I still remember my own concerns with my first child - too little food and I'm depriving her physical and mental development; too much and she's on the road to childhood obesity. Generally, Mother Nature figures it out for us. Our babies will naturally tell us with their body language - every parent recognizes it: if she loses interest or turns her head away, it probably means her little tummy's full. If she opens her mouth and practically bites the spoon off at the handle, she's still hungry.

During the first year of life, breast milk and or fortified infant formulas are the primary sources of nutrients for your baby. After that, a typical serving size for a baby is one tablespoon per year of life. So, for example, a 9 month old baby might have just less than a tablespoon each of pureed peas, prepared infant cereal and pureed pears within one eating occasion.

Around 18-24 months, babies start adhering to a more traditional schedule of 3 meals and 2-3 snacks a day. Of course, all babies grow at different rates. Check with your Pediatrician for weight and height development to help determine how your feeding schedule is going.

Recent theories on adult health suggest that life-long eating behaviors and attitudes begin with infant feeding experiences. When you focus on the joy of eating, you and your baby are creating a positive bond that you'll enjoy together throughout your lifetime as a family.