As a parent, feeding a 7-month-old can be challenging because it’s crucial to get the right balance of nutrients not to interfere with their growth and development. A lot of parents also struggle with understanding the right proportion of food to give their child, which is why we’ve decided to answer the question: “How Much Food Should a 7-Month-Old Eat? Feeding Tips & Tricks.”
What’s the Ideal Meal Plan for a 7-Month-Old Baby?
The best way to start is by knowing your baby’s feeding patterns as they change rapidly. It is recommended that you plan their meals in advance and choose four to three main meals instead of three larger ones to meet their nutritional requirements.
Where to Start
When you start feeding your baby solid food, it is recommended that you start with only one tablespoon of pureed food each day, and gradually increase to two to three tablespoons over several weeks. This will enable them to get used to eating solid food before moving to three meals a day.
Meals for a 7-month-old Baby
In addition to breast milk or formula, a 7-month-old baby needs to eat a balanced diet of different types of food, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Here are some examples of what a meal plan for a 7-month-old may look like:
| Meal | Portion |
|---|---|
| Breakfast (Fruit, Cereal and Milk) | 1-2 tablespoons of infant cereal mixed with breast milk or formula |
| Lunch (Vegetables, Tofu and Bread) | 1-2 tablespoons of pureed vegetables, tofu or cottage cheese |
| Dinner (Protein, Vegetables and Rice) | 1-2 tablespoons of pureed meat or beans mixed with pureed vegetables and grains |
| Snack (Fruit) | A few pieces of diced soft fruit, such as ripened pear, peach or banana. |
How to Introduce Solid Foods to a 7-Month-Old?
Starting Solid Food
It is recommended that you wait until your baby is six months old to introduce solid foods. At this stage, their digestive system is better developed, making it easier for them to digest different types of food. When introducing new foods, follow the three-day rule to check for allergies or intolerance before giving your baby a new meal.
What to Feed Your Baby
When starting solid foods, focus on a single-ingredient meal, such as iron-fortified infant cereals or pureed fruits and vegetables. You can then progress to multi-ingredient meals that are finely chopped or mashed to avoid choking hazards. Other healthy options for your baby include mashed bananas, cooked sweet potatoes, and spinach.
Feeding Tips
- Always sit your baby in an upright position when feeding them solid foods.
- Ensure that the food is not too hot, and test it on the inside of your wrist before feeding it to your baby.
- Always supervise the baby during feeding to prevent choking hazards.
- Introduce new foods one at a time and avoid giving your child sugar or salt.
How Much Breastmilk or Formula Should a 7-Month-Old Baby Drink?
The amount of breast milk or formula a 7-month-old baby needs will vary depending on the child’s appetite and size. It is recommended that they consume approximately six to eight ounces of breast milk or formula six to eight times a day to meet their nutritional requirements. However, some babies may require more or less depending on their weight and size.
How to Know if Your Baby is Hungry or Full
Babies will typically let you know when they are hungry or full, but it’s essential to pay attention for some feeding cues. When your baby is hungry, they may:
- Cry or fuss
- Root around for food with their mouth
- Suck on their fists or objects around them
When they are full, they may:
- Slow down or stop eating
- Turn their head away from food
- Push food away or spit it out
What to Avoid When Feeding a 7-Month-Old Baby?
Avoid Foods That Are Choking Hazards
When it comes to feeding your baby solid food, it is essential to avoid foods that could choke them. Foods such as nuts, other crunchy foods, and popcorn should be avoided. It’s also important to avoid giving them small pieces of food, such as hard candy or chewing gum.
Avoid Certain Foods
Some foods that may be harmful to your baby or cause allergic reactions include honey, salt, sugar, cow’s milk, and nuts or nut butter. It is important to avoid adding sugar and salt to their meals as their kidneys are not yet developed to process such minerals.
Caffeine and Alcohol
It is also essential to avoid giving your baby caffeine and alcohol, which can cause harm to their developing body.
Conclusion
Proper nutrition is crucial to ensure that your baby is growing and developing healthily. Ensure that their meals contain a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Always introduce new foods gradually, focusing on single-ingredient meals such as infant cereals or pureed fruits and vegetables. Sit them upright and always supervise them during feeding to reduce choking hazards.
FAQs
- Q: How much food should a 7-month-old eat at each meal?
- A: A 7-month-old baby needs about two to three tablespoons of food per meal, about three times a day.
- Q: Can I give my 7-month-old baby water?
- A: It’s not necessary to give your baby water if they are consuming breast milk or formula regularly. However, if you feel that they need water, speak to your pediatrician.
- Q: Can I give my 7-month-old baby fruit juice?
- A: You should avoid giving your baby fruit juice until they are at least one year old. It is also important to limit their consumption of fruit juice to reduce the risk of developing tooth decay, among other health issues.
References
- BabyCenter. (2019). Feeding and Nutrition Tips: Your 7-Month-Old. Retrieved from https://www.babycenter.com/0_feeding-and-nutrition-tips-your-7-month-old_3657155.bc
- Jones, L. and Bade, E. (2019) Bright Futures Nutrition, Pocket Guide, 4th ed.
- Kid’s Health. (2021). Feeding Your 8- to 12-Month-Old. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/feed812m.html