Feeding schedule for 1 month baby


1-Month-Old Baby: Milestones, Sleep, and Feeding

Having your baby at home with you in the first few weeks might have felt daunting. As the weeks progress and you gradually adjust to this new little person in your life, you'll become more confident and comfortable. Don’t get too comfortable though! Newborns grow and change rapidly, and your baby will be keeping you on your toes in weeks five, six, seven, and eight. To help you feel more prepared, we’ll outline some typical milestones for a 1-month-old baby, cover what you need to know about feeding and sleeping schedules at this stage, and give you a heads-up on potential conditions your baby might develop, like colic and cradle cap.

Baby Development Milestones for a 1-Month-Old

Your baby is unique (you knew that, of course!) and it’s normal for them to grow at their own pace. Don’t be surprised if your baby’s development in one area seems to lag for a few weeks, only for them to catch up soon after. Here are some of the baby milestones to look forward to now that your baby is 1 month old.

Growth and Physical Development: Chubby Cheeks

Does it seem as if your baby’s growing out of their clothes at supersonic speed? On average, babies gain about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length and about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds in weight this month. At the upcoming checkup, your baby’s healthcare provider will look at your 1-month-old baby’s weight, length, and head circumference and plot these key measurements on baby growth charts. What matters is that your baby grows at a steady rate. However, your baby will go through growth spurts from time to time.

You might notice that your baby’s head is disproportionately larger than their body. This is perfectly normal: their head’s growing a little faster and their body will soon catch up. Your baby will also start to lengthen and develop stronger muscles. Luckily, they’ll still have those cute chubby cheeks for some time to come!

Senses: Eyes on That Rattle

In every waking moment, your baby is slowly taking in the sights, sounds, and smells around them. So, what can babies see at 1 month? Your baby’s vision at 1 month old is still developing, but by now they may be able to better focus on faces and track objects moving in front of them. In the next month or so they may also start to reach for objects. For example, if you hold a rattle in front of them, they may start batting at it.

Movement: Working on Those Leg Muscles

This month, most of your 1-month-old baby’s movements will still be reflexive, but some of your baby’s reflexes present in the first four weeks may gradually disappear and be replaced by more controlled movement. For example, your baby may briefly hold their head up when they're on their tummy, and they may start to stretch their arms instead of holding them close to their body.

Your baby may also start to stretch and kick their legs. It might seem like a little thing but they’re working hard to strengthen their leg muscles and improve their motor skills. Be careful: Even very young babies can roll over from time to time, so make sure you keep an eye—and hand—on them when they’re up somewhere high like a changing table.

related baby tool

Keep an eye on your baby’s average growth by tracking height, weight, and head circumference with our simple tool.

Fill out your baby's details*:

What is your child*

Boy Girl

This is a mandatory field.

Age (between 0 and 24 months)

This is a mandatory field.

Weight (lbs.)

This is a mandatory field.

Height (in.)

This is a mandatory field.

Head circumference (in.)

This is a mandatory field.

*Input details of your baby’s last measurements. **Source: World Health Organization


Crying and Communication: Mom, I'm Bored (or Hungry)!

This month your baby can probably start communicating in a clearer way. If they’re bored, they may let you know by crying out until they’re shown something new. If they’re amused, they may respond by smiling. Around this time, you might also start being able to tell the difference between their hungry cries, tired cries, and irritated cries.

If you haven’t experienced it yet, this month you might see your baby’s first true smile, sometime called the social smile. They’ll flash that little grin when they’re awake, in response to something like the sound of your voice—and your heart will melt.

Activities for Supporting Your 1-Month-Old Baby’s Development

Here are some things you could try this month:

  • Cuddle time. Cuddle your baby as much as possible. Experts say the more quickly and consistently you comfort your baby when they’re upset in the first six months, the less demanding they may be when they’re older.

  • Visual stimulation. At this stage, your baby might be drawn to objects with bold patterns, such as stripes or checkerboard designs, in black and white or bright, contrasting colors. A mobile hung safely over the crib is a good choice.

  • Tactile toys. Your baby is getting to know the world through touch, too. Show them toys with different textures, shapes, and sizes.

  • Talking with your baby. Have a conversation with your baby by letting them “talk” using their coos, gurgles, and smiles, and talking back to them using words, sounds, and facial expressions. In time, your baby will learn to imitate you, so these early “conversations” are an important part of their development.

  • Getting physical. Gently stretch your baby’s arms in front of them to form a “clap”; move your baby’s legs as if they were cycling; and continue to practice tummy time. These movements and exercises help develop muscle strength and coordination.

  • Playing peek-a-boo. If you’re wondering how to entertain or play with your 1-month-old baby, a game of peek-a-boo always works! That's because babies love seeing faces, especially those of their parents.

  • Bonding. Establishing security and trust with your baby allows them to reach their full potential. Find out more about bonding with your newborn in those everyday moments.

Keep in mind that there’s only so much stimulation young babies can handle. Watch for signs that your baby has had enough—they might look away or cry—and give them a chance to rest.

Watch the short video below to learn more about bonding with your baby through touch.

Feeding Your 1-Month-Old Baby

You may be wondering how often “should” a 1-month-old baby eat as they grow. It's best to continue to feed your baby whenever they seem hungry. Your 1-month-old baby’s feeding schedule may likely look like this: about eight times in a 24-hour period for babies who are breastfeeding or about every three to four hours for babies on formula. If your baby is mid-growth spurt, they may want to eat a little more often.

If you’re new to nursing, read more about the how-tos of breastfeeding and check out our go-to breastfeeding guide.

Burping Your Baby

Babies can swallow air when they feed—more often when they’re bottle-fed than when nursing. This swallowed air can make them feel uncomfortable and fussy. To help ease their discomfort, burp your baby during bottle feeds, or when you switch them from one breast to the other. Try one of the burping positions and techniques listed below, using a burp cloth or a small blanket to protect your clothes from spit-up:

  • Hold your baby upright with their head resting on your shoulder, patting their back with your other hand.

  • Rest them on your lap with their tummy down and gently rub or pat their back.

  • Sit your baby on your lap supporting their chin and chest with one hand while rubbing or patting their back with the other.

Tracking Wet and Dirty Diapers

At this stage, babies may produce about four to six wet diapers a day. If you’re wondering what “should” a 1-month-old baby’s poop look like, know that there is a wide range of “normal” baby poop. And, when it comes to your 1-month-old baby’s poop frequency, even that can vary from baby to baby.

Most babies will have at least one bowel movement a day, but some babies may go several days or a week without pooping. This is likely OK as long as the consistency of the stool is normal—in other words, soft and a little runny—and your 1-month-old baby is eating well and gaining weight. Consult your baby’s healthcare provider if you think your baby may be producing too few wet or soiled diapers, which may indicate your 1-month-old baby is eating less than usual.

Given all the diaper-changing going on in your life, you deserve a reward! Download the Pampers Club app and start earning cash back for all your diapers and wipes purchases.

How Much Sleep Does a 1-Month-Old Baby Need?

If you’re wondering how much “should” your 1-month-old baby sleep, by around 4 weeks of age many babies sleep about 14 to 17 hours a day—including roughly five daytime naps. However, every baby is different. With some luck, your baby might start sleeping for longer stretches overnight from about 6 weeks of age, though your 1-month-old baby sleeping through the night is still a ways off.

If you're feeling super tired, take heart: Over time, your baby’s natural biological sleep cycle will emerge, but for now it’s important to allow your baby to sleep whenever they’re drowsy. A key point to remember: Always put your baby to sleep on their back,which can help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The Fundamentals of Baby Sleep

For more insights and advice on your 1-month-old’s sleep schedule, check out the Newborn Sleep Fundamentals in the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers app. This easy-to-use app was codeveloped with pediatricians and includes everything you need to know about the science behind babies’ sleep. Plus, it has emotional support for you, tips on creating calming bedtime routines that encourage sleep, and a proprietary algorithm that customizes sleep coaching approaches for when it comes time to help your baby, and you, sleep longer each night.

A Day in the Life of Your 1-Month-Old Baby

So, what can babies do at 1 month? Here’s an example of a typical day’s routine for a 1-month-old baby, including bathing, sleeping, feeding, and playing:

Your Baby’s Health

Some health issues you may encounter this month include:

  • Cradle cap. This condition consists of scaly patches on your baby’s head. Washing their hair and gently combing out the scales may help; if not, your baby’s healthcare provider may recommend a special shampoo.

  • Diarrhea. If your baby has very loose, watery stools more than six to eight times a day, let your baby’s healthcare provider know.

  • Constipation. If your baby hasn’t had a bowel movement in several days and this is unusual for them, or if you think they may be constipated, reach out to your provider.

  • Vomiting. If your baby is vomiting forcefully (i.e., projectile vomiting), is vomiting for more than eight hours or after a couple of feedings, or if any kind of vomiting is accompanied by fever or diarrhea, check in with the provider.

  • Spitting up. Spitting up a small amount after eating or being burped can be normal for young babies, especially if it happens within about an hour of feeding. If your baby seems irritable during feeds or shows any other signs of being unwell, contact your baby’s healthcare provider to make sure everything is OK.

  • Baby acne. Pimples may appear on your baby’s face at the start of this month. They may be prompted by the stimulation of oil glands in your baby's skin. Try placing a clean receiving blanket under your little one's head while they’re awake and wash their face once a day with a mild baby soap.

  • Baby eczema. Does your 1-month-old baby have dry skin on their face or elsewhere? It could be eczema, which can occur after 1 month of age. Your baby’s skin may look dry and scaly, and your little one may have red patches on their face, inner elbows, and/or backs of the knees. Consult your baby’s healthcare provider for treatment. In the meantime, avoid using scented laundry detergent to wash your baby’s clothes and dress your baby in soft fabrics, avoiding wool and rough weaves.

Early Hygiene Habits: Bath Time

So, how often “should” you bathe your 1-month-old baby? Three times per week is generally recommended; bathing more frequently can dry out your baby’s skin.

When Is Crying Colic?

All babies cry from time to time, but persistent crying may be a condition called colic if

  • your baby seems to cry each day or evening for hours on end

  • the crying sounds high-pitched

  • the crying seems to be for no apparent reason

  • you have a hard time calming your baby when they’re crying.

Your baby’s healthcare provider may make a diagnosis of colic if your little one cries for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for at least three weeks straight. Colic often starts when a baby is 2 to 4 weeks old and can last until the baby is about 3 to 4 months old.

Experts aren't sure about the cause of colic, but some potential factors could include:

  • Gas. It could be that your baby cries because of discomfort associated with gas. If you notice your baby has a distended stomach and passes gas while crying, this could be the cause. Don’t overfeed your baby. If their tummy seems distended with gas, you could place them on their tummy across your knees, as this extra pressure on their belly may feel good.

  • Sensitivity to stimulation. Your baby may feel overwhelmed and may not yet be able to soothe themselves, leading them to cry. You can try to console them by holding them while walking, rocking them in a rocking chair, putting them in a vibrating baby seat, or driving them around.

  • Food allergy or sensitivity. Some breastfed babies may be sensitive to a food in mom’s diet, causing discomfort and resulting in crying. Rarely, the discomfort may be caused by a sensitivity to milk protein in formula. Your baby’s healthcare provider will be able to check for and diagnose any food sensitivity or intolerance.

  • Medical problem. In some cases, your baby may be reacting to discomfort resulting from an illness or other problem such as a hernia, which the healthcare provider will be able to check for and treat.

Although colic usually lasts only a few months, this can seem like a lifetime when your baby is in the middle of a crying spell! Sometimes, nothing will seem to work to calm them and your nerves may become frayed.

Never Shake Your Baby!

If you are feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, put your baby in a safe location, such as their crib, for a short time and take a break in another room, or ask a loved one to care for them for a few hours so you can have some much-deserved me time. With colic, there is an end in sight; in a few months or so those colicky crying spells will likely stop.

Regular Health Visits and Immunizations

Regular checkups at this early stage typically take place when your baby turns 1 month old and again when they’re 2 months old. Of course, you can call your baby’s healthcare provider any time you have a question or concern, even between visits. At your baby’s regular checkups your baby’s provider will

  • check your baby’s growth and development

  • do a physical exam

  • complete any screening tests that haven’t been done yet

  • ask how you’re doing and perhaps offer advice

  • answer all your questions

  • give you an idea of your baby’s progress in the coming weeks and months

  • schedule or give your baby any immunizations that may be required in the coming weeks.

Development Tips for Your Baby This Month

Here are some tips to help you bond with your little one and help them feel safe and secure, key components of healthy development:

  • Provide close, warm, and consistent physical contact. Holding and hugging your baby as often as possible promotes your baby’s sense of security and well-being. Continued skin-to-skin contact is also important. Make sure others in the household and other caregivers also provide the same loving care to your baby. There’s no way you can spoil your baby by giving them the attention they need.

  • Talk to your baby. Say your baby's name and use simple phrases to narrate some of your actions, such as during dressing, diaper-changing, bath time, and feeding. Respond to their facial expressions and gestures—it’s a conversation! If you or your partner speak a different language, feel free to use it with your baby.

  • Read to your baby. Daily reading helps foster your baby's language development. Reading together also creates a feeling of physical closeness.

  • Be attuned to your baby’s personality and rhythm. Even at this early stage of their life, you know a lot about your baby: their temperament and moods, their likes and dislikes. Paying attention to their cues will help you respond to their needs.

Items You Will Need This Month

Whether you’ve already purchased some of the following baby products or have received them as gifts at your baby shower, these are things you may be reaching for this month:

  • Diaper bag. You may start heading outside more often this month and a diaper bag will help keep all your baby’s things organized, including diapers, wipes, and an extra change of clothes, among other necessities.

  • Baby bathtub. By now your baby’s umbilical cord stump has fallen off, so it’s time to bring out the baby bathtub.

  • Baby wash/shampoo and other bath-time supplies. A multi-purpose baby wash or shampoo designed for sensitive skin is a good choice.

  • Diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream. You’ll continue to go through a lot of diapers in the months ahead, so it’s smart to stock up on supplies in advance.

  • Sound machine. If your baby takes a while to fall asleep, you may consider using white noise or very soft music to help lull them to sleep.

  • Humidifier. If the air is dry in your home, or if your little one comes down with a cold, your baby's healthcare provider may suggest using a cool-mist humidifier in the room your baby sleeps.

  • Night-light. Having a night-light is helpful when it comes to those late-night feedings and check-ins. With a night-light there’s no need to disturb your baby by turning on a bright overhead light.

  • Baby thermometer. Babies tend to run fevers, and you'll need a thermometer specifically designed for babies, along with an up-to-date first-aid kit.

Your Life as a Parent: Embrace Your Network of Family and Friends

You might be feeling more confident this month as some of the uncertainty you may have felt during the first few weeks starts to fade away. Still, talk about any concerns you have with trusted loved ones or your healthcare provider. You might be surprised how much better you feel afterward.

If you're breastfeeding, you might experience discomfort resulting from a breast infection called mastitis. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice symptoms such as sore breasts, fever, or nausea. Don’t stop nursing as this will make things worse. Keep in mind that it’s safe for your baby to nurse when you have mastitis—the milk is not infected.

Treatment for mastitis includes expressing milk from your breasts either by feeding or pumping, but your provider may also recommend antibiotics. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water to help your body fight the infection. Learn more about what mastitis is and how to treat it.

Checklist for This Month

□ If you haven’t already been to the appointment, schedule and take your baby to their 1-month-old health checkup.

□ Keep track of any questions or concerns you have so you don't forget to bring them up at your next visit. Among other things, your baby's healthcare provider will want to know about your baby’s

  • bowel movements (diarrhea and/or constipation)

  • vomiting, fevers, infections

  • hearing or vision problems

  • sleep issues

  • rashes

  • weigh gain and/or loss.

□ Sign up for a baby first-aid course and encourage others who care for your baby to attend along with you. If you’re unsure where to find such a course near you, ask your baby’s healthcare provider—they’ll know one in your local area.

□ If you’re eager to know what’s ahead next month, take a look at what you might experience once your baby is 2 months old.

□ Your baby will be 2 months old soon. Why not download these milestone cards to help celebrate and share this big day with friends and family.

For even more information, sign up to get our regular emails:


1- and 2-month-old feeding schedules

At 1 and 2 months old, babies are nursing or taking a bottle around the clock. Newborns shouldn't follow a strict schedule, but your baby is probably giving you clues to their natural feeding preferences and rhythms. By breastfeeding and bottle-feeding often and following your baby's hunger cues, you're helping your baby gain weight and grow stronger every day.

Getting into a routine with your baby is a process. You'll learn to read your baby's cues to develop a pattern of eating, sleeping, and playing that meets your little one's needs and works for your family. 

At 1 and 2 months old, your new baby has a tiny stomach, which means they're not able to eat a lot at each feeding. Instead, they'll eat small amounts fairly often.

Babies this age also sleep a lot, dozing off for an average of 16 hours each day. Roughly half of these hours will happen during the day, the rest at night. But your baby won't sleep for long stretches yet because they need to eat so often. Instead, they'll sleep in short bursts throughout the day and night.

Following a strict feeding schedule isn't recommended – or possible – for young babies. Right now, your goal is to get to know your baby and help them get a healthy start. Feed your baby on demand, watching their hunger cues, so they stay hydrated and put on weight. 

Even though your daily routine with your baby is all over the place at this point – and that's completely normal – it can be a big help to get a general idea of what these first couple of months will be like. Below, you'll find sample schedules for 1- and 2-month-olds based on those of real parents and reviewed by a pediatrician on our Medical Advisory Board.

Some general things to keep in mind as you're getting used to your baby's feeding patterns:

  • Breastfeed babies tend to eat more frequently than formula-fed babies, and may eat less during each feeding.
  • Exclusively breastfed babies eat about eight to 12 times over a 24-hour period when they're 1 and 2 months old. Here's how to tell whether your baby's getting enough breast milk.
  • Formula-fed babies will eat around six to eight times a day at 1 and 2 months old. They'll typically have 4 ounces every three to four hours for a total of 24 to 32 ounces of formula each day. Here's how to tell if your baby's getting enough formula.

Sample 1-month-old feeding schedule

6 a.m.: 4 ounces of formula, then falls back to sleep.

8:30 a.m.: Wakes up, has playtime and tummy time.

Advertisement | page continues below

9 a.m.: 4 ounces of formula.

9:30 a.m.: Playtime on the activity mat or tummy mat.

10 a.m.: Naptime.

12 p.m.: Wakes up, has 4 ounces of formula.

12:30 p.m.: Walk in stroller and playtime.

2 p.m.: 4 ounces of formula, then naptime.

5 p.m.: Wakes up, has 4 ounces of formula.

7:30 p.m.: Bath time and bedtime routine.

8 p.m.: 4 ounces of formula.

12 a.m.: 4 ounces of formula, then back to bed.

3 a.m.: 4 ounces of formula, then back to bed.

Sample 2-month-old feeding schedule

6 a.m.: Breastfeed for 30 minutes, then back to bed.

7 a.m.: Wakes up, playtime.

8 a.m.:  Breastfeed for 25 minutes, then naptime.

9:30 a.m.: Playtime or cuddles with a parent.

10:30 a.m.: Breastfeed for 30 minutes, then naptime.

11:30 a.m.: Walk around neighborhood in stroller.

1 p.m.: Breastfeed for 20 minutes, naptime.

2:30 p.m.: Playtime.

3:15 p.m.: Breastfeed for 30 minutes, then naptime.

5 p.m.: Wakes up, playtime.

6 p.m.: Breastfeed for 30 minutes.

6:30 p.m.: Playtime and bath time.

7:30 p.m.: Breastfeed for 30 minutes, then bedtime routine.

12:30 a.m.: Baby wakes, nurses and falls back asleep.

3 a.m.: Baby wakes, nurses and falls back asleep.

Tips for feeding your 1- or 2-month-old

Whether you're breastfeeding or formula feeding, here are a few basics and tips for getting off to a great start.

  • Many babies need help learning to breastfeed. Encourage a healthy latch by holding your breast in one hand and the back of your baby's head in another. Once they open wide, gently push your entire nipple toward the back of your baby's open mouth.
  • Milk production is a business of supply and demand. The more you nurse your baby, the more your body gets the message that it needs to make milk. In the earliest days of breastfeeding, it's often best to focus less on scheduling and more on feeding your baby often for 10 to 20 minutes on each side.
  • One of the best ways to care for your baby is by taking care of yourself. Breastfeeding mothers need 450 to 500 extra calories a day, so eat plenty of nutrient-dense food. Sleep deprivation and stress could also hurt your milk supply, so rely on your partner, family members, and friends as much as possible when things are tough so you can get some rest.
  • If you're combination feeding, wait until your baby is about 1 month old if possible before introducing them to a bottle. When you're ready, offer the bottle in place of nursing or after nursing. Considering enlisting help for this task, since some babies may reject the bottle if it comes from the same person who breastfeeds them.
  • Whether you're formula feeding or pumping and giving bottles, it's a good idea to practice paced bottle feeding. When it's time to eat, hold your baby more upright to help slow the flow of milk or formula from the bottle. Take a break every half ounce to burp your baby before offering more milk. If your baby is showing signs of being full, stop offering the bottle rather than encouraging them to finish it.
  • To ensure your baby is getting enough milk, you can keep track of their feedings and wet and dirty diapers. After their first week of life, it's normal for babies to wet four to eight diapers daily. Your baby's doctor will track your baby's weight closely at all well-baby visits and mark it on their growth chart. Most 1- and 2-month-old babies gain an average of a half an ounce to an ounce each day.
  • If you're breastfeeding, you and your baby are learning a new and challenging skill. Many pediatrician's offices and hospitals offer lactation support groups or one-on-one appointments with a lactation consultant. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you're struggling.
  • If you're feeling blue at all, reach out to your healthcare provider for support and resources for help. Postpartum depression affects 1 in 8 moms in the U.S., so you're not alone.

Learn more:

  • Your 1-month-old baby's development
  • Your 2-month-old baby's development
  • Newborn sleep guide
  • 2-month-old sleep guide
  • Bonding with your newborn 

Was this article helpful?

Yes

No

Scheme of the first feeding of a child (table) with artificial and breastfeeding, what can be given to a baby

The need for the introduction of complementary foods in modern mothers has long been beyond doubt. Pediatricians, pediatric nutritionists and other graduates unanimously say that at some point both mother's milk and formula are not enough to satisfy the growing needs of the child's body for useful trace elements and vitamins. That's when it's time to introduce complementary foods. The fact that your baby is ready to get new experiences and try tastes so far unknown to him is indicated by the presence of the following signs:
• doubling the initial weight of the child,
• ability to sit with support,
• child does not push food out of his mouth,
• curiosity and desire to try something from the common table.

Signs of malnutrition in a child, constant feeling of hunger and anxiety associated with it, weight loss can also be important signals for the start of complementary foods. In these cases, it is recommended to immediately contact a specialist and share your observations with him.

Contents: Hide

  1. When to start the introduction of complementary foods
  2. with which products to start the completenance of complementary foods
  3. We avoid errors
  4. Table of complementary foods for months with artificial feeding
  5. Table of complementary foods when breastfeeding
  6. start introducing complementary foods

    The timing of the introduction of complementary foods is still debated. But if we bring scientific reasoning to a common denominator, then the conclusion suggests itself that complementary foods can be introduced from about six months, and for children with certain medical indications - from 3-5 months. Many experts believe that half a year is the ideal time for complementary foods, when the first colic is over, and the digestive system has matured enough to try new foods. The exact answer to the question of when to introduce complementary foods in a particular child can only be given by a pediatrician. In some situations, it may be necessary to introduce new dishes into the baby's diet as early as 4 months, and someone will be ready for this only after six months. nine0007

    What foods should I start introducing complementary foods with

    Fruits, vegetables or cereals? Which of these foods are best for starting complementary foods? Experts have long answered this question as follows: if the baby is underweight, suffers from frequent loose stools, it is advisable to start with cereals (of course, gluten-free and dairy-free), and if everything is fine with weight, then vegetables will be the first in line. Also, vegetable complementary foods are recommended for breastfed children with constipation problems, rickets, or those born prematurely, whose weight is normal or exceeds the standards. nine0003 Why not fruit? Everything is simple. Fruits have a bright and sweet taste, and after trying an apple or banana first, the baby is likely to refuse zucchini or broccoli, which do not have the same rich taste. Therefore, the introduction of fruit purees and juices into the diet is postponed until vegetable purees become a familiar dish on the menu. As for cereals, buckwheat, rice and corn are first introduced, as they are characterized by the absence of gluten, saturate and are well digested.

    Read also: How to properly teach a child to different tastes

    Avoiding mistakes

    In order for the introduction of complementary foods not to become a test for either the baby or the mother, you need to follow some recommendations. Most importantly, be patient and don't get too upset if things don't go according to plan. Each child is individual, as are their taste preferences and needs.
    • Start complementary foods if the baby is perfectly healthy. Contraindications for the introduction of new products will be teething, colds, stress associated with separation or moving, recent or planned vaccinations. nine0003 • New foods are introduced gradually, starting with half a teaspoon. In the absence of allergies or digestive problems, the amount of the product is approximately doubled the next day. Sometimes the introduction of a new product stretches up to a week. Do not rush, give the child the opportunity to "taste" this dish. If the baby flatly refuses the offer, postpone the acquaintance for at least a week.
    • Do not force your child to eat. After all, your goal is to introduce your child to new tastes and help develop good eating habits. nine0003 • The best time for the first feeding is after the morning feed until 12 noon, when the baby is already hungry and ready to eat something else. In case something goes wrong, you will know about it during the day, not at night.
    • In the event of an adverse reaction to the product, such as an allergy, seek medical advice immediately. Then, in agreement with the doctor, offer this dish after a certain period of time.
    • Gradually increase the amount recommended by your pediatrician. If you don't fit within a week, don't worry. Listen to your child and act accordingly. nine0003 • Always start feeding with complementary foods. Only then offer breast milk or formula.
    • Stick to a 5-meal schedule. Feed your baby at the same time every day.
    • Food offered to the baby must be thermally processed - boiled or steamed. The dish should be at a comfortable temperature - about 37 ° C.
    • Purees and cereals should be of a liquid consistency so that a child who does not yet know how to chew can comfortably eat them. Thicker dishes with lumps and pieces are introduced into the diet by about a year, when there are already several teeth. nine0003 • Do not use salt, sugar or spices when preparing complementary foods. Also, do not add them in order to force the child to eat something. Let the baby get used to natural tastes.
    • Complementary foods are prepared at one time and should never be refrigerated until the next meal. Everything should be only the first freshness.
    • If you prefer ready-made baby food, carefully study the top manufacturers, pay special attention to the shelf life when buying. nine0007

    When introducing complementary foods, be guided by the data in the tables, which indicate which products, in what quantity and in what months experts recommend giving. 6 months

    7 months

    8 months

    9 months

    10 months

    11 months

    12 months

    vegetables

    150 g

    170 g

    180 g

    180 g

    180 g

    200 g

    200 g

    Porridge

    50–100 g

    150 g

    068

    180 g

    180 g

    180 g

    200 g

    200 g

    fruit

    60 g

    70 g

    80 g

    100 g

    100 g

    100 g

    meat

    50 g

    60 g

    60 g 9000

    70 g

    70 g

    70 g

    Cottage cheese

    9000 9000 9000 9000 9000

    068

    10-30 g

    30 g

    40 g

    50 g

    50 g

    Zhelki

    1/4

    1/4

    1/2

    1/2

    1/2

    Fish

    9000

    30 g

    50 g

    60 g

    Vegetable

    1 ml

    3-5 ml

    5 ml

    5 ml

    5 ml

    9 Sl.

    1 ml

    3-5 ml

    5 ml

    5 ml

    9006

    8 months

    9 months

    10 months

    11 months

    12 months nine0012

    Silent porridge

    10–150 g

    150–180 g

    150–180 g

    180–200 g 9000 g 9000 g 9000 g 9000 g 9000 g 9000 g 9000 g 9000 g 9000 g 9000 g

    068

    200 g

    200 g

    200 g

    Vegetables

    10–120 g

    80–120 g

    9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000

    073

    150 g

    170 g

    180 g

    200 g

    200 g

    Military0007

    -

    -

    -

    -

    -

    -

    160–200 ml

    Fruits

    5–60 g

    50-60 g

    60 g 9000 g 9000 g 900–100 g 900-100 G0007

    100–120 g

    100–120 g

    100–120 g

    meat

    -

    10-30 g

    30–70 g

    60–70 g

    60–70 g

    9000 9000 9007 9007 9007 9007 900EA0119 Cottage cheese

    -

    -

    5–10 g

    40 g

    40 g

    50 g

    yolk

    -

    -

    ½

    ½

    ½

    ½ --1

    fish

    -

    -

    -

    10–40 g

    10–40 g

    50–60 g

    9 vegetable oil

    -

    -

    1 ml

    3-5 ml

    5 ml

    5 ml

    5 ml

    Cream oil

    -

    -

    1-3 g

    3-4 g

    5 g

    5 g

    5 g

    , as you can see, the schemes for the introduction of pectoral and artificial feeding are not too much. In any case, starting to introduce new foods into the baby's diet, you will have to give the baby milk or formula for a long time, which are still the basis of his nutrition. nine0007

    How to introduce solid foods by month

    3 months
    If your doctor advises your breastfeeding or formula-fed baby to introduce complementary foods at 3 months, start with what the specialist has recommended to you. If these are vegetables, start with the classic - zucchini puree. This vegetable contains many beneficial nutrients and fiber. Start with half a teaspoon, carefully observing the reaction of the child's body. Be sure to supplement your baby with breast milk or formula afterwards. In case the child does not like the zucchini, try giving broccoli or cauliflower. Well, if the doctor advised porridge, feel free to choose buckwheat or corn. nine0003 4-5 months
    After your baby has tasted zucchini, broccoli and cauliflower, it's time to add other vegetables: carrots, potatoes, green peas. Do not overdo it with carrots, give it no more than 2 times a week. It is even better if this root crop is combined with other vegetables. It's porridge time! Gluten-free, water-cooked buckwheat, rice or corn. If the baby refuses to eat such cereals, add some breast milk or the usual mixture to them.
    6 months
    Time to pamper your baby with dried fruit compote, and formula-fed children start giving milk porridge. You can use a milk mixture to prepare such cereals, and in some cases, milk diluted with water. But in general, pediatricians do not advise introducing cow's milk into a child's diet before 8 months, as this can cause allergic reactions.
    7 months
    After the baby gets used to vegetable purees, you can try to give fruit purees and, if desired, juices, which should be diluted with water. There has been a lot of negative talk about juice lately. There is no fiber in them, but there are a lot of acids, which may not be completely safe for the stomach and have a high sugar content. So consult a pediatrician and think carefully about whether to give the baby juices or still prefer mashed potatoes and compotes. An excellent alternative to juices is children's herbal teas. Start introducing your baby to fruits with apples (preferably green varieties), bananas, and pears. The baby's menu is replenished with a new product - meat. Rabbit meat, turkey meat are best suited. Chicken and veal are also considered a good option. Low-fat pulp without streaks is taken. It is boiled or brought to readiness for a couple, then crushed in a blender or meat grinder. Meat with a gradual increase in its quantity is given as part of vegetable purees. Also at 7 months, it's time to give the baby a pumpkin. nine0003 8 months
    An important moment in the introduction of complementary foods during artificial and breastfeeding occurs exactly at 8 months. It's time to give the baby a yolk. Watch the reaction of the body very carefully: if there are any manifestations of allergies. In case of a negative reaction of the body to chicken yolk, exclude it from the menu and try quail. It is best to give this product in the morning feeding from 9 to 11 hours. Along with vegetable and butter, gluten cereals are also introduced: oatmeal, millet, barley, pearl barley. It's time to give your child a taste of light vegetable soups. The components of the dish should be familiar to the child. Do not experiment by introducing dishes into the diet even with one unknown ingredient. Meatballs, boiled or steamed, are added to the meat in the form of mashed potatoes. nine0003 9 months
    At this age, the baby should be introduced to the diet of low-fat fish: pollock, hake, perch, cod. For these purposes, fillets are taken and steamed, stewed or boiled. For the first time, fish are given in very small quantities. Start with once a week, gradually increasing to two. Remember that either fish or meat is given on the same day, without mixing these 2 products. If at the age of 8 months there were no prunes on the menu of the child, it's time to fix it. Dried fruit compote is also an excellent option, which at first is best diluted with water. However, you definitely shouldn’t get carried away with dried apricots, it’s better to wait until the baby reaches the age of one. nine0003 Months 10–12
    The diet characteristic of this period is characterized by an increase in portions to their maximum values ​​indicated in the scheme. Also, it is at this age that the last feeding is gradually replaced by milk or kefir.

    Now that you've come across a set of essential tips, you're ready to start weaning. Once again, consult with a specialist, be patient, not forgetting to listen to the baby's body. We are confident that you will succeed. The main thing here, as in any other business, is a positive attitude. It all depends on you and your desire to raise a healthy and happy baby with competent eating behavior. Don't stop if you fail and don't get frustrated if things don't go according to plan. Everything will definitely work out. nine0007

    #Nutrition for children under one year of age #Complementary foods

    WHO recommendations for the introduction of complementary foods

    08.08.2019

    Readiness of the child to complementary foods According to the WHO recommendation, existing for 2018, it is optimal to introduce complementary foods to an infant at 6-8 months. Until six months, the baby's gastrointestinal tract is still not sufficiently formed, all the necessary enzymes are not produced for the assimilation of food other than mother's milk or formula. And by 9-10 months, the child can already form stable stereotypes of eating only liquid food, and overcoming them will be painful and difficult for the baby. nine0007

    Thus, WHO defines the following signs of a child's readiness for the introduction of complementary foods: the maturity of the digestive system; extinction of the solid food ejection reflex; the appearance of the first teeth, making it possible to chew; the readiness of the baby to be stable in an upright position; emotional readiness for new tastes and sensations.

    Complementary feeding system WHO has developed recommendations for three complementary feeding options: cereals, vegetables, and meat.

    Fruit complementary foods are not recommended for cereals and vegetables. This is due to the fact that up to 8-9 months the gastrointestinal tract of the baby is not ready for the absorption of raw fruits and fruit juices. It is vegetables and cereals that will populate the intestines with the necessary bacteria for the absorption of fruits.

    Kefir, according to the WHO, is not considered complementary foods because it is not a solid food. The WHO complementary feeding scheme includes kefir only as an additional food from 8 months. The introduction of cow's milk is recommended by WHO only from 12 months. nine0007

    Any complementary feeding scheme assumes that portions of complementary foods will systematically increase from half a teaspoon to 100-200 g. The first dishes for complementary foods are prepared exclusively with one-component. Each next component is introduced only after complete addiction to the previous one (6-7 days).

    Product sequence

    The following sequence of introduction of complementary foods is proposed.

    • Vegetables at 6 months. nine0016
    • Porridges on the water (oatmeal, buckwheat, corn) at 6.5 - 7 months.
    • Fruit puree, yolk at 8 months.
    • Milk porridge at 8-9 months.
    • Meat puree at 9 months.
    • Meat by-products at 9-10 months.
    • Kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt at 9-10 months.
    • Fish at 10 months.
    • Juice at 10-12 months.
    • Berry puree at 12 months. nine0016
    • Meat broths at 12 months.

    The introduction of vegetable oil (olive, sunflower) in puree and porridge is allowed from 6 months: a scheme with 1 drop with a gradual increase to a volume of 1 teaspoon. The introduction of butter begins at 7 months: the scheme is from 1 g to 10 g in porridge.

    For formula-fed babies, the first feeding schedule is similar, with a few exceptions. For these babies, it is better to introduce complementary foods from 5 months, because the milk mixture does not give the small body all the “building material”. The introduction of complementary foods differs only in terms: vegetable purees and cereals are introduced a month earlier. nine0007

    First cereals

    If the child's weight is significantly less than normal, WHO recommends starting complementary foods with non-dairy cereals. For babies, cereals are prepared only with non-dairy, unsalted, semi-liquid, absolutely homogeneous in consistency. The first cereals are prepared from cereal flour (the sorted and washed cereals are carefully ground and crushed).

    The following sequence of introduction of cereals is proposed: buckwheat, rice, corn, oatmeal, semolina. It is recommended to cook semolina porridge only once a week, because it contains practically no nutrients, but it is rich in gluten, which can cause problems in the intestines. Proportion for the preparation of the first porridge: 5 g of cereal flour per 100 ml of water. After slightly cooling the finished porridge, chop again. In the finished porridge, you can add 1-2 drops of vegetable oil or a little expressed breast milk. nine0007

    From 9 months, the baby's nutrition system involves multicomponent cereals, from products already well known to the child. You can already add vegetables and fruits familiar to the baby to cereals. At 9 months, it is allowed to cook barley and millet porridge for babies. And by 10-11 months, cereals on the water will be a great addition to meat and fish meatballs and steam cutlets.

    Vegetable food

    The first purees are made from one vegetable.

    The sequence of introducing vegetables into complementary foods for babies suggests the following order: zucchini, cauliflower, pumpkin, potatoes, carrots, green peas, beets. These vegetables are introduced within 6-9baby months. After 1 year, you can give your child cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes, sweet peppers, white cabbage. After preparing the puree, make sure that the mass is completely homogeneous, there are no fibers and small particles, the consistency is semi-liquid. Don't salt. Add 1-2 drops of vegetable oil or expressed milk.

    If the child refuses vegetable complementary foods, cancel this product for 1-2 weeks. Try to temporarily replace it with another and return to it after a while.

    Meat supplements

    From 9 months old, the first meat purees are recommended for babies. The first courses are recommended to be prepared from lean meats: rabbit; quail; turkey; chicken.

    Complementary foods for a 6-month-old baby are recommended to be introduced in the morning. This will allow you to track the child's reaction to an unfamiliar product before a night's sleep: is there a rash, intestinal disorders, anxiety in the baby, profuse regurgitation. It is better to give vegetables or porridge first, and then saturate with breast milk or formula. Gradually, porridge and a vegetable dish will replace one full meal.


    Learn more