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How much food at 6 to 12 months?

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When your baby is showing signs they are ready, usually at around 6 months, you can start to introduce solid foods.

  • Their main source of food will still be breast milk or formula.
  • Start once a day with iron-rich baby cereal or pureed meat or tofu.
  • There is no exact amount for how much your baby should eat each day. Try different foods and let them guide you to when they are full.
  • Texture is important. As your baby begins to take food from a spoon, move to thicker textures and soft lumps.
  • By 8 to 9 months, you can give solids at breakfast, lunch and dinner. As your baby gets older, move to thicker textures and soft lumps.

Allergy foods

  • You should start introducing common allergy foods from around 6 months.
  • Try one type of food at a time, then wait a couple of days before trying another.
  • Common allergy foods include cow’s milk, eggs, nuts, wheat and seafood.

Remember: don’t give your baby whole nuts as they are a choking hazard.


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Last reviewed: February 2023


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