Feeding Schedule for 7-Month-Old Babies:What to Feed & When

How much food and water should babies consume each day? And how can you make sure they get all the vitamins and nutrients they need? Breastfeeding infants from 7 to 8 months old It’s a full-time job. Breastfeeding consumes a significant portion of her day between feeding sessions or bottle and solid food meals. Planning a feeding schedule for the first 7 months of life is essential for growth and development.

Keep reading for all the information and expert tips on healthy development for your baby from 7 to 8 months.

Also read: New Moms: Difficulties and Challenges of Breastfeeding

Example of a meal plan for a 7-8 month old baby.

When planning your baby’s feeding schedule, you can find inspiration in the sample schedules below. Every infant has unique needs, which can change during the first 7 to 8 months of life. Always act in the best interests of your baby and your family.

• 7 a.m.: Drink an 8-ounce bottle, then play time.

• 8am: Breakfast.

• 9am: Play time.

• 10am: Drink a 6oz bottle and time for sleep.

• 12:30pm: Lunch.

• 1pm: Play outside.

• 2pm: Drink a 6oz bottle and take a nap.

• 5pm: Drink a 4oz bottle, then play time.

• 6pm: Dinner.

• 6:30pm: Time to play with family.

• 7:15pm: Drink an 8oz bottle, then bedtime.

Meal suggestions for infants aged 7 and 8 years

Where do you start preparing healthy meals for your child? Follow the four rules and give your child one serving of each type of food: protein, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables.

Here are some simple foods you can feed your baby from 7 to 8 months old.

breakfast:

lunch:

• crushed beans.

• chicken puree.

• Pureed vegetables and ground beef.

• lentil.

• Crackers made with whole wheat flour and peanut butter.

• Greek yogurt mixed with mashed banana.

dinner:

• Steamed pea and beef puree.

• Finely chopped whole wheat bread with mashed avocado.

• Cut the chicken into strips.

• Spaghetti with tomato sauce made with whole wheat flour.

Also Read: 5 Best Postpartum Vitamins in 2023

What about breastfeeding at night?

Many infants have good self-soothing abilities and are able to sleep longer at night by 7 to 8 months of age, especially if they are getting enough calories throughout the day. However, some infants do better when fed at night. Usually from 3am to 5am she dreams or early morning feedings. At this age, there is no need to wake your baby up for feeding unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.

You can also talk to your pediatrician for advice on creating a feeding schedule that works best for your 7-month-old baby’s daily routine and overall health.

Also read: Newborn sleep schedule: Tips for a restful night

What should I keep in mind when creating a feeding schedule?

Around 7 to 8 months, babies become more active, have more fun, and are focused on learning more about the world around them. Trying new solid foods is also at the top of their to-do list. Now that they have the basics of eating, it’s time to start introducing them to new tastes and sensations.

There are several things to consider when planning your baby’s schedule.

• From 7 to 8 months of age, babies need solid food two or three times a day.

• However, they continue to get most of their nutrition from breast milk and formula. Formula-fed infants consume 24 to 32 ounces of breast milk or formula each day.

• Infants fed formula are more likely to consume 6 to 8 ounce bottles three to five times a day by the time they are seven months old. By the time they are 8 months old, they will be drinking 3-4 bottles a day.

• Babies who are exclusively breastfed also need 24 to 32 ounces of breast milk per day, but this amount is probably less. A 7- and 8-month-old baby will probably nurse 3-5 times a day.

Also read: Infant nutrition: 6 to 9 months

It’s time to introduce finger foods. sippy cup, increase the amount and variety of food your baby eats. If you’re using baby-led weaning, your baby may be ready for mom to increase the menu. They are already used to finger foods.

By offering your toddler easy-to-eat foods like avocados, bananas, and applesauce first, you can encourage them to try something a little more daring. In fact, you can incorporate foods from the main food groups by offering small portions of shredded chicken or fish, yogurt or cheese cubes, soft fruits and vegetables, and whole grains as hot or cold cereal. .

Additionally, talk with your pediatrician about the most effective way to introduce foods to which your child is likely to be allergic, such as sesame seeds, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, soybeans, dairy products, fish, and shellfish.

However, keep in mind that your baby’s stomach is still relatively small, so the amount of food at each meal should be modest. Aim to have 1 to 3 tablespoons of fruits, grains, vegetables, and protein at each meal. Gradually increase this number over the next few months.

Here are some tips for new moms from experts.

• Babies at this age are sensitive to trying different flavors and textures. Introduce your children to new foods and dishes prepared in different ways as much as possible. Give children the freedom to explore the food with their own hands, remembering that they may not “like” the food the first time or two.

• Let’s get into the habit of eating together from an early age! By watching your meals, you can teach your child several things, such as correct table manners and how to use cutlery. Now is an ideal time to model healthy eating habits, as they will want to eat what you eat. Try to remove distractions (turn off the TV, put away the phone, etc.) to help your toddler focus on learning to eat.

• Feeding a newborn can often be a hassle. It can be difficult to accept confusion. Anyone want to clean more? But one of the ways babies learn is by using their hands to explore food. If you allow your baby to get messy during feedings, your baby will be more likely to try new foods and may have difficulty breastfeeding later.

• Setting up a room specifically for your baby’s mealtimes will set you up for success better. Place your high chair on or next to your dining room table and keep all the items you need, like cups and utensils, in one place. Being prepared can make mealtime more enjoyable.

Also read: How long does cluster feeding last?

Conclusion-

As your 7-month-old baby transitions to solid foods, it’s important to adjust your feeding schedule.

At this point, we hope you feel comfortable breastfeeding your 7- to 8-month-old child. It’s definitely an exciting time, but like everything related to parenting, it requires patience and can feel difficult at times. Follow your baby’s hunger and fullness cues as closely as possible and continue to feed your baby as much solid food as possible. Take a deep breath, and most importantly, have fun!

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