Important note

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life as the best option for babies. At Nutrino, we believe that breastfeeding is the best gift you can give to your baby. Breast milk not only provides all the nutrients that the baby needs during the first 6 months, but also protects from infections, allergies and strengthens its immunity. Additionally, breastfeeding creates a special, unbreakable bond between mother and child that lasts a lifetime.

As your baby grows, the WHO recommends introducing safe and nutritionally appropriate complementary foods starting at six months, while continuing breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond. If you are using milk formulas, it is important to consult your pediatrician to make the best decision for your baby. The introduction of solid foods should be gradual, tailored to your child’s needs, and always under the guidance of a pediatrician.

Menu for babies aged 6 to 8 months: example schedule

With the introduction of solid foods around the sixth month, many moms wonder how to create an appropriate schedule for their baby.

Babies tend to thrive with a somewhat established routine. The sample schedule we suggest should be seen as a guide, not a rule, because every baby is different. It’s best to try and observe how your baby adjusts.

Also, if your baby’s number of meals doesn’t match the examples, don’t worry as long as you’re providing enough opportunities for food interaction. These examples can be applied to both breastfed babies and those who are formula-fed.

Introducing Non-Dairy Foods for Babies – Tips

If you’re just starting with solid foods, follow these tips, and for information on which foods to introduce and when, click here.

Examples of meal schedules for babies aged 6–8 months.

Note: The times indicated are approximate starting points, as the duration depends on the baby.

6:30-7:00 Wake-up: Breastfeeding or bottle when the baby wakes up.

7:30-8:00 Breakfast: porridge/ purée of fruits/ vegetables with cereals, water always available

9:00-9:30 Nap 11:00 Breastfeeding/bottle

12:30-13:00 Lunch: Water always available, puree/ purée of vegetables with cereals (first without, then with gluten), protein if possible + healthy fat (a bit of olive oil, avocado, 100% coconut flour, etc.) + fruit (if too much fruit for the baby, it can be served later as a snack).

13:30-14:30 Nap

15:30-16:30 Breastfeeding/bottle

18:00-19:00 Dinner: Water always available, puree/ puree of vegetables with cereals (first without, then with gluten), protein if possible + healthy fat (a bit of olive oil, avocado, 100% coconut flour, etc.) + fruit (if too much fruit for the baby, it can be a snack).

19:00-19:30 Breastfeeding/bottle

19:30-20:00 Sleeping Tips for Feeding a 6- to 8-Month-Old Baby:

 

  • During this period, depending on when you started introducing solid foods, your baby should have one to three main meals along with breastfeeding/formula feeding on demand throughout the day.
  • If you are starting at six months, aim for three meals by the end of the seventh month. New recommendations suggest that you can start with three meals right away, but it’s best to follow your baby’s cues.
  • Don’t stress if you can’t fit in a couple of meals during the day in the sixth month. The baby is just starting to try food and will eat very little anyway.
  • Be consistent: try to feed the baby in the same place each time, preferably in a high chair, with the baby sharing the table with the rest of the family, and always at roughly the same time.
  • Allow the child to touch the food, especially different textures, so they can feel what they are eating. Don’t be afraid of the mess; it’s a normal and desirable part of the process, no matter how strange it may sound. From the beginning, encourage the child to feed themselves. You might give them a fresh carrot to feel while they eat their puree, for example.
  • By the end of the seventh month, the child will be able to eat small pieces of certain foods on their own. You can offer them soft pieces of food cut into cubes.
  • This can include foods like banana, cooked zucchini, pumpkin, sweet potato, and similar items. It’s likely that more food will end up on the floor than in their mouth, but the purees will ensure that the child gets enough nutrition.
  • Don’t stress about the amount of food your child eats. By the age of one, the main source of nourishment is still breast milk and/or formula.
  • Allow your child to eat as much as they can and do not force them to eat a specific amount from the start.
  • Pay attention and keep track of how well your baby eats based on their level of tiredness, how much playtime they’ve had, and their feedings/bottles.
  • At the beginning, it’s best to lower your expectations and focus on making mealtime a positive and cheerful experience, even if your baby only eats a few spoonfuls.