There’s no one-size fits all schedule for feeding your baby. Feeding patterns may differ depending on your baby's needs, including whether they are breastfed, formula-fed, or a combination. When it comes to establishing a feeding routine to help introduce solids, the number and timing of feeds should be based on your baby's growth, hunger cues, readiness for solids, nap needs and daily routine. Below is a flexible sample schedule to help you start building a rhythm that works for you and your baby.

Sample Feeding Schedule

Note: When introducing a new food, aim to offer solids earlier in the day, such as at breakfast or lunch. This gives you plenty of time to monitor your baby for any potential allergic reactions. Avoid introducing new foods at dinner or close to bedtime.

Creating a Feeding Routine

A consistent rhythm helps your baby feel safe and more settled. One common and effective structure is the "Eat, Play, Sleep" routine, which supports emotional regulation and developmental outcomes when consistently followed (Selman & Dilworth‐Bart, 2024). One common and effective structure is the "Eat, Play, Sleep" routine:

Eat: Begin the day with a milk feed.

Play: Allow time for tummy time, singing, or gentle play.

Sleep: A nap or rest time to recharge.

Pick a mealtime where your baby is happy, playful, and well-rested. Mealtime doesn’t need to be the same each day. You might offer breakfast during the week and lunch on weekends. It’s also okay if a day goes by without offering solids – learning to eat is a gradual process.

Tips for Building a Routine

• Offering solids about 30–60 minutes after a milk feed, when your baby is alert but not overly hungry.
• At 6 months, it's often easiest to offer solids after milk feeds.
• From around 9 months, you can begin offering solids before milk feeds.
• Encourage self-feeding and expect some mess – supports development of fine motor skills/coordination and can help reduce choking risk.
• Continue to offer breastmilk or formula as needed. Note: breastmilk or formula remains the main source of nutrition until 12 months of age.
• Offer small amounts of water (no more than 60 mL per meal or 120 mL per day) in an open cup or straw cup to help baby practice drinking.

Self-Feeding and Choking Risk

Encouraging self-feeding not only supports fine motor skill development but can also reduce the risk of choking. Research has shown that when babies bring food to their own mouths, they better control the pace and size of the bite, leading to safer feeding experiences. Brown et al. (2018) found that baby-led weaning improved self-regulation and chewing control, while Fangupo et al. (2016) reported a reduced choking risk when infants self-fed appropriate foods.

Feeding Frequency by Age

Note: This table may reflect the feeding patterns of bottle-fed babies and may differ to babies who are breastfeeding on demand.

Feeding schedules are a helpful guide, but it’s okay to adjust based on your baby’s unique needs. For additional support, speak with your Paediatrician or consult a healthcare professional.

References:

1. Brown, A., Jones, S.W., & Rowan, H. (2017). Baby-led weaning: The evidence to date. Current Nutrition Reports, 6(2), 148–156.
2. Fangupo, L. J., Heath, A. M., Williams, S. M., et al. (2016). A baby-led approach to eating solids and risk of choking. Pediatrics, 138(4), e20160772.
3. (2023). 6-month-old feeding schedule. Retrieved from https://huckleberrycare.com/blog/6-month-old-feeding-schedule
4. National Health and Medical Research Council. (2012). Infant Feeding Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.nhmrc.gov.au
5. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. (2023). Introducing solid food. Retrieved from https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/introducing-solid-food
6. Raising Children Network. (2023). Introducing solids. Retrieved from https://raisingchildren.net.au
7. Selman, S. B., & Dilworth‐Bart, J. E. (2024). Routines and child development: A systematic review. Infant and Child Development, 33(1), e2415.
8. Solid Starts. (2024). Feeding schedules for babies. Retrieved from https://solidstarts.com/feeding-schedules/

This blog post is general in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a comprehensive and exhaustive set of guidelines. This blog post has been prepared in consultation with a qualified paediatric dietician. However, it is not tailored to individual circumstances and no material found in this post is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or health advice. If you require immediate medical attention, please contact emergency services immediately or seek alternative and appropriate medical services.