Articles / Feeding / Feeding Schedule
Updated Feb 22, 2024
The feeding adventure takes an exciting turn around 6 months! While all babies will still get most of their nutrition from breastmilk or formula until age 1, many babies are ready to begin eating some solid foods now. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about feeding your 6 month old including a sample feeding schedule.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
6 month old baby sample feeding schedule
How much to feed a 6 month: Food chart
7 tips for feeding your 6 month old baby
Night feedings at 6 month olds
Takeaway: Feeding 6 month olds
6 month old feeding schedule FAQ
6 month old baby sample feeding schedule
Your baby’s schedule may vary based on their individual needs as well as the needs of your family. The following schedule is meant as a sample guide, not a strict plan.
| 6:30 AM | Nurse or bottle (wake up) |
| 8:00 AM | Solid meal |
| 10:00 AM | Nurse or bottle |
| 1:30 PM | Nurse or bottle |
| 4:30 PM | Nurse or bottle |
| 6:30/7:00 PM | Nurse or bottle (before bed) |
How much to feed a 6 month: Food chart
At 6 months, your baby will continue to drink breast milk and/or formula as well as begin to explore solid foods [1]. You may choose to introduce solid foods in the form of purees or table foods in a baby-led weaning (BLW) style. Either way, your baby may start with one meal a day and continue to work up to adding more meals and snacks as they move toward one year of age.
Most babies will continue to have about 4 - 6 breast milk or formula feeds a day [2] equaling roughly 22 - 28 oz per day. As long as your baby is growing well and having about 4 - 6 wet diapers a day, your baby is getting enough to eat. In terms of solid food, most babies will eat small amounts at this age. This may look like 1 - 2 tbsp of purees or a few bites of food served baby-led weaning style.
Baby-led weaning
| Wake-up: | Breast milk or formula |
| Breakfast: | Breast milk or formula |
| Mid-morning: | Breast milk or formula |
| Lunch: | Chicken breast (served in strips), avocado strips, and banana strips |
| Mid-afternoon: | Breast milk or formula |
| Dinner: | Breast milk or formula |
| Before bed: | Breast milk or formula |
Purees
| Wake-up: | Breast milk or formula |
| Breakfast: | Breast milk or formula |
| Mid-morning: | Breast milk or formula |
| Lunch: | Black bean, avocado, or banana puree |
| Mid-afternoon: | Breast milk or formula |
| Dinner: | Breast milk or formula |
| Before bed: | Breast milk or formula |
7 tips for feeding your 6 month old baby
Tip #1: Keep liquid feeds the same
Your baby will gradually decrease their intake of breastmilk and formula, but right now they are still the main source of nutrition for your baby.
Tip #2: Use hunger and fullness cues
Feed your baby according to their hunger and fullness cues whether they are nursing, taking a bottle, or eating solid foods.Also note feeding patterns may briefly change if your baby is uncomfortable due to a cold, teething, etc.
Tip #3: Check for signs of readiness before beginning solids
Your baby should be able to sit with minimal support, bring objects to their mouth, have good head and neck control as well as show an interest in food before beginning solid foods.
Tip #4: Start slow with solids
Babies at this age will want to explore and play with their food - this helps them learn! There’s no rush for them to eat large amounts of solid food at this age, so take it slow and offer about one solid meal per day.
Tip #5: Ensure baby is safe when eating
Babies should be fed in a well-supported high chair and never be left alone. Food should be served in the right size and consistency.
Tip #6: Focus on priority nutrients
Priority nutrients for this age group include iron, zinc, protein, and other high-energy foods such as fat. Be sure to include solid foods with these nutrients in their diet.
Tip #7: Introduce allergens early and often
The latest research [3] shows introducing high-risk allergen foods such as peanuts, eggs, and dairy may help lower the occurrence of food allergies. Unless advised otherwise by your pediatrician, introduce these foods early and often.
Night feedings at 6 month olds
Many babies can sleep for longer stretches through the night at this age, but it is common for babies to still have 1 - 2 night feedings. If your baby wakes up hungry, go ahead and feed them as you normally would. However, unless directed to by your pediatrician, there is no need to wake a baby to feed them at this age.
Takeaway: Feeding 6 month olds
Feeding at 6 months is exciting, but can also be challenging. Your baby is still relying on breastmilk and/or formula, but they are also getting started exploring new foods! A lot is the same, but a lot is new too. Take it slow and remember you are both learning about this new phase of feeding.
6 month old feeding schedule FAQ
Q: Can a 6 month old drink water?
A:
Yes, a 6 month old can start to drink small amounts of water. Ideally, a few sips of water are introduced at mealtime from an open cup or straw cup. Avoid giving more water throughout the day at this age so it does not displace formula or breast milk.
Q: How often should a 6 month old eat?
A:
Many 6 month olds will eat roughly every 3 - 4 hours throughout the day. Babies who nurse may eat more frequently. It’s common for babies at this age to wake up to eat 1 - 2 times a night as well.
Q: How long between feeds can a 6 month old go?
A:
It really depends on the baby, but some babies may go 4 - 5 hours between feeds at this age, especially if they have a solid meal in between. 6 month olds may also go 7 - 8 hours at night without needing to eat. There is no set standard, so it’s always best to follow your baby’s individual hunger and fullness cues.
Q: Can you drop night feeds at 6 months?
A:
If your baby is getting adequate calories during the day and growing optimally, it may be possible to drop night feeds at 6 months. However, it is common for babies at this age to still need 1 - 2 night feedings. Talk to your pediatrician if you are interested in dropping night feeds to determine if it may be an option for your baby.
Q: Why is my 6 month old eating less than usual?
A:
There are a variety of reasons your 6 month old may be eating less than usual. They may be teething, feeling a bit sick or simply just aren’t as hungry. As long as they are continuing to grow there is usually no reason for concern.
Q: What is a 6 month nursing strike?
A:
If your baby suddenly decides to stop breastfeeding, they may be going through a nursing strike. This can happen for a variety of reasons including becoming more distractible around 6 months. They may also be teething, or have a stuffy nose or ear infection. Most nursing strikes resolve in 2 - 4 days.
Q: Is 30 oz too much for a 6 month old?
A:
Every baby’s feeding needs are different based on their individual size and growth patterns. Typically, 6 month olds will eat about 22 - 28 oz a day, but a little above or below that is completely fine too.
Q: Is 4 feeds a day enough for a 6 month old?
A:
Yes, 4 feeds a day may be enough for a 6 month old as long as they are continuing to have adequate growth. They should also have about 4 - 6 wet diapers a day to ensure they are hydrated. At this age, many babies eat between 4 - 6 times a day.
