Baby Parenting Guide

How much baby food am I supposed to feed my baby per day?

I have a seven month old baby and the doctor recently put him on baby food. We've been feeding him a 4 oz jar of food every day. Is that too much? Not enough? Or is that about right? If so, should I feed him the whole jar at once or half in the morning and half at night? Or a third of the jar three times a day? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Public Response to How much baby food am I supposed to feed my baby per day?

1. There is only 1 person who knows the exact amt the baby should eat, and that is the baby. Otherwise, none of our ancestors would have survived without the knowledge of modern dieticians. Unless he has some kind of disorder and loses or gains a lot of weight, but that is very rare. Don't force food on him, don't withhold food if he eats a lot. Go with the flow.
2. Ask your child's pediatrician. Even then he may be off, just remember that he'll eat when he's hungry.
3. In my opinion you should focus on your baby cues. They are pretty smart about managing their own food amounts if you let them. If your baby is hungry, he will ask for food. He will show interest in food, extend his hand, suck on his thumb, put his fingers in his mouth, cry in a slightly shrill voice. Every baby has a different way to let mommy know that he is hungry. So do not worry about feeding him too little, believe me you would know when that happens. Also, look for cues to stop feeding. Sometimes they shake their head, shake their hand to say "no", show disinterest in food by not opening their mouth. Never force feed because they can throw up, get sick with indigestion, get stomach ache and gain excessive weight. Slowly and gradually you will learn to communicate with your precious little prince. I would say offer a wide range of food on regular intervels. If he is hungry he will show interest and eat, if not, wait for an hour and offer again. They have small tummies so small frequent meals are the best.
4. feed him til he's full Introduce one new food a week and look for any reaction to it, to make sure he isn't allergic to it.
5. I started baby food at 6 months ( just recently) and was told to start with one baby food a day and gradually go up to 2 a day and then 3 a day (for breakfast, lunch, dinner) I'm giving my daughter 4oz baby oatmeal in the morning (I wash and use the baby food jars so I know I'm getting the same amount) and then a jar of baby food in the afternoon. Formula inbetween feedings when she's hungry.