How much Food Should Your Baby Eat at a Meal? What is a Serving Size for a Baby?

How much solid food a baby will be eating depends on a variety of different things.  

Don't forget that your baby is a little human being, and like all of us, she has her own appetite. This will influence to how much solid foods she will be eating. As with adults, some babies will eat more than others due to their individual appetites. Below are a few key points to remember when feeding your baby.

A baby who began solid foods at 4 months of age will most likely be eating more solid foods than the baby who began to eat solid foods at 6 months old. 

A baby who is eating soft diced foods as beginner foods may seem to eat less than the baby who is being spoon-fed purées. 

A baby who is ill or teething may eat less than what has been typical for a few days and then suddenly the typical appetite comes roaring back. 

An infant who is busy exploring the carpet or the new soft-book she has received may be miffed when she is put into a high chair and offered food. 

The natural slow down of growth that babies go through will influence how much they eat.  They may be ravenous for a few days or a week or two and then suddenly, they are barely eating.   Babies who are coming out of a growth spurt will tend to eat less than they were during the growth spurt.

How do I know if my baby is eating enough solid food?

As all pediatricians will tell you "Your baby will never starve himself or herself".  The majority of healthy babies will eat just the right amount of foods that they need.  Resist the urge to offer "just one more bite" when baby indicates she's finished. You do not want to accidentally override your baby's developing ability to self-regulate his or her feeding by continuing to try and feed your baby. It is important to pay close attention to your baby's cues as your baby's feeding patterns will change daily and may be affected by the goings-on around him. 

Offering a well balanced diet of solid foods will help ensure that your baby is eating the right amount of the right nutritious foods.

Here are a few things to watch for to ensure that you are not over or under feeding your baby:

Signs that baby may want to continue to eat

• Leaning in for the spoon
• Opening the mouth
• Grabbing for food and trying to put it in the mouth

Signs that your baby may be full

• Closing of the mouth as the spoon comes close
• Spitting out the food that is being fed
• Turning the head away as the spoon comes closer

A healthy well-fed baby should be producing wet diapers regularly as well as producing a bowel movement or two during the day. 

Ensure that you take your baby to the well-child visits as scheduled so that your pediatrician may weigh and measure baby to ensure that your baby has good sustained growth. 

If you are ever uncertain about the foods and the amount of solid foods you are feeding your baby, always consult your baby's pediatrician.  Your pediatrician should be able to assist you in validating your feeding routines and also help allay your fears.

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