Just as adults can be diverse, so can the personalities of babies differ. Some are happy to taste new things from the very first moment, while others are distrustful and do not crave anything other than breast milk. There are those who instinctively gobble, but also those who just nibble and take an eternity to eat... But should you worry, and when, how much should the baby eat?

Complementary feeding vs. weaning

Most people use these two terms synonymously, but they mean two completely different things. During complementary feeding (up to about the baby's first year), we offer the baby various solid foods alongside existing breastfeeding to maintain breastfeeding for as long as possible. So, before meals, we offer the baby breast milk, and then, before they are full, we offer solid bites (in the form of puree or finger foods).

 However, if the goal is to wean the baby, meaning to gradually reduce the number of breastfeeding sessions, then at the usual meal times, we first offer solid food, and only afterwards breastfeed the baby if they desire it.

Instead of Eating Disorders

Mothers want to give everything to their children, so many make typical mistakes. One of these is overfeeding the little one, that is, offering food too often or feeding them too much. This is just as harmful as starving the child!

It is very important to observe your baby's signals during breastfeeding and later during complementary feeding! Over time, you will learn when they are thirsty, when they are hungry, and within each meal, when they have had enough. It may be that one day they eat a lot, and the next day they barely nibble. Don't worry, forget the ingrained habits, the measuring, and let them stop eating when they want to!

By giving space to their signals, you help them recognize their body's messages and develop a healthy relationship with eating. If you feed them too often or stuff their tummy out of sheer worry, it is likely that later they won't know when they are hungry or won't stop eating when they are already full.

How Much Should the Baby Eat?

In the beginning, complementary feeding actually means just tasting. It is advisable to start with a mid-morning snack, and when the child has nicely acquainted themselves with the flavors and textures, replace this meal with fruits, porridges, and yogurt. Then comes the afternoon snack, followed by lunch, then breakfast, and finally dinner. The gradual replacement is necessary because this method is the least burdensome for the little one's body.

- In the initial period, when the baby is about six months old, give them food with a consistency similar to thick honey, once a day, averaging 2-4 tablespoons.

- At seven months, for meal supplementation, give 3-5 tablespoons, and for meal replacement, 120-150 ml of puree, from which they can eat as much as they like.

- At eight-nine months, most babies can already replace one or two meals, offering them 150-200 ml of food at a time! If the little one shows no interest in meals, be vigilant and introduce them to vegetables, fruits, grains, and dairy products up to three times a day!

- At ten-twelve months, most babies can replace up to three or more full meals. At this age, they consume an average of 200 ml of food, but it is important to ensure that approximately 500 ml of breast milk or formula is available to them every day!

The Most Important Basic Rule of Feeding Your Baby

If you want to be sure about feeding your baby, you don't need a compass, just listen to your baby! They know exactly what they need and will tell you through their signals.

However, if you find that your baby is rejecting both pureed and BLW complementary feeding, doesn't like the flavors, or doesn't want to switch from breast milk or formula at seven to nine months, inform the health visitor and seek advice from your family doctor!

Let meals be a shared joy, an adventure that you experience together!