From that very first taste of mashed banana to the proud moment your little one starts eating alongside the rest of the family, introducing solids is a journey filled with milestones and a few messes along the way. It’s a time of discovery, not just for your baby, but for you as a parent too.
As exciting as it is, the transition from milk to solid foods can also feel a bit overwhelming. Babies grow so quickly, and their nutritional needs change month by month. That’s why having a reliable feeding schedule for babies 6–18 months can make such a difference. It helps take the guesswork out of what and when to feed, offering structure and peace of mind for parents and consistency for your little one.
A thoughtful feeding routine supports more than just healthy eating habits. It builds confidence, encourages independence, and sets the tone for stress-free mealtimes as your child grows. Whether you're starting with soft purees or introducing more textured foods, this guide walks you through what to expect at each stage.
Whether you're a first-time parent or looking for gentle guidance as your baby grows, our feeding schedule for babies 6–18 months is designed to meet both your baby’s needs and your family’s rhythm making mealtimes a little smoother and a lot more joyful.
Why a Feeding Schedule for Babies Matters
Between 6 and 18 months, babies go through some of the biggest changes in their little lives. They're learning to sit, crawl, stand, talk, and express themselves in new ways. It’s a beautiful (and sometimes chaotic) stage of rapid growth, both physically and emotionally.
Having a regular feeding routine during this time can really help. It encourages healthy eating habits and gently teaches your baby what to expect during mealtimes. A predictable schedule can also make naps and nighttime sleep more consistent which is a win for both baby and parent.
When meals happen around the same time each day, it reduces stress and creates a sense of calm. Your little one feels more secure and confident, knowing what’s coming next. Plus, it ensures they’re getting the nutrients they need to support all this exciting development.
Of course, every baby is different, and it’s important to stay flexible. Some days they’ll be hungrier than others, and that’s okay. But having a rhythm to your day, even a loose one can make feeding feel less like a struggle and more like a shared routine you both enjoy.
Before You Begin: A Few Things Every Parent Should Know
Before jumping into a set feeding schedule, it helps to keep a few important things in mind. These basics can make the journey smoother for both you and your baby.
1. Milk Comes First (Until Their First Birthday)
Even once you start solids, breast milk or formula will still be your baby’s main source of nourishment for the first year. Think of solids as a little extra a way to explore textures and tastes, not a replacement for milk just yet.
2. Wait for the Right Signs
Most little ones are ready for solids around 6 months, but every baby is different. Watch for cues like:
- Sitting up with a little support
- Reaching out or showing interest when you're eating
- Opening their mouth when food comes near
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Losing the tongue-thrust reflex (not automatically pushing food out)
These are all signs that your baby might be ready to give solid food a try.
3. Take It Slow and Simple
Start with one-ingredient foods like mashed banana, pureed carrot, or rice cereal. Introduce one new food at a time and give it 3–5 days before adding another this way, you can spot any signs of allergies early on.
4. Let Your Baby Lead the Way
Pay attention to your baby’s cues. If they turn away, close their mouth, or seem distracted, it’s probably time to stop. Feeding shouldn’t feel like a battle. Trust your baby to know when they’ve had enough. No need for games or screens; just create a calm and happy mealtime atmosphere.
Month-by-Month Feeding Schedule for Babies 6–18 Months
Between 6 and 18 months, your baby’s feeding needs change rapidly as they grow, explore textures, and gradually shift from milk to family foods. A month-by-month feeding schedule helps establish a healthy routine while allowing flexibility based on your baby’s hunger cues and developmental pace.
6 to 8 Months: Exploring First Flavors
This is such a fun and important phase your baby is just starting to explore the world of solid foods! From new flavors to squishy textures, it’s all about discovery right now. Remember, though, milk (breast or formula) is still their main source of nutrition, so solids are just a gentle introduction.
As part of the feeding schedule for babies 6–18 months, this early stage focuses more on taste exploration than filling up. Keep it light, playful, and responsive to your baby’s cues.
What Feeding Should Look Like Right Now
- Milk Feeds: Around 4 to 5 times daily
- Solids: 1 or 2 small meals per day
- Textures: Smooth and soft purees, mashed fruits, and gentle cereals
Good First Foods to Try
- Iron-fortified baby cereal
- Pureed veggies like pumpkin, carrot, or peas
- Mashed fruits like banana, pear, or apple
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Moong dal water or gentle lentil soup
These are all mild, nutrient-rich options that are easy on tiny tummies.
Sample Feeding Schedule
Here’s a simple routine to help guide you, though every baby is different and some days might look different than others:
- 7:00 AM – Milk feed
- 9:00 AM – Breakfast (e.g., mashed banana)
- 12:00 PM – Milk feed
- 2:00 PM – Lunch (e.g., pureed sweet potato or lentil soup)
- 5:00 PM – Milk feed
-
8:00 PM – Final milk feed before bed
This rhythm provides a soft structure in line with the broader feeding schedule for babies 6–18 months, making it easier for both you and your little one to settle into a comfortable routine.
9 to 12 Months: Developing Mealtime Routines
Your baby now begins to understand mealtime patterns and may prefer feeding themselves with fingers. Textures can become thicker, and new food groups are introduced.
What Feeding Should Look Like Right Now
- Milk Feeds: 3–4 times daily
- Solids: 3 meals + 1–2 small snacks
-
Texture: Mashed, soft chunks, well-cooked finger foods
Ideal Foods:
- Cooked and mashed rice with ghee or lentils
- Scrambled egg yolk (if no allergy risk)
- Steamed veggie sticks
- Soft fruit pieces
- Homemade khichdi or suji upma
Sample Schedule:
-
7:00 AM – Milk feed
-
8:30 AM – Breakfast (mashed oats with fruit)
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11:00 AM – Milk feed
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12:30 PM – Lunch (dal rice + veggie mash)
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3:30 PM – Snack (boiled potato fingers + water)
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6:00 PM – Dinner (suji halwa or porridge)
13 to 15 Months: Mealtime Independence Begins
This stage is a big leap. Your baby is slowly becoming a toddler and beginning to eat like the rest of the family. Meals now become a shared experience, where little ones sit at the table, try familiar dishes, and build lifelong food habits.
While they still need soft, easy-to-chew foods, most babies at this age enjoy feeding themselves sometimes with their hands, sometimes with a spoon, and almost always with enthusiasm (and a bit of a mess!).
What Feeding Should Look Like Right Now
- Milk: Whole milk (or continued breastfeeding), around 2 to 3 small cups a day
- Meals: 3 main meals + 2 snacks
-
Textures: Soft, mashed, chopped, or grated versions of regular family food
At this point in the Feeding Schedule for Babies 6–18 Months, your child is ready for a predictable meal rhythm with more variety and a chance to explore food independently.
Great Foods for This Age
- Paneer cubes or soft roti pieces soaked in milk or dal
- Idli or dosa broken into small, soft bites
- Ripe fruit slices like banana or steamed apple
- Cooked lentils or soft rajma/chickpeas
-
Well-cooked pasta, noodles, or soft rice with veggies
Using tools like the essential feeding set can make this transition easier; it includes toddler-friendly utensils and a silicone bib that helps catch spills while encouraging self-feeding.
Sample Daily Schedule
Here's a gentle routine to follow always flexible depending on naps and hunger cues:
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast: Vegetable upma + milk
- 10:30 AM – Snack: Paneer + cucumber slices
- 1:00 PM – Lunch: Dal khichdi with mashed carrot
- 4:00 PM – Snack: Banana + small milk cup
- 6:30 PM – Dinner: Roti mashed with soft veggies
- 8:00 PM – Optional bedtime milk feed
16 to 18 Months: Independent Eaters in Action
At this stage, your toddler is full of personality and opinions especially when it comes to food. They want to eat on their own, try what you're eating, and make a mess while doing it. Mealtimes might be a little chaotic, but they’re also a great chance to encourage confidence and healthy eating habits.
This is also when many toddlers become more vocal about what they like (and don’t like!). It’s completely normal to just keep offering a variety of wholesome foods and let them explore at their own pace.
What Feeding Looks Like Now
- Milk: Around 2 cups per day plain, in porridge, or blended into smoothies
- Meals: 3 solid meals and 2 snacks throughout the day
-
Texture: Regular family foods, served in soft, bite-sized portions they can manage easily
At this age, your little one is moving into the final phase of the Feeding Schedule for Babies 6–18 Months, gradually aligning with the rest of the family’s routine just in toddler-sized portions.
Easy, Toddler-Friendly Foods to Offer
- Lightly cooked, chopped vegetables
- Paratha rolls with soft fillings
- Poha with peas or soft veggies
- Mini veggie sandwiches
- Homemade cutlets or pancakes
- Fruit pieces or small fruit salad
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Smoothies made with milk, banana, or nut butters (if introduced safely)
These options are not only tasty but also help build those fine motor skills as your toddler learns to self-feed confidently.
Sample Feeding Schedule
Here’s a simple, flexible plan you can adjust based on your toddler’s routine and appetite:
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast: Poha with peas + milk
- 10:30 AM – Snack: Mixed fruit cubes or salad
- 1:00 PM – Lunch: Soft roti with paneer and dal
- 4:00 PM – Snack: Boiled sweet corn or a small smoothie
- 6:30 PM – Dinner: A toddler-friendly portion of the family meal
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8:00 PM – Optional: Small cup of milk before bedtime
This stage is all about supporting independence while keeping food fun, varied, and nourishing. Don't stress about the mess, it's all part of the learning!
Signs Your Baby’s Feeding Routine Is Working
Look out for these signs to ensure your schedule is on track:
- Consistent weight gain
- Regular bowel movements
- Eating a variety of food groups
- Alert and active behavior
- Gradual decline in milk intake after 12 months
Tips for Feeding Success
- Allow your baby to self-feed when ready. It's messy but builds independence.
- Stick to mealtime routines to create predictability.
- Avoid distractions like screens during meals.
- Offer small portions and let the baby ask for more.
- Model healthy eating your baby watches everything!
When to Seek Guidance from Your Pediatrician
Consult a healthcare provider if your baby shows:
- Persistent food refusal
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- Slow weight gain or weight loss
- Signs of allergies (rashes, vomiting, diarrhea)
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Meal
Feeding your baby between 6 and 18 months is about so much more than what's on the plate. It's about building trust, creating joyful routines, and helping your little one feel secure at the table. With every spoonful, finger grab, or playful mess, your baby is learning not just how to eat, but how to be part of family life.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some days they’ll eat everything, and other days they’ll just nibble and that’s okay. Follow their cues, stay flexible, and trust the process. What matters most is the love, patience, and connection you bring to each mealtime.
So whether it’s a soft spoon of dal or a tiny bite of your paratha, celebrate these small wins. They’re not just eating, they're growing in every way.
FAQs
1. When can I reduce milk feeds for my baby?
After your baby turns 12 months, you can begin reducing milk feeds gradually. At this stage, most toddlers drink about 2 cups (480ml) of whole milk per day and get the rest of their nutrients from solid foods.
2. What foods should I avoid for babies under 1 year?
Avoid honey, cow’s milk as a main drink, added salt, sugar, whole nuts, and choking hazards like raw carrots, popcorn, or grapes. Introduce allergens like peanuts or eggs carefully and in age-appropriate forms.
3. What if my baby refuses to eat?
Food refusal is common and can be due to teething, illness, or just a preference. Avoid pressuring your baby. Keep offering a variety of healthy options and maintain a consistent routine.
4. How important is the timing of meals for babies?
Having a general mealtime routine helps regulate digestion, sleep, and hunger cues. While the exact time may vary, keeping consistent intervals between meals and snacks is beneficial.
5. How do I balance milk and solid foods during the transition?
Start by offering solids 30–60 minutes after a milk feed so your baby is not too hungry or too full. As they grow, shift solids to become the main source of nutrition and reduce milk feeds gradually after 12 months.
6. What if my baby wants milk more than solids?
It’s normal, especially before 12 months. If they consistently refuse solids, try adjusting timing, offering a variety of textures, and letting them self-feed. Consult your pediatrician if refusal persists beyond 10–11 months.
7. How do I introduce new foods without overwhelming my baby?
Introduce one new food every 2–3 days and pair it with a familiar favorite. Keep portions small, and don’t force your baby to eat it. Repetition and exposure are key.