Feeding Your Baby (6 to 12 Months)
UW Health's Pediatric Nutrition program in Madison, Wisconsin, features registered dietitians to educate and counsel children and parents and equip them with the tools they need for a healthier lifestyle.
As your baby grows it is important to continue to introduce a variety of tastes, colors and textures. Be sure to match the food’s texture to the baby’s developmental age.
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Developmental Age
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Texture
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6 to 7 months
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Pureed, smooth and mashed foods
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8 to 9 months
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Grated, minced, diced or chopped Foods
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10 to 12 months
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Soft, finely-chopped foods, or foods that soften in the mouth like cereal or unsalted, whole grain crackers
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To be sure your baby is getting all of the recommended energy, vitamins and minerals from what they eat, be sure to include 3 to 4 food groups at every meal.
| Food Group | 6 to 8 Months | 8 to 10 Months | 10 to 12 Months |
| Grains | 4 Tablespoons | 1/3 cup | 1/3 cup |
| Fruit | 4 Tablespoons | ½ cup | 1 cup |
| Vegetable | 4 Tablespoons | 1/3 cup | 2/3 cup |
| Meat and beans | 1 Tablespoon | 1 to 2 Tablespoons | 2 to 4 Tablespoons |
| Breast milk or formula | 24-32 ounces | 24-32 ounces | 20-32 ounces |
Iron-rich Foods
Protect your child from iron-deficiency anemia by providing iron-rich foods. Remember, if you are serving a plant-source of iron, try to also include a food high in vitamin C.
Vitamins and Minerals: Iron in Your Diet
Foods High in Iron from Animals
- Beef
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Fish
Foods High in Iron from Plants
- Breakfast cereals enriched with iron
- Cooked kidney beans, peas and lentils
- Tofu
- Potato
- Broccoli
- Spinach
Foods High in Vitamin C
- Bell peppers
- Dark, leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale)
- Kiwi
- Broccoli
- Berries
- Citrus fruit (oranges)
- Tomatoes
- Green peas