Feeding · 6 min read · Updated 28 September 2026
Key points
- Only breast milk (or formula if advised) until 6 months — no water, juice or solids.
- Start solids at 6 months with small amounts and increase gradually.
- 2–3 meals a day at 6–8 months; 3–4 meals a day from 9 months, plus 1–2 snacks if needed.
- Keep breastfeeding up to 2 years or beyond.
- No honey, added salt or sugar before 1 year.
See a doctor now if you notice
- Choking, or repeated gagging with every meal
- Swelling of the lips or face, hives or vomiting after a new food
- Refusing all food and milk, or fewer wet nappies
- Weight not increasing between visits
When to start solid food
WHO and UNICEF advise only breast milk for the first 6 months, then starting safe, nutritious family foods at 6 months while breastfeeding continues up to 2 years or beyond.
Your baby is usually ready when they can sit with support, hold their head steady and show interest in food. Starting much earlier or much later than 6 months can affect growth.
Baby food chart: 6 months to 2 years
Meal numbers follow WHO guidance. Amounts are a guide only — let your baby's hunger and fullness lead, and start each new stage with a few spoonfuls.
| Age | Meals a day | Texture | Food ideas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 months | 2–3 meals, plus breastfeeds | Smooth, then thick mashed | Ragi porridge, mashed rice with dal water then dal, mashed banana, stewed apple, mashed potato or pumpkin |
| 9–11 months | 3–4 meals, plus 1–2 snacks if needed | Finely chopped and soft finger foods | Soft khichdi, idli, curd rice, mashed vegetables, well-cooked egg, soft fruit pieces |
| 12–23 months | 3–4 meals, plus 1–2 snacks if needed | Family food, cut small | Chapati with dal, rice with vegetables, curd, egg, well-cooked fish or chicken, seasonal fruit |
Tips for each meal
Small, frequent, varied meals give the best start.
- Offer iron-rich foods every day — dal, green leafy vegetables, egg, meat or fish
- Add a little ghee or oil to meals for energy
- Offer a new food for a few days before adding another
- Let your baby touch and try to feed themselves
- Wash hands and use clean utensils; serve food fresh
Foods to avoid
Some foods are not safe for babies or can crowd out better nutrition.
- Honey before 1 year
- Added salt, sugar and jaggery before 1 year
- Cow's milk as the main drink before 1 year
- Whole nuts, whole grapes and hard pieces — they can cause choking
- Packaged juices, biscuits, chips and sweet drinks
Questions parents ask
Can I start solids at 4 months?
WHO recommends only breast milk until 6 months. If you think your baby needs food earlier, speak to the doctor first.
Should my baby drink water after starting solids?
Yes. Once your baby starts solid food at 6 months, you can offer small sips of clean, boiled and cooled water with meals.
My baby refuses new foods. What should I do?
This is common. Keep offering the food calmly — babies often need many tries before they accept a new taste. Never force-feed.
How many times a day should a 1-year-old eat?
WHO guidance is 3 to 4 meals a day from 9 months to 2 years, with 1 to 2 healthy snacks if needed, alongside breastfeeding.
This guide is general health information for parents. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a visit to your child's doctor. If you are worried, call us — we are open 24 hours for emergencies.
Sources
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