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Diets for 8-Month-Olds

At 8 months, your baby may be starting to get around and is becoming aware of her environment. She may be strong enough to pull herself up to a standing position while holding onto something. It is also at this age that babies sleep an average of 13 to 14 hours a day, including one nap in the morning and another in the afternoon. It is important at this stage is to understand what kind of diet is suitable for your baby.

  1. Before 8 Months

    • By the time the baby is 8 months, she will have been introduced to a variety of cereals, strained fruits and vegetables. At this age, fruits and vegetables must be introduced to the baby one at a time, with a waiting period of two to three days in between, to observe any allergic reactions. The best vegetables to start with include green peas, potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, beans and beets. Plain fruits such as as bananas, applesauce, apricots, pears, peaches and melon are recommended. Vegetables and fruits should be given in 2 to 3 tbsp. servings four times a day, up until 8 months.

    Formula or Breast Milk

    • When the baby is 8 months old, he is still taking 24 to 32 oz. formula or breast milk every day. If his chewing skills have been developed, he can start eating finger foods, such as bananas, toast, pasta and cereal. You have to cut the food into bite-sized pieces for the baby to eat properly. While eating solid foods, he still needs breast milk or formula until the age of 1 year, when cow's milk can be introduced. Breast milk or formula should be offered three to four times a day when the baby is 8 months old.

    Meat, Fruits and Vegetables

    • Breast milk is not a rich source of iron, but infants have enough stored in their bodies until the age of 8 months. That is why a baby should be introduced to strained or finely chopped meat as a source of iron. Introduce solid foods slowly, between three and four servings per week. Serving sizes of fruits and vegetables should increase when the baby is 8 months, up to 4 tbsp. four times a day. Eggs may also be introduced, three to four times a week. The baby can only eat the yolk at this stage, until the age of 1.

    Choking Hazards and Milk

    • When you introduce the baby to fruits and vegetables, avoid serving any items that she could choke on, such as hot dogs, uncooked carrots, popcorn and raisins. By the age of 1, most children are beginning to wean from the bottle. But until your baby is a year old, do not give her whole milk. The baby can, however, eat cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt in small amounts.

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