If you’re starting solids, the biggest question is not what to feed, but how much.
Too little and you’re worried. Too much and baby spits up.
After reading AAP guidelines and talking to moms in our community, I made this simple portion chart by age. You can print it and stick it on your fridge.
Important: Every baby is different. This is a general guide based on average needs. Always follow your baby’s hunger cues and check with your pediatrician.
Baby Food Portion Size Chart (0-12 Months)
Baby Age
How Much Per Meal
How Many Meals Per Day
Texture to Offer
Sample Meal
0-4 Months
Only breastmilk/formula (no solids)
8-12 feeds
Liquid only
Breastmilk
4-6 Months
1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml)
1 meal
Thin puree
Rice cereal + breastmilk
6-8 Months
2-4 tablespoons (30-60ml)
2 meals
Thick puree / mashed
Mashed banana + oatmeal
8-10 Months
4-6 tablespoons (60-90ml)
3 meals
Mashed / soft chopped
Soft khichdi, mashed dal
10-12 Months
1/4 to 1/2 cup (60-120ml)
3 meals + 1-2 snacks
Chopped / finger foods
Small roti pieces, soft veggies
How to Know Baby is Full? (Hunger Cues)
Baby is hungry if:
Opens mouth when spoon comes
Leans forward to food
Gets excited seeing food
Baby is full if:
Turns head away
Pushes spoon away
Starts playing with food
Closes mouth tightly
Never force-feed. Stop when baby shows fullness.
How Many Times to Feed by Age?
4-6 months: Start with 1 time a day, preferably lunch time
6-8 months: 2 times – lunch and dinner
9-12 months: 3 main meals + 1-2 small snacks like banana or puff
Breastmilk or formula is still the main nutrition until 12 months.
Free Printable: Stick on Your Fridge
I made a free printable version of this chart.
[Download Free Printable Portion Chart PDF]
(You can add your printable link here from your “FREE Printable First Foods” page)
Final Tip for Parents
Start small. 1-2 spoons is enough for first week. Your baby’s stomach is the size of their fist.
If baby eats less one day, it’s okay. Appetite changes daily, just like ours.