Baby Food Chart
Free month-by-month baby food chart from 6 months to 2 years — first foods, textures, portions and meals per day, plus a 7-day plan for your baby’s age.
When should babies start solid food?
The World Health Organization recommends only breast milk (or formula) for the first 6 months — no water, juice or solids. Start solids at around 6 months, when your baby can sit with support, holds their head steady and shows interest in food. Breast milk or formula stays the main drink until 1 year.
Baby food chart by age
| Age | Texture | Meals per day | Amount per meal | Food ideas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | Smooth purées, thin porridge | 1–2 | 2–3 tablespoons | Rice kanji, moong dal water, mashed banana, apple or pumpkin purée, ragi porridge |
| 7–8 months | Mashed, soft lumps | 2–3 | Up to ½ cup (125 ml) | Dal-rice khichdi with ghee, curd, soft paneer, egg, oats with fruit |
| 9–11 months | Finely chopped, soft finger foods | 3–4 + 1–2 snacks | ½ cup (125 ml) | Soft chapati in dal, idli, dosa pieces, steamed vegetable sticks, fish flakes |
| 12–24 months | Family food, cut small | 3–4 + 1–2 snacks | ¾–1 cup (180–250 ml) | Roti-dal-sabzi, khichdi, poha, egg bhurji, fruit bowls |
Pick your baby’s age in the generator above to get a 7-day plan with the right texture and number of meals.
Tips for starting solids
- Offer one new food every 3 days so you can spot any reaction.
- Include iron-rich foods daily from 6 months — ragi, dal, egg yolk, meat or fortified cereal.
- Common allergens such as egg and smooth peanut paste can be introduced from about 6 months; ask your paediatrician first if your baby has severe eczema or a known allergy.
- Let your baby decide how much to eat, and always sit with them while they eat.
Foods to avoid before 1 year
- Honey (risk of infant botulism)
- Added salt and sugar
- Cow’s milk as a main drink (small amounts in cooking are fine)
- Whole nuts, whole grapes, popcorn and other choking hazards
- Juices, tea and packaged baby snacks
Frequently asked questions
What is the first food for a 6 month old baby?
Good first foods are thin rice kanji, moong dal water, mashed banana, and smooth apple, pear or pumpkin purée. Start with 1–2 teaspoons once a day and build up.
How many times a day should an 8 month old eat?
At 7–8 months, offer 2–3 meals a day of mashed food plus breast milk or formula on demand. From 9 months, move to 3–4 meals and 1–2 snacks.
Can I give my baby cow’s milk?
Not as a main drink before 12 months. Small amounts in porridge or curd are fine from 6 months. After 1 year, full-fat milk can be a drink.
Can babies eat eggs?
Yes. Well-cooked egg can be introduced from about 6 months as mashed yolk or soft scrambled egg. Watch for any reaction the first few times.
Sources: WHO: Infant and young child feeding · NHS: Your baby’s first solid foods · CDC: Foods and drinks to avoid
Reviewed for accuracy against the sources above. This page is general information, not medical advice — talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about your own needs.