6-12 Month Feeding Schedule

Published at .
Expert Reviewed

Taking Cara Babies is committed to providing you with the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. All of our resources are based on current peer-reviewed research, clinical experience, and feedback from the Taking Cara Babies community. All resources are regularly reviewed and updated by myself and my team of experts. You can read more about our editorial review process here.

A headshot of Cara Dumaplin

Article by:

Cara Dumaplin

RN, BSN, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant

6-12 Month Feeding Schedule

Just so you know, I do review everything I recommend. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. Learn more about affiliate links

If you’re in the 6-12 month age range, you might be wondering how adding solids into your routine impacts feedings throughout the day. Let’s discuss your 6-12 month old feedings, including sample feeding schedules, how often they should eat, and more.

What is a sample feeding schedule for a 6-12 month old? 

Schedules for a 6-12 month old depend on being responsive to each baby’s individual needs. Your days will vary depending on your little one’s wake time, nap lengths, and wake windows. Here are sample schedules to help you see how a day might play out with babies who are 6-12 months. Chart: 6 Month Sample Feeding Schedule (3 Naps). Full details in table below
6 Month Sample Feeding Schedule (3 Naps)
Time Activity
6:30 am Wake
6:40 am Feed (breast/bottle)
7:30 am Solids
8:45 - 10:00 am Nap 1
10:05 am Feeding (breast/bottle)
11:00 am Solids
12:30 - 1:30 pm Nap 2
1:35 pm Feeding (breast/bottle)
4:00 - 4:45 pm Nap 3
4:45 pm Feeding (breast/bottle)
7:15 pm Feed (breast/bottle)
7:45 pm Bedtime
Chart: 7 Month Sample Feeding Schedule (2 Naps). Full details in table below
7 Month Sample Feeding Schedule (2 Naps)
Time Activity
6:30 am Wake
6:40 am Feed (breast/bottle)
8:00 am Solids
9:00 am Feed (breast/bottle)
9:15 - 10:30 am Nap 1
12:00 pm Feed (breast/bottle)
12:45 pm Solids
1:30 - 3:30 pm Nap 2
3:30 pm Feed (breast/bottle)
5:00 pm Solids
6:30 pm Feed (breast/bottle)
6:45 pm Bedtime
Chart: 8 Month Sample Feeding Schedule. Full details in table below
8 Month Sample Feeding Schedule
Time Activity
6:50 am Wake
7:00 am Feed (breast/bottle)
9:30 am Feed (breast/bottle)
9:40 - 11:15 am Nap 1
12:30 pm Feed (breast/bottle)
1:00 pm Solids
2:15 - 4:00 pm Nap 2
4:00 pm Feed (breast/bottle)
5:30 pm Solids
7:00 pm Feed (breast/bottle)
7:30 pm Bedtime
Chart: 9 Month Sample Feeding Schedule. Full details in table below
9 Month Sample Feeding Schedule
Time Activity
6:30 am Wake
6:40 am Feed (breast/bottle)
7:20 am Breakfast (solids)
9:10 am Feeding (breast/bottle)
9:20-11:20 am Nap 1
12:10 pm Feeding (breast/bottle)
12:40 pm Lunch (solids)
2:20 - 3:30 pm Nap 2
3:40 pm Feeding (breast/bottle)
5:00 pm Dinner (solids)
6:40 pm Feeding (breast/bottle)
7:00 pm Bedtime
Chart: 10 Month Sample Feeding Schedule. Full details in table below
10 Month Sample Feeding Schedule
Time Activity
7:00 am Wake
7:10 am Feeding (breast/bottle)
8:00 am Breakfast (solids)
9:50 am Feeding (breast/bottle)
10:00-11:30 am Nap 1
12:50 pm Feeding (breast/bottle)
1:30 pm Lunch (solids)
2:30 - 4:00 pm Nap 2
4:00 pm Feeding (breast/bottle)
5:00 pm Dinner (solids)
6:45 pm Feeding (breast/bottle)
7:30 pm Bedtime
Chart: 11 Month Sample Feeding Schedule. Full details in table below
11 Month Sample Feeding Schedule
Time Activity
6:00 am Wake
6:05 am Feeding (breast/bottle)
7:00 am Breakfast (solids)
8:55 am Feeding (breast/bottle)
9:05-10:35 am Nap 1
12:00 pm Feeding (breast/bottle)
1:00 pm Lunch (solids)
1:50 - 3:20 pm Nap 2
3:30 pm Feeding (breast/bottle)
5:00 pm Dinner (solids)
6:40 pm Feeding (breast/bottle)
7:00 pm Bedtime

How much formula for a 6-12 month old? 

While every baby’s needs are different, the AAP states that “on average, your baby should take in about 2½ ounces of infant formula a day for every pound of body weight.”(1) Most formula-fed babies do well with feedings that are 6-8 ounces each. Please know that we are always responsive to each baby’s individual hunger and fullness cues. Your little one may not eat the same number of ounces for each feedings (or nurse for the same amount of time). If you have any concerns about your baby’s intake, please reach out to your pediatrician.

How much solid food should a 6-12 month old eat?

When starting solid foods, I recommend consulting your pediatrician. Breast and bottle feeding are the main source of calories for your baby during the first year. As you expose your baby to solids, it should never replace bottle feeding or breastfeeding. If your baby is experiencing sleep problems after starting solids, make sure daily caloric needs are met with breast milk or formula since night wakings will happen if day calories are insufficient.But this doesn’t mean you have to limit your baby’s solids. Here are a few guidelines to help:
  • Avoid rigid feeding schedules.
  • Offer the breast or bottle every 2.5-3.5 hours during the day according to your baby’s hunger cues.
  • Offer solids 30-90 minutes after breast or bottle feedings.

When can I start solids or baby-led weaning? 

Starting solids or baby-led weaning depends on your little one’s readiness to eat solid foods. The AAP recommends waiting until your baby is around 6 months old to introduce solid foods.(2) However, please know that your baby's readiness is more about their development than their age, such as(3):
  • Does your baby have strong neck and head control?
  • Can your baby sit upright without the support of an adult?
  • Has your baby doubled their birth weight?
  • Does your baby open their mouth when food moves toward them?

Should my 6-12 month old have a night feeding?

Many (and maybe even most) babies can sleep 10-12 hours through the night without a feeding at this age, but some babies do best maintaining one.Whether you're looking to wean night feedings or want to continue night feedings but establish great sleep, The 5–24 Month Collection can help. My gentle and gradual approach will help you reach your sleep goals for your seven month old.If you’re curious about your 6-12 month old’s development or sleep schedule, be sure to check out my sleep schedule series.

References

Sources
  1. Healthy Children, American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Amount and Schedule of Baby Formula Feedings
  2. Healthy Children, American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Baby-Led Weaning: Is It Safe?
  3. Healthy Children, American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018) Bite-Sized Milestones: Signs of Solid Food Readiness

Keep in mind that the information and content on this blog is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. If you have questions about your child, please reach out to your doctor.

Are you ready to have a great little sleeper?

If you're overwhelmed, exhausted, or just not sure where to start. I was there too. Let me show you everything you need to confidently handle sleep so your whole family can thrive!

Select your child's age to get started: