It can be tricky to know how much food your 12-18 month old baby needs, but paying attention to cues can help
Feeding a growing baby can be a bit of a balancing act. You want to make sure your little one is getting enough to eat, but you also don’t want to overfeed them. As your baby reaches the age of 12-18 months, their dietary needs continue to change, and it can be tricky to know how much food they need. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how to tell if you’re feeding your 12-18 month old baby too much food, and what you can do to ensure they’re getting the right amount.
Also see how often to feed a newborn baby.
How to feed a growing baby
First, it’s important to understand that every baby is different and will have different needs. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure your baby is getting the right amount of food.
For solids:
- At 12-18 months old, your baby should be eating 3 meals a day, with 2-3 snacks in between.
- Offer your baby a variety of foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and healthy fats.
- Pay attention to your baby’s cues. If they’re turning their head away or closing their mouth, they’re probably full.
- Don’t force your baby to finish a meal if they’re not interested.
For milk:
- Your baby should be getting about 16-24 ounces of milk per day.
- If you’re breastfeeding, your baby will probably nurse less often as they start to eat more solid foods.
- If you’re formula-feeding, you can gradually decrease the amount of formula you’re giving your baby as they start to eat more solid foods.
It’s also important to keep in mind that your baby’s appetite will change from day to day, and that’s normal. Some days they may eat more, and other days they may eat less. As long as your baby is growing and developing well, and is meeting their milestones, there’s no need to worry.
Feed a growing baby, remember not to overfeed
However, if you’re noticing that your baby is consistently overfeeding, or if they’re showing signs of being overweight, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician. They can help you develop a plan to ensure your baby is getting the right amount of food.
In addition, if your baby is showing signs of discomfort such as spitting up, having pain, or problems with bowel movements, it could be a sign that they are not getting the right amount of food. Consulting with a pediatrician is highly recommended in this case.
In conclusion, it can be tricky to know how much food your 12-18 month old baby needs. However, by following general guidelines for solids and milk intake, and by paying attention to your baby’s cues, you can ensure they’re getting the right amount of food. If you’re concerned about your baby’s growth or development, or if you notice signs of overfeeding or discomfort, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician for personalized advice.
