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Breastmilk is an important source of nutrition at 6 months of age. However, it isn’t enough on its own. To keep up with her developing needs, you’ll need to start providing solid food to your baby, in addition to breastmilk.
Many parents make it more difficult for themselves by pressuring their children to eat the “correct” meals in the “proper” amounts. The job of a parent to a baby of such a small age, instead, is to provide sufficient balanced nutrition, which involves supplying the appropriate foods, rather than forcibly-fed food.
Even though all babies have different food habits, we’ve got all the details you’ll need to get started with nutrition for your babies at 6-12 months.
The Rold of Body Weight in Nutrition for Babies 6-12 Months Old
When we talk about nutrition for babies, an important indicator is their weight, especially when they’re 6-12 months old.
At this age, babies grow about 3 to 5 ounces per week.
Breastfed babies can gain more weight compared to formula-fed newborns over the first few months after birth. However, formula-fed babies gain more weight in the second year than breastfed infants.
When your little one turns one, they will typically weigh about three times their birth weight. To correctly track weight increase over time, weigh your baby on the same scale with the same amount of clothing on (or, better yet, unclothed!).
Which Nutrients are Included in Nutrition for Babies 6-12 Months Old?
There’s no such thing as an “insignificant” nutrient; nonetheless, some will have a greater impact on the nutrition of your babies when they are 6-12 months old. The nutrients that your growing baby requires to flourish are listed below:
- Breast Milk
- Iron
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
1. Breast Milk
Breast milk provides all of the essential nutrients in the correct quantities. It not only helps to prevent allergies, illness, and obesity but also prevents diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
Mother’s milk safeguards against infections such as ear infections. It is quickly digested and does not cause constipation, diarrhea, or stomach distress. As babies get older, they gain a healthier weight.
It has been clinically proven that on IQ tests, breastfed babies do better.
2. Iron
Iron is especially crucial for breastfed infants who receive little or no formula. This is due to the low iron content of breastfeeding. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that breastfed babies should take an iron supplement until they are introduced to iron-rich meals at 6 months.
The body absorbs iron considerably better when you combine iron-rich plant foods with vitamin C-rich foods. Add a touch of lemon to beans or citrus to chopped, sautéed leafy greens, for example.
Sources of Iron
- Beet, bok choy, collard greens, kale, spinach, swiss chard, etc.
- Beans, such as black, garbanzos, kidney, lentils, navy, pinto, etc.
- Tofu
- Iron-fortified infant cereals
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential part of a balanced diet and are especially necessary for children’s growth and development, and they’re linked to a variety of health advantages.
Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Canola and soybean oil
- Salmon and sardines
- Seaweed, nori, and kelp
- Walnuts, chia seeds, and ground flax seeds
4. Vitamin A
Vitamins benefit your kid from head to toe, ensuring optimal eye, skin, and immunological development.
Sources of Vitamin A
- Fortified whole milk
- Red bell peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables and fruits that are red and orange
- Dark green leafy vegetables like chard, collards, kale, mustard greens, and spinach
- Pickled herring
- Yogurt
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a vital component that is required for good health and overall nutrition for babies throughout life.
Sources of Vitamin C
- Broccoli
- Cantaloupe
- Grapefruit
- Kiwifruit
- Orange
- Red bell peppers
- Strawberries
- Tomato
Note: Non-prescription vitamin C supplements are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and they are not assessed for purity or safety. (For more details on this, read our blog on Vitamin C Dosage for Kids).
6. Vitamin D
The American Academy of Paediatrics states that breastfed and combination-fed (breast milk and formula) newborns should be given 400 micrograms of vitamin D supplement in the liquid state each day and starting soon after birth.
Sources of Vitamin D
- Fortified whole milk
- Fortified whole-grain cereals
- Fortified milk alternatives
- Canned light tuna
- Egg yolk
- Salmon
- Sardines
7. Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral that we all need throughout our lives, and children are no different! Zinc has been shown to help children’s immunological function, growth, cognitive development, and gut health.
Sources of Zinc
- Asparagus
- Beef
- Fortified grains
- Garbanzos
- Lamb
- Lentils
- Pumpkin
- Quinoa
- Sesame seeds
- Shrimp
- Spinach
- Tahini
- Tempeh
- Tofu
- Turkey
- Yogurt
Tips on Nutrition for Babies 6-12 Months Old
Your little one is still learning how to eat solid foods when they’re between the ages of 6 and 9 months. Naturally, the quantity of food they consume may be limited.
- In this period, feed your infant two to three meals each day, with each meal containing only 2 to 4 tablespoons. This amount varies, so always pay attention to their hunger and fullness signs and never force them to eat.
- For proper nutrition for babies, in addition to breast milk or formula, they should be ready for 3 full meals and 1 to 2 scheduled, nutritious snacks per day by 6-12 months.
- Expect meal sizes to increase to around half or one cup per meal (less for snacks). Your baby will most likely be eating three complete meals and two to three nutritious snacks per day by the time they turn one.
When you try to incorporate all the proper nutrients and feeding tips for your little one, you might have a few questions in mind. But worry not! We’ve already answered a few common questions here.
How Can You Include More Veggies and Fruits in Your Child’s Diet?
When you’re only thinking about one day, it can be difficult to make sure your child is getting all of the vitamins and minerals he or she needs for development. Instead, focus on balancing their nutrition over a week.
Prepare weekly meal plans and make sure you include vegetables and fruits in your diet to make balanced meals. You can try giving them boiled, mashed, or pureed veggies and also soft-boiled food items as snacks.
What are Some Healthy Snacks for Your Child?
Your child’s stomach is so small, and they can’t eat a lot at once. As a result, snacking becomes a great way for children to receive more of the nutrition they require. Rather than teaching kids that snacks are an encouragement to eat junk food, teach them to “eat the rainbow” by providing a variety of vegetables and fruits. Protein, whole grains, and produce should all be included.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 recommend that children under the age of two have no added sugar. Always look for no added salt or sugar on the nutrition label when purchasing packaged foods.
What is Responsive Feeding?
Responsive feeding means paying attention to your baby’s appetite and fullness indications.
But Why is It Important?
This practice aids in the development of future good eating habits in your child. It also enables kids to learn to recognize their own hunger cues and self-regulate their eating habits, consuming only as much food as their bodies require each day.
Final Words
The nutritional requirements of your little ones are ever-changing! It takes time to adjust to solid foods. Remember that your infant is discovering and learning new ways to use their mouth, tongue, and throat, so there’s no rush!
Nutrition Guide for Babies 6-12 Months: Weight, Nutrients, & Other Tips FAQs
1. What nutrients does a 12-month-old need?
2. When can my baby have solid food?
3. What is the importance of mother’s milk?
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Reviewed By:
Jessica - Nutritionist Dietician
Jessica is the owner and registered dietitian nutritionist at Nutrition That Heals, LLC. She started her dietetics career working in acute care where she gained a great deal of invaluable experience, learning all about different disease states and their appropriate nutrition interventions. She then worked in long term care where she was able to develop her skills and knowledge base dealing with the elderly population. Following long term care, she worked as an outpatient dialysis dietitian, working with patients to help them eat their best for their kidney failure and often other health conditions (diabetes, heart disease, etc.). She then made the jump back to be an inpatient clinical dietitian. There, she was able to work with patients with strokes, cancer, orthopedic issues, as well as the pediatric population. During her most recent time working as an inpatient clinical dietitian, a great opportunity presented itself and it was a great way to move into focusing more on her dream of opening a private practice. She currently works full time as a contract dietitian with Dietitians on Demand conducting 1:1 nutrition counseling sessions while also working with patients here at Nutrition That Heals, LLC. She has been grateful enough to know how powerful good nutrition can be, but after being diagnosed with endometriosis in March 2022, she had to fully focus on the importance of anti-inflammatory foods, proper hydration, and self-care. This diagnosis motivated her to put pen to paper and get her business started - she wanted to teach what she had learned to others - food should be nourishing. Jessica wants to show you how you can heal with good nutrition, and feel your absolute best!
