How to Tell If Baby Is Eating Enough Solids

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There is a wide range of “normal” portion sizes for babies as they are starting solids. Our licensed pediatric team explains how much to offer and how to know if baby is getting enough.

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Portion Size Guide for Babies

At first, a solid food meal for baby can look like a couple of pieces of food from your bowl or plate. Here are general guidelines we use for babies 6 to 12 months of age:

There is no need to track how much solid food is consumed or stress over the nutrients. Breast milk and formula provide the majority of nutrition while baby learns how to bite, chew, and eat solid food. This transition takes lots of practice and time, and it is normal for baby to not consume much (if any!) solid food as they figure out how it works. 

For many babies, the amount of solid food consumed tends to pick up around 9 months of age. With time and lots of opportunities to explore, babies eventually learn that solid foods can be swallowed, and this can make them feel full and happy. 

Remember: what feels like “a lot” or “a little” can actually be just the right amount for baby. Trust that baby knows when they want more and when they have had enough, and you are capable of understanding their signs. 

Signs of Hunger and Fullness

Signs of hunger may look like:

When babies have learned the skills to eat more solid food, signs of hunger might look like:

Signs of fullness can look like:

How do I know my baby is eating enough?

Babies are able to regulate their appetite, and you can tell if they are hungry or full by interpreting their signs. In general, baby is getting enough to eat if they are:  

Is baby eating enough solids?

Babies continue to eat around the same volume of breast milk or formula for the first few months of starting solids because they are building skills to bite and chew a variety of foods. As they are able to gradually consume more solid food, they may begin to consume less breast milk or formula. As long as baby is steadily growing and developing, trust that they are eating enough to thrive.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough iron?

As long as baby is steadily growing and developing, energetic, and showing normal levels on blood tests, they are likely getting enough iron. In the first six months of life, baby’s iron needs are met by using iron stores they are born with, small amounts of iron in breast milk, iron in formula, and in some cases, iron supplements. As they start solids, iron needs are met by a combination of breast milk, formula, and solid foods. At first, babies may not consume much (or any) solid food because they are learning how to bite and chew, but don’t be discouraged. Keep offering a variety of solid food, including iron-rich solid food like beans and meat, and with practice and time, most babies build the skills to fill the belly with solid food. For more information, see 25 Iron-Rich Foods for Babies & Toddlers. 

Written By

V. Kalami, MNSP, RD, CSP. Board-Certified Pediatric Dietitian and Nutritionist

K. Grenawitzke, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC, CNT. Pediatric Feeding & Swallowing Specialist

R. Ruiz, MD, FAAP, CLC. Pediatrician & Pediatric Gastroenterologist