8-Month-Old Feeding Schedule: 3 Examples To Follow

Introducing safe solid foods to your baby’s diet, on top of breastfeeding or formula feeding, can feel like a never-ending task. We get it — it’s a lot! But don’t worry, we’ve been there too, and we’re here to help you navigate this phase like a pro.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about feeding your 8-month-old baby, including sample schedules and best practices for success.

Balancing Nutrients and Setting the Stage for Healthy Eating Habits

At 8 months, your baby is still getting most of their essential nutrients from infant formula or breast milk, but, if you haven’t already, now’s the perfect time to start introducing a variety of healthy foods. This is where those lifelong healthy eating habits begin to take shape as they slowly transition away from the bottle or breastfeeding.

Every family finds their own feeding groove, but you might aim for a bottle or nursing session around breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime, with solids mixed in at regular meals and snack times. And don’t stress about exact timing — some little ones might be ready for lunch at 11 a.m., while others hold out until 12:30 p.m. It’s all about what works best for you and your baby. 

Your Baby’s Growth at 8 Months

Once your baby reaches 8 months, they’ve likely moved beyond just strained or puréed foods and are beginning to experiment with finger-feeding soft, mashed, age-appropriate foods. At this stage, they’re getting a nice balance of solid foods along with breast milk or infant formula. And while every baby is different, most 8-month-olds weigh somewhere between about 16 and 23 pounds.

Fingers crossed, your little one might be sleeping through the night by now (or getting close!), giving you a much-needed break from the round-the-clock feedings of the early months. Plus, they’re likely hitting some big baby milestones, like sitting without support, rolling over, crawling or scooting. This might even include pulling up, standing, or cruising along furniture.

You might also notice your baby getting a bit clingy around new people or crying when you leave. Welcome to the start of separation anxiety — it’s totally normal! And don’t worry, it doesn’t last forever. Separation anxiety usually peaks between 10 to 18 months, so hang in there. 

How Often Should I Feed My 8-Month-Old?

Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, by the time babies hit 8 to 12 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends including solid foods in the diet. For an 8-month-old, an infant feeding routine may include two to three meals spaced throughout the day.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, little ones this age need about 750-900 calories a day. At least half of that (roughly 400-500 calories) should still come from breast milk or infant formula. That’s around 24 ounces, or four 6-ounce bottles, spread out across the day.

Here’s an example of what an average meal for an 8-month-old might include:

• 2-4 oz of pureed, mashed or diced fruits or vegetables
• 2-4 oz of yogurt or cottage cheese
• 2-4 oz diced poultry, meat or tofu
• 4-6 oz of breast milk or infant formula

3 Sample Meal Plans for Your 8 Month Old

A feeding schedule for an 8-month-old can vary, but we’ve got three examples that worked well for us and our friends. It can also help to offer solids before breastfeeding or bottle feeding so your baby is more eager to try them before filling up on breast milk or infant formula.

Meal Plan 1 

Breakfast: 

• Breast milk or 6 oz infant formula
• 1 scrambled egg
• ¼-½ cup mashed banana 

Morning Snack:

• 2-4 oz pureed or diced broccoli 

Lunch:

• Breast milk or 6 oz infant formula
• 2-4 oz pureed or diced meat
• 2-4 oz pureed or diced carrots

Afternoon Snack:

• 1 whole-grain cracker
• 2-4 oz yogurt 

Dinner:

• Breast milk or 6 oz infant formula
• 2-4 oz diced chicken
• 2-4 oz cooked green beans (diced or mashed)
• 2-4 oz cooked soft-whole grain pasta
• 2-4 oz blueberries (diced or mashed)

Bedtime Snack:

• Breast milk or 6 oz infant formula

Meal Plan 2 

Breakfast:

• Breast milk or 4 oz infant formula
• 2-4 oz cereal
• 2-4 oz strawberries (diced or mashed) 

Morning Snack:

• Breast milk or 4 oz infant formula
• 2-4 oz cauliflower (pureed or diced)

Lunch:

• Breast milk or 4 oz infant formula
• 2-4 oz cottage cheese
• 2-4 oz pureed corn

Afternoon Snack:

• Breast milk or 4 oz infant formula
• 1 teething biscuit
• 2-4 oz peaches (fork-mashed or diced)

Dinner:

• Breast milk or 4-6 oz infant formula
• 2-4 oz diced tofu
• 2-4 oz mashed peas
• 2-4 oz mashed potatoes
• 2-4 oz raspberries (diced or mashed)

Bedtime Snack:

• Breast milk or 4-6 oz infant formula

Meal Plan 3 

Breakfast:

• Breast milk or 4-6 oz infant formula
• 2-4 oz oatmeal
• 2-4 oz avocado (mashed or diced)

Morning Snack:

• Breast milk or 4-6 oz infant formula
• 2-4 oz diced cheese

Lunch:

• Breast milk or 4-6 oz infant formula
• 2-4 oz yogurt
• 2-4 oz soft butternut squash (pureed or diced)

Afternoon Snack:

• Breast milk or 4-6 oz infant formula
• 1 whole-grain cracker
• 2-4 oz pears (fork-mashed or diced)

Dinner:

• Breast milk or 4-6 oz infant formula
• 2-4 oz diced salmon
• 2-4 oz soft zucchini (mashed or diced)
• 2-4 oz whole-grain pasta
• 2-4 oz kiwi (diced or mashed)

Bedtime Snack:

• Breast milk or 4-6 oz infant formula

Overcoming Common 8-Month-Old Feeding Hurdles

Feeding an 8-month-old comes with plenty of exciting milestones, but it can also present a few challenges. Here are some helpful tips to make the feeding process smoother for both you and your baby:

1. Introduce New Foods Gradually

If your baby refuses new foods, don’t worry! Try mixing them with familiar favorites to ease the transition. You’ll also want to start with soft, mashed foods before progressing to more solid finger foods. As your baby adjusts, you can gradually increase the amount of new food until it becomes a regular part of their meals. 

2. Maintain a Flexible Feeding Schedule

Schedules are great and it’s important to establish a routine, but let’s be real — babies don’t always stick to them. It’s all about being flexible and adjusting to your little one’s changing needs. Before you know it, you’ll find a routine that works for both of you.

3. Embrace the Mess

Messy mealtimes are normal — and even beneficial for development. Break out the bibs, highchair mats and easy-to-clean utensils, and let your baby get hands-on with their food. Remember, messy moments are learning moments, so be sure to let your little one explore. 

4. Handle Picky Eating With Patience

Got a picky eater? No need to stress. Keep offering a variety of foods, but don’t pressure them to eat everything. Your baby will get there at their own pace. Patience and persistence are key when it comes to expanding their palate. Talk to your child’s pediatrician if you are concerned. 

5. Manage Allergies and Sensitivities

If you’re worried about allergies or sensitivities, check in with your pediatrician before introducing new foods. They’ll guide you on how to expand your baby’s diet safely.

Essential FAQs for Feeding Your Baby at 8 Months 

Feeding your 8-month-old can raise plenty of questions, especially as they transition to more solids and explore new tastes. Let’s dive into the most common feeding questions you might run into along the way:

How many feeds should an 8-month-old have?

The number of times an 8-month old will eat may vary depending upon their hunger and fullness. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends responsive feeding for infants when breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and when introducing solid foods.

How many times a day should I feed my 8-month-old solids?

At this age, breast milk or infant formula is still your baby’s primary source of nutrition, but solids are starting to play a bigger role. You’ll want to work toward 3 solid meals a day by 12 months, building up to it gradually. Just keep an eye on your baby’s hunger cues to know when they’re ready for more.

What is a good eating schedule for an 8-month-old?

The best feeding schedule is one that fits your family’s routine. That said, a solid plan usually includes breakfast, a morning snack, lunch, an afternoon snack, dinner and a pre-bedtime snack. You’re probably already in a groove with your baby’s formula or breast milk feedings, so try to plan meals around those.

How much water should an 8-month-old drink?

Babies don’t need much extra water before they turn 1, since breast milk or formula keeps them hydrated. But if you want to start introducing water, check with your pediatrician first. They might suggest starting small — like 2-3 ounces a day — and keeping it under 1 cup (8 ounces) total. It’s also a great time to introduce a sippy cup and let your little one practice sipping.

How do I know when my baby is ready for solids?

At 8 months, the AAP recommends a variety of age-appropriate, safe foods, including finger foods that require a bit more chewing than pureed baby food. Since 8-month-olds are still learning to chew and swallow, be sure to avoid choking hazards like whole grapes or nuts.

What are the best first foods to introduce to an 8-month-old?

It’s recommended to start with soft and easy-to-digest foods like mashed fruits, steamed vegetables or iron-rich foods like pureed meats or beans. You can also try small pieces of scrambled eggs or whole-grain cereals.

Introduce a variety of foods to help your baby explore new tastes, textures and smells. When trying new foods, introduce them one at a time to easily spot any potential food allergies. Experts typically suggest waiting around three to five  days between introducing a new food.

How can I create a balanced feeding schedule for my baby?

Creating a balanced feeding schedule for your 8-month-old involves offering a mix of breast milk or infant formula alongside solid foods throughout the day. Incorporating a variety of fruits, veggies, proteins, and grains into their feeding pattern provides an opportunity for different tastes, textures, and nutrition to be introduced. The trick? Listen to your baby’s hunger cues and stay flexible. 

What are some signs that my baby is full?

When your baby is full, they’ll give you a few clear signs. They might turn their head away from the spoon, push the food away or lose interest in eating altogether. You may also notice them start playing with their food or shut their mouth tight when offered another bite. Take these cues as a sign that mealtime is over and let them lead the way.

How can I make mealtimes more enjoyable?

To make mealtimes more enjoyable, turn them into a relaxed, fun experience for both you and your baby. Let your baby get hands-on with different textures and flavors, and use colorful, baby-friendly plates and utensils to encourage them to try self-feeding. Sitting down as a family can also make it feel like a shared experience and help your little one associate meals with happy moments.

Mastering Feeding Schedules With Organic Formula for a Healthy Start 

As solids begin to play a bigger role in your baby’s diet, breast milk or infant formula will still be their primary source of nutrients. This is the perfect time to introduce a variety of wholesome, nutrient-packed foods that will support your little one’s development as they grow. Pay attention to their hunger and fullness cues to find a feeding rhythm that works for both of you. It might take a few tweaks, but soon you’ll be a pro at this new phase. And once you’ve got it down, check out our guide to feeding a one-year-old — you’re almost there!

As you navigate this exciting transition, choosing the right infant formula can complement your baby’s diet. Bobbie offers a thoughtfully crafted, clean-label formula made with high-quality ingredients to support your baby’s healthy growth.

Shop Bobbie formula today and give your baby a healthy start!