Age | Breast Milk or Infant Formula | Cereal, Bread, & Starches | Fruits & Vegetables | Meats & Other Protein Foods | Birth to 4 Months | 2-6 ounces per feeding (20-24 ounces a day) | None (NO cereal in the bottle) | None | None | 4-6 Months | 4-6 ounces per feeding (24-32 ounces a day) | Offer baby cereal mixed with breast milk or formula (do NOT add juice) | None | None | 6-8 Months | 6-8 ounces per feeding (24-32 ounces a day) | 2-3 servings of baby cereal and other soft breads, cereals, and starches may be offered | Begin to offer soft, cooked, mashed, baby foods: fruits & vegetables | None | 8-10 Months | 7-8 ounces per feeding (21-32 ounces a day) | 2-3 servings daily of baby cereal and other soft, cooked bread and starches | 2-3 servings of soft, cut up, mashed fruits and vegetables daily (1-3 Tbsp.) | Begin to offer soft, finely cut, pureed meats, cheeses and casseroles | 10-12 Months | 16-32 ounces of breast milk or formula a day | 4 servings daily of baby cereal, breads, and other starches | 4 servings daily of fruits and vegetables (1-3 Tbsp.) | 1-2 ounces daily of soft, finely cut, chopped meat or other protein foods |
NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, a "serving" is considered 1-2 Tablespoons (Tbsp.) Your baby can have small amounts of water ONLY if he or she is eating a good bit of solid food in addition to formula. DO NOT give a young baby water - use Pedialyte® if he or she is sick and can't tolerate formula. No cow's or goat's milk during baby's first year!
Here are just a few problems cow's milk can lead to if started too early: - Milk protein allergy
- Bleeding in the stomach and intestines
- Low iron
- Dehydration
- Poor nutrition
If you would like more information on this diet, ask your doctor to refer you to an MUSC Outpatient Dietitian. Call MUSC Outpatient Scheduling at 843-876-0888. | 
