Introducing Solids 101

Hi Alisa,

At 11 months, I would still be expecting your twins to be breastfeeding every 4-5 hours or taking anywhere from 24-32 ounces of formula/ expressed milk daily. At 12 months of age, you can introduce cow's milk. At that point, you can slowly wean from breast milk to cow's milk by alternating feeds or mixing both in the same bottle and slowly increasing the amount of cow's milk until each bottle is 100% cow's milk.

As far as food goes, offer 3 meals per day and try to include 3 food groups at each meal. You can start to offer more table foods at this age that are more challenging and involved for your children to chew and swallow, so at first it may seem like they are eating a lot less. That's okay! Eventually, they'll get the hang of eating and start to be more consistent with their food intake. As long as they are still getting adequate formula/breast milk, you don't need to worry how much food they eat at meals.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hi Megha,

The great thing about babies is that they listen to their hunger cues. Unlike adults who might eat when they aren’t hungry or indulge to the point of feeling stuffed, babies generally eat when they are hungry and stop themselves when they are full. That being said, you can let your little one keep eating until he tells you he is done. At this age, I would say anything from 1-8 ounce of solids per day is completely normal (2 tbsp= 1 ounce). As long as he is still getting his normal amount of formula, it is fine to let him be in charge during meals. If he is more hungry some days than others, that’s fine too! He will let you know what he needs.

I like the way you are offering solids a few times daily, spacing these feeds and offering a good balance of healthy options. Keep up the good work!

Awesome ! Thank you for the reassurance. I try to space out formula and his meal... is that right? Or should I do them closer together?? 1.5- 2 ounces per meal is okay? 7oz milk servings are pretty standard right?

Yes, yes and yes! All of this sounds perfect. 🙂

That’s adorable, Francine! It sounds like you have a healthy eater. Great job trusting her to know her body and tell you when she’s had enough!

Hi Amanda,

Thanks for your question. Introducing solids can be scary, especially when you have a family history of allergies. I completely understand your desire to delay introducing until it feels safer! Interestingly, the guidelines for introducing solid foods to babies at high risk for food allergies has changed. We used to recommend delaying for up to 3 years for some foods like peanuts- but studies have shown that introducing high risk foods like nuts, eggs, etc. early on can actually help to reduce the risk of allergy. Most studies started exposing kids to small amounts of these foods at 4-6 months, whenever they were ready for solids.

The best way to do this is to start with some low-risk foods like fruits, veggies and infant cereals. Once she has tolerated a few of these foods, you can go ahead and try some more high risk foods. Just remember to start with very small amounts (1 teaspoon or less) and keep an oral antihistamine on hand in case of reaction. Introduce just one new food at a time and offer it multiple times in increasing doses for a few days before trying another new food. If there are specific foods you are really nervous to try, ask your pediatrician for a referral to an allergist. Some will offer in-office food challenges so you are in a safe place in case of a reaction.

Once you get through the first few foods, it will feel easier and you can start to enjoy this milestone more. You’re doing the right thing by thinking and planning ahead so that even if she does have an allergic reaction, you’ll keep her safe and happy! Let me know if you have any other questions!

Thank you guys! This is great feedback