Do Babies Drink Less Milk When They Start Solids? A Guide for Parents

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

While breastmilk or formula is the main source of nutrition for a baby's first year, parents often wonder, 'do babies drink less milk when they start solids?' Yes, a gradual decrease in milk intake is a normal part of the weaning process, occurring slowly over months as food consumption increases.

Quick Summary

As babies start to explore solid foods, their breastmilk or formula intake will gradually decrease. The transition is slow, with milk remaining the primary nutritional source for the first year. Careful observation of hunger cues and a balanced introduction of varied foods are key.

Key Points

Gradual Transition: The decrease in a baby's milk intake is a slow process that occurs gradually over several months, not immediately upon starting solids.
Milk is Primary (for a while): For the first year of life, breastmilk or formula remains the main source of a baby's nutrition, with solids complementing their intake.
Timing Matters: Offering milk feeds and solid meals separately, with some time in between, can help ensure your baby gets enough of both without one interfering with the other.
Responsive Feeding: Follow your baby's hunger and fullness cues instead of forcing them to eat a certain amount at each feeding.
Nutrient Boost: Starting iron-rich solid foods around six months is important to supplement the baby's declining iron stores.
Monitor for Concerns: A sudden or significant drop in milk intake or signs of lethargy warrant a call to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.

Understanding the Weaning Transition

The journey from an all-liquid diet to consuming solid foods is a significant developmental milestone for a baby. For the first six months, breastmilk or infant formula provides all the necessary nutrients. Around six months, most babies show signs of readiness for solids, such as sitting up with support, showing interest in food, and having better head control. At this point, solid foods are complementary, not a replacement for milk. The first few weeks of starting solids are primarily about exploration, with babies learning about new textures and flavors. Therefore, there is often little change in milk intake initially.

The Gradual Shift in Milk Consumption

The reduction in a baby's milk intake is a slow and gradual process that unfolds over several months, not overnight. In the beginning, a baby might only eat a few teaspoons of solids once or twice a day. This small amount provides minimal calories compared to a full milk feed. As they grow and become more proficient eaters, their solid food intake increases, and their milk consumption naturally begins to drop. This shift is most noticeable around 9 to 12 months, as they move from two or three meals a day to eating three to four meals and one or two snacks.

For example, at 6 to 9 months, milk still accounts for the majority of a baby's calories. The balance starts to shift, and by 9 to 12 months, about half of the baby's calories may come from solid food and the other half from milk.

Milk and Solid Food Consumption by Age

Here is a comparison of typical feeding patterns, but remember that individual babies' needs will vary.


Age Range	Solid Food Intake	Milk/Formula Intake	Primary Nutritional Source	Considerations
6-8 Months	1-2 meals, 1-2 tbsp per meal	24-32 oz/day	Breastmilk/Formula	Focus is on exploration and new textures, not calorie replacement.
9-12 Months	2-3 meals, building to 3-4 meals	20-30 oz/day	Breastmilk/Formula	Solid foods contribute more significantly to daily caloric intake.
12-15 Months	Mostly family meals, 3 meals + snacks	10-16 oz/day (transition to cow's milk)	Solid Foods	The transition to solid foods as the main energy source is well underway.

Balancing Milk and Solids

To ensure a healthy balance, it is often recommended to offer milk feeds separately from solid meals, with an hour or so in between. This strategy prevents the baby from being too full on one to eat the other, helping them appreciate both. The timing of feeds can be adapted to your baby's unique schedule, but many parents find success with a pattern like this:

Offer a milk feed upon waking.
Approximately one hour later, offer a solid food breakfast.
Offer a milk feed after the morning nap.
Offer a solid food lunch.
Offer a milk feed after the afternoon nap.
Offer a solid food dinner.
Finish the day with a milk feed before bed.

Listening to your baby’s hunger and fullness cues is essential for responsive feeding. Signs that a baby is done eating include turning their head away, refusing to open their mouth, or spitting food out. Never force a baby to finish a bottle or a meal.

The Importance of Nutrients

Even as milk intake decreases, it remains a crucial source of nutrition, especially for certain nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamin D. For breastfed babies, milk provides ongoing immune benefits. Starting solids, especially iron-rich foods, becomes necessary around six months because the baby's stored iron from the womb starts to deplete. By offering a diverse range of foods, including meats, poultry, fish, legumes, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, you help fill any nutritional gaps left by reduced milk consumption.

Potential Issues and When to Seek Advice

While a decrease in milk consumption is normal, a sudden or significant drop could be a cause for concern. If your baby is consistently refusing milk, seems lethargic, or has fewer wet diapers, it's wise to consult a pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can assess the situation to ensure the baby's nutritional needs are being met and that their growth and development are on track. Conversely, some babies may overeat solids, potentially displacing milk feeds too quickly and leading to constipation. A balanced approach is key to a smooth transition. For more information on introducing solids and managing this phase of development, the Happy Family Organics learning center offers valuable resources, including live chat support with registered dietitians and lactation consultants.

Conclusion

As your baby starts their exciting journey into solid foods, it is completely normal to see a gradual decrease in their milk intake. This change does not happen all at once but slowly over several months, with milk remaining a primary source of nutrition throughout the first year. By focusing on responsive feeding, maintaining a balanced diet, and watching for your baby's cues, you can confidently navigate this developmental stage and set the foundation for healthy eating habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a sudden stop is not typical. The decrease in milk consumption should be gradual. A sudden refusal of milk could indicate an issue, and you should consult a healthcare professional, especially if accompanied by signs of lethargy or fewer wet diapers.

At 6 months, a baby's milk intake should not change much initially. Breastmilk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition, and solid food intake is small, usually just a few teaspoons once or twice a day.

A good strategy is to offer milk feeds and solid meals at separate times. For example, give a milk feed upon waking and then offer solids about an hour later. This helps ensure the baby isn't too full on one to eat the other.

Milk intake typically starts to decrease more noticeably between 9 and 12 months of age, as the baby becomes more accustomed to and skilled at eating solid foods.

If your baby shows a strong preference for solids, ensure you are still offering milk feeds to meet their nutritional needs. You can try giving a small amount of milk before solids or space out the feedings. Consult your doctor if you are concerned about their overall nutritional intake.

Yes, breastmilk continues to provide important nutrients and immune benefits throughout the baby's first year and beyond. Continue to breastfeed on demand for as long as it suits both you and your baby.

Yes, a well-fed baby will have plenty of wet diapers (at least 6-8 wet diapers in 24 hours), be alert and happy between feeds, and gain weight at a healthy rate.