When to Start Feeding Two Meals a Day?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most babies begin exploring solid foods around six months, and this journey soon progresses beyond the first few spoonfuls. A common question for new parents is when to start feeding two meals a day, which typically happens as a baby's appetite and readiness for solids increase.

Quick Summary

A baby typically moves from one to two solid meals between 7 and 9 months of age, though timing varies. This transition is guided by the baby's developmental readiness and increasing appetite, not a strict schedule. Introduce the second meal gradually, offering varied textures and staying responsive to the baby's hunger and fullness cues.

Key Points

• Timing varies: Most babies are ready for two solid meals a day between 7 and 9 months, though this depends on the individual child's development.

• Look for readiness cues: Signs include consistently finishing the first meal, increased appetite, and developing motor skills like sitting up with support and losing the tongue-thrust reflex.

• Add a second meal slowly: Introduce a second meal at a time that works for your family, starting with small amounts and gradually increasing the variety of foods offered.

• Prioritize milk initially: Breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition until at least 9 months. Offer it before solids to ensure adequate intake.

• Responsive feeding is key: Always follow your baby's hunger and fullness cues. Don't force them to eat if they turn away or close their mouth.

• Encourage texture exploration: As your baby gets more comfortable, move from smooth purees to mashed and finely chopped foods. Gagging is normal during this learning process.

• Consult a professional: If you have concerns about your baby's intake, growth, or any aspect of their feeding journey, consult your pediatrician.

Signs Your Baby Is Ready for a Second Meal

Transitioning to two solid meals a day is a gradual, baby-led process that builds on the foundational skills learned with the first introduction to solids. Before increasing meal frequency, look for a consistent set of developmental milestones. Waiting until your baby is ready helps ensure they are developmentally prepared for the change and can more effectively digest and manage more food.

Appetite and Cues

• Consistently finishes the first meal: When your baby regularly finishes their single solid meal and still seems interested in more food, it's a strong sign their appetite is growing.
• Shows interest in food: Watch for your baby intently watching you eat, reaching for your food, and seeming excited at mealtime.
• Increased hunger between milk feeds: If your baby seems hungrier between their usual milk or formula feeds, it may be because they need more sustenance from solid food.
• Open-mouth readiness: They readily open their mouth when they see food coming towards them with a spoon.

Motor Skills and Physical Readiness

• Sits with support: The baby can sit upright in a high chair with good head and neck control, which is essential for safe swallowing.
• Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex: This reflex, which pushes foreign objects out of the mouth, diminishes around 6 months, allowing the baby to swallow food more effectively.
• Brings objects to mouth: They can bring toys and other objects to their mouth with better hand-eye coordination.
• Manages different textures: After a month or two of purees, the baby should be comfortable with slightly thicker or mashed foods, showing they can move food to the back of their tongue.

How to Introduce a Second Meal

Once your baby demonstrates readiness, you can start incorporating a second solid meal into their daily routine. The process should be slow and stress-free for both you and your baby.

1. Choose the new meal: The NHS suggests starting with breakfast and dinner, or breakfast and lunch, depending on your family's schedule. Pick a time when both you and your baby are relaxed and not rushed.
2. Maintain milk feeds: Breast milk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition for the first year. Continue offering it before solids until about 8-9 months, and then gradually shift to offering it after solids to encourage food intake.
3. Start small: Begin with a small quantity of food for the new meal, such as a tablespoon or two. This is primarily for practice and exploration, not volume.
4. Incorporate a variety of food groups: Ensure the new meal includes a mix of iron-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and starchy foods. Examples include pureed meats, fortified baby cereal, soft-cooked vegetables, and fruit mashes.
5. Watch for cues: Always let your baby's hunger and fullness cues guide the feeding process. They will turn their head or fuss when they are full, and you should respect these signals.

Sample Schedule for an 8-Month-Old with Two Meals

A daily routine helps both parent and baby adjust to the new rhythm of meals and milk feeds. This is a flexible template, not a rigid rule. The key is consistency, not exact timing.

Time	Activity	Notes
7:00 AM	Milk Feed	First milk feed of the day
8:00 AM	Breakfast	Serve iron-fortified cereal with pureed fruit
9:00 AM	Nap	Morning nap
10:30 AM	Milk Feed	Another milk feed after the nap
12:30 PM	Lunch	Soft-cooked vegetables with a protein, like mashed lentils
1:30 PM	Nap	Afternoon nap
3:30 PM	Milk Feed	A milk feed after the afternoon nap
5:30 PM	Optional Taster	Offer a small amount of dinner if your family eats early
6:30 PM	Milk Feed	Final milk feed of the day before bed
7:00 PM	Bedtime	Bedtime routine and sleep

Potential Challenges and How to Address Them

• Refusing a new food: If your baby refuses a food, it is normal. It can take up to 10 tries or more for a baby to accept a new taste or texture. Continue offering it on different days in small amounts.
• Balancing milk and solids: If your baby is eating more solids and reducing milk intake significantly before age one, it may be a concern. Consult your pediatrician to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition. Offer milk first, then solids, until around 9 months to prioritize milk consumption.
• Introducing textured food: As you move beyond smooth purees, babies may gag. This is different from choking and is a normal part of learning to move food around in the mouth. Always supervise your baby during meals and be aware of choking hazards.

Conclusion

Deciding when to start feeding two meals a day is not about a specific calendar date but about observing your baby's developmental milestones and cues. Most babies are ready to transition between 7 and 9 months of age, showing increased interest in food, improved motor skills, and a growing appetite. Start slowly by introducing a second meal alongside their regular milk feeds, and gradually increase variety and texture as they become more comfortable. By following a baby-led, responsive approach, you can help your little one build a healthy relationship with food that will last a lifetime.

For more detailed guidance on responsive feeding and solid food readiness, consult the resource from the trusted pediatric experts at HealthyChildren.org. HealthyChildren.org

FAQs

Q: At what age can a baby typically start two solid meals a day? A: Most babies are ready for two solid meals a day between 7 and 9 months, after they have become accustomed to eating one meal consistently.

Q: What are the best first meals to add? A: Many parents start by adding breakfast or lunch, as these meals are often easier to manage during the day than dinner. A second meal can consist of iron-fortified cereal, pureed meats, or mashed fruits and vegetables.

Q: Should I offer milk before or after the solid meal? A: For babies under 9 months, offer breast milk or formula before solids to ensure they are still getting adequate milk intake. Around 9 months and older, you can switch to offering milk after solids to encourage them to eat more food.

Q: What if my baby is not interested in eating a second meal? A: It is completely normal for babies to be uninterested at first. Continue to offer a small amount of food and pay attention to their cues. If they consistently refuse, wait a week or so before trying again.

Q: Is it safe to give my baby finger foods with their second meal? A: Yes, as long as the food is soft, easy to swallow, and cut into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking. Always supervise your baby during mealtimes.

Q: How do I know if my baby is eating enough with two meals a day? A: Continue to monitor your baby's hunger and fullness cues. Their intake will vary. As long as they are growing appropriately, having regular wet diapers, and are still receiving plenty of milk, their appetite is a reliable guide.

Q: What are some signs that we are adding meals too quickly? A: If your baby starts refusing their milk feeds, shows frequent signs of stomach upset, or has changes in bowel movements like constipation, it may be a sign to slow down the introduction of solids. Consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns.

Citations

[ { "title": "Feeding children 6 months to 2 years; Diet - Mount Sinai", "url": "https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/selfcare-instructions/feeding-patterns-and-diet-children-6-months-to-2-years" }, { "title": "Baby Feeding Schedules - 6 to 24 Months - Solid Starts", "url": "https://solidstarts.com/feeding-schedules/" }, { "title": "Baby Feeding Schedules & Baby Food Chart for the First Year - What to Expect", "url": "https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/feeding-baby/how-to-get-baby-on-feeding-schedule/" }, { "title": "How much should your baby eat? Here's a visual guide to ... - BabyCenter", "url": "https://www.babycenter.com/baby/solids-finger-foods/how-much-food-should-my-baby-eat-a-visual-guide_40005798" }, { "title": "Starting Solid Foods - HealthyChildren.org", "url": "https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Starting-Solid-Foods.aspx" } ] }

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can a baby typically start two solid meals a day?

Most babies are ready for two solid meals a day between 7 and 9 months, after they have become accustomed to eating one meal consistently and are showing clear signs of developmental readiness.

What are the best first meals to add?

Many parents find it easiest to add breakfast or lunch first. A second meal can consist of iron-fortified cereal, pureed meats, or mashed fruits and vegetables, following the introduction of single-ingredient foods.

Should I offer milk before or after the solid meal?

For babies under 9 months, offer breast milk or formula before solids to ensure they are getting adequate milk intake. Around 9 months and older, you can switch to offering milk after solids to encourage them to eat more food.

What if my baby is not interested in eating a second meal?

It is completely normal for babies to be uninterested at first. Continue to offer a small amount of food and pay attention to their cues. If they consistently refuse, wait a week or so before trying again, and remember that repeated exposure is often necessary.

Is it safe to give my baby finger foods with their second meal?

Yes, as long as the food is soft, easy to swallow, and cut into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking. Always supervise your baby during mealtimes to ensure their safety.

How do I know if my baby is eating enough with two meals a day?

Continue to monitor your baby's hunger and fullness cues. Their intake will vary. As long as they are growing appropriately, having regular wet diapers, and are still receiving plenty of milk, their appetite is a reliable guide.

What are some signs that we are adding meals too quickly?

If your baby starts refusing their milk feeds, shows frequent signs of stomach upset, or has changes in bowel movements like constipation, it may be a sign to slow down the introduction of solids. If you have concerns, consult with your pediatrician.