An 8-month-old baby requires approximately 800 milliliters of milk daily, and at this stage, breastfeeding supply needs to be abundant. Even though solid foods should not be introduced during this period, mothers can meet the baby’s needs by consuming foods that help in milk production. Until the baby turns one year old, solid foods can gradually be introduced while reducing the number of breastfeeding sessions.
The monthly milk requirements for babies vary, and parents should adjust them accordingly based on the baby’s age. As the baby grows, parents can try semi-solid foods while ensuring the daily milk intake stays between 600 to 700 milliliters. Even if breast milk is plentiful, semi-weaning should be gradually implemented as breast milk may no longer fully meet the baby’s nutritional needs. At this stage, even with an ample milk supply, breast milk alone should not be the sole source of food; it should be combined with other milk substitutes for feeding.
Since a baby’s stomach capacity is limited and the emptying time depends on the type of food consumed: breast milk takes about 2-3 hours, formula milk needs 3-4 hours, and water around 1-2 hours. Here is a sample feeding schedule:
7 a.m.: 200 milliliters of milk
11 a.m.: Small bowl of porridge, 30 grams of mashed vegetables, half a boiled egg
3 p.m.: 200 milliliters of milk
6 p.m.: Most of a bowl of porridge, 30 grams of fish or minced meat, 30 grams of tofu
9-10 p.m.: 200 milliliters of milk. Avoid force-feeding, ensuring the baby receives necessary nutrition in a scientific and reasonable diet.
For the diet of an 8-month-old baby, the following points should be noted:
– Due to the immature digestive system, small frequent meals should be taken, food should be light, and frozen foods must be heated before feeding.
– Avoid giving spicy, hard, or very cold foods to the baby, especially remove fish bones and prevent foods like dumplings that may cause choking.
– Adjust the food quantity, focus on food diversity and flavors, observe the baby’s bowel movements, and encourage drinking plenty of water.
– Add solid foods at the right time, ensure food hygiene, and during teething periods, introduce foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as shrimp skin, seaweed, liver, egg yolks, and leafy vegetables. Solid foods can occasionally replace one or two milk feedings.
– Introduce rice porridge with iron-rich vegetables like spinach, while paying attention to food cleanliness and safety.
– Help the baby adapt to different tastes by providing foods with various textures, exercise chewing ability, and prevent future picky eating habits.
– As breastfeeding decreases, gradually increase the variety of solid foods, introducing one new type at a time, ensuring no adverse reactions before trying the next type.
