Your little one is now seven months old! You may have just introduced solids or maybe you’re getting ready to add them to your baby’s day. Let’s discuss your seven month old’s feedings, including sample feeding schedules, how often 7 month olds should eat, and more.

What is a sample feeding schedule for a 7 month old? #anchor

Schedules for a 7 month old depend on being responsive to each baby’s individual needs. Your days will vary depending on your little one’s wake time, nap lengths, and wake windows. Here are two different sample schedules to help you see how a day might play out with a 7 month old.

How much formula for a 7 month old? #anchor

While every baby’s needs are different, the AAP states that “on average, your baby should take in about 2½ ounces of infant formula a day for every pound of body weight.”⁽¹⁾ Most formula-fed babies do well with feedings that are 6-8 ounces each. Please know that we are always responsive to each baby’s individual hunger and fullness cues. Your little one may not eat the same number of ounces for each feedings (or nurse for the same amount of time). If you have any concerns about your baby’s intake, please reach out to your pediatrician.

How much solid food should a 7 month old eat?#anchor

When starting solid foods, I recommend consulting your pediatrician. 

Breast and bottle feeding are the main source of calories for your baby during the first year. As you expose your baby to solids, it should never replace bottle feeding or breastfeeding. If your baby is experiencing sleep problems after starting solids, make sure daily caloric needs are met with breast milk or formula since night wakings will happen if day calories are insufficient.

But this doesn’t mean you have to limit your baby’s solids. Here are a few guidelines to help:

• Avoid rigid feeding schedules.

• Offer the breast or bottle every 2.5-3.5 hours during the day according to your baby’s hunger cues.

• Offer solids 30-90 minutes after breast or bottle feedings.

When can I start solids or baby-led weaning? #anchor

Starting solids or baby-led weaning depends on your little one’s readiness to eat solid foods. The AAP recommends waiting until your baby is around 6 months old to introduce solid foods.⁽²⁾ However, please know that your baby's readiness is more about their development than their age, such as⁽³⁾:

• Does your baby have strong neck and head control?

• Can your baby sit upright without the support of an adult?

• Has your baby doubled their birth weight?

• Does your baby open their mouth when food moves toward them?

Should my 7 month old have a night feeding?#anchor

Many (and maybe even most) babies can sleep 10-12 hours through the night without a feeding at seven months, but some babies do best maintaining one.

Whether you're looking to wean night feedings or want to continue night feedings but establish great sleep, The 5–24 Month Collection can help. My gentle and gradual approach will help you reach your sleep goals for your seven month old.

If you’re curious about your 7 months old development or sleep schedule, be sure to check out my blogs on 7 Month Sleep Schedule. and 7 Month Development and Activities.