As your baby crawls (or walks!) toward their first birthday, you may be spending more time reflecting on "how it all began" during those early days of breastfeeding, formula-feeding or combo-feeding. You two sure have come a long way! In parenting, there are almost always two versions of things: what you expect and what actually happens. Just because something is different doesn't mean it's wrong. Instead, we like to think it shows resilience and adaptability. As your baby's diet continues to shift from liquid to more solid foods, those adaptability skills will continue to serve you well.
How much should a 11-month-old eat?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and La Leche League recommend the following feeding schedules and amounts for 11-month-olds.
Solids: Offered three times per day or at family mealtimes
Breast milk: Up to eight ounces every four to five hours
Formula: Seven to eight ounces every five to six hours
Your 11-month-old baby should be no stranger to solids! Here are the recommended serving sizes for an 11-month-old baby:
- Infant cereal (single grain) mixed with breast milk or formula: five to eight tablespoons (optional)
- Fruits: two to four tablespoons
- Vegetables: two to four tablespoons
- Shredded meats, eggs, yogurt and soft-cooked plant-based proteins, such as lentils: two to three tablespoons
- Starches: ¼ to ½ cup simple carbs, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, bread
What’s a good 11-month-old feeding schedule?
Remember, it's more important that you follow your baby's cues than adhere to a set schedule, so schedules outlined are general guides of how frequently you'll feed your baby—not hard-and-fast rules.
These guidelines also apply primarily to infants born full-term and without any underlying medical conditions. For preterm infants, babies with certain medical conditions or for any specific questions pertaining to your child, be sure to consult your child's pediatrician for a more customized feeding schedule.
What are signs of food allergies or intolerance for babies?
By 11 months, your baby should have a pretty well-rounded, diverse diet. You should also aim to introduce common food allergens if you haven't already—considering research suggests that early exposure can reduce the likelihood of developing a severe food allergy. That said, you'll still want to be on the lookout for signs of food allergies or food intolerance with your baby as their diet expands.
According to Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network, people (and babies!) can be allergic to any food. However, the most common food allergens include eggs, cow's milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, sesame and soy.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- itchy, red skin
- swelling
- hives
- itchy mouth, swelling of lips or tongue
- vomiting, cramps, diarrhea
- coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath
- headache
- nasal congestion
- sweating
- watery eyes
Anaphylaxis is when two or more organ systems—such as skin, respiratory, digestive, or heart—are impacted. In this case, Parikh says, "epinephrine is the only drug that will treat symptoms. And it should be given as soon as a severe reaction is suspected... When epinephrine is administered for a severe allergic reaction, the child should immediately go to the hospital for additional evaluation and treatment."
The saying goes that "food before one is just for fun," but we understand that introducing food can feel intimidating, too. Talk with your pediatrician about any signs that your child may be more allergy prone, if they are showing signs of food intolerance or for advice on early exposure. With love and knowledge, you can handle anything that comes your way.
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