State of Illinois
Department of Human Services
Baby News
Date: ____________________________________________
My Name: ________________________________________
Today's weight:__________ length: ______________
After today's visit, my goal will be...
Offering Foods the Family Is Eating
- Eating together makes mealtime family time.
- Offer your baby mashed or finely chopped foods the family is eating.
- Include a variety of new foods. Then, let your baby decide how much to eat.
- Getting used to new foods takes time.
It may take up to 10 tries before your baby likes a new food.
- Let your baby try to feed himself. He is learning a new skill and needs the practice.
- Meat can be harder and take more time to chew, watch to make sure baby does not choke.
Foods to Offer Baby Each Day (8-12 months)
Breast milk or Formula
Breast milk: 3-4 feedings
Formula: 24-32 ounces
Vegetables and Fruits
(3-4 Tablespoons)
Cooked and pureed, mashed, or chopped
Grain Products
(4-6 Tablespoons)
Infant cereal (with iron)
Toast, crackers, or dry breakfast cereals
Protein-Rich Foods
(1-3 Tablespoons)
Pureed or chopped cooked lean meat, poultry, fish, egg yolk, cheese, yogurt or mashed legumes
Offer 3 Meals and 3 Snacks Each Day
AM Meal
Breast milk*
Infant/Dry cereal
AM Snack
Soft fruit
Yogurt
Lunch Meal
Breast milk
Cooked vegetable
Cooked potato
Mashed legumes
PM Snack
Crackers
Small pieces of cheese
Dinner
Breast milk
Green beans
Chopped meat
Soft fruit
Bread
PM Snack
Breast milk
Infant/Dry cereal
* or infant formula
Your baby learns from watching you eat. If you make healthy choices your baby will too.
Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual or group without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs.
DHS 4369D (R-06-17) FYB - Family Meals Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois. 12,000 copies PO#17-1856