Newborn to four months: At this age, the best and only food for your little one should be mother's milk, formula, or a combination of the two. Each baby should be allowed to determine for himself just how much and how often he needs to eat. Some babies will eat every two hours, day and night, others will go for longer stretches. At this age, it is best to feed your baby on demand. He is much too young to know how to manipulate. All he knows is that he's hungry. When you feed him, he feels secure and learns to trust you.
Average, normal daily intake of formula for babies this young can be anywhere from 16 to 32 ounces. You needn't worry much about what specific nutrients your baby needs when they are breastfed or fed formula.
Four months to six months: A solid start: Sometime during these two months most babies are introduced to solid foods. Although breastmilk and formula continue to supply all their nutritional needs, adding some semi-solid foods is developmentally appropriate by around six months of age. Baby can control his head better and sit up alone, he can now mimic what he sees and may even have the beginning of a palmer grasp, bringing objects to his or her mouth. In fact, by six months, it seems like everything goes into your baby's mouth! To your delight and amusement, your baby also has an improved ability to communicate. Being able to communicate is important for starting solids. Now he can show his hunger by opening his mouth and leaning toward the spoon, and he can show his disinterest by leaning back and pushing away. Without these skills you could unintentionally force feed your baby.
