At Skool4Kidz, we believe that feeding is more than just providing nourishment – it’s a shared adventure of discovery, bonding, and growth. In the early years, every meal helps shape your child’s health, habits and heartiness.
Understanding Feeding Patterns in the Early Years
| Age | Food Consumption | Nutrition | Hunger Cues | Fullness Cues |
| 0-6 months | Fully breastmilk or formula-fed. | Provides all essential nutrients for early growth. Solids or water are not needed. | Sucks on fists, fusses and cries, moves head toward spoon. | Turns head away, closes mouth. |
| 7-9 months | Introduce purees and soft solids; continue milk. Tries to grasp food and self-feed. | Weaning foods offer new nutrients. Avoid sugar and seasoning. Small sips of water can be introduced. | Reaches for or points to food, opens mouth. | Pushes food away, closes mouth. |
| 10-12 months | Eats chopped food with hands, drinks from a sippy cup. | Texture and variety increase. Nutrient diversity is key. | Shows excitement, uses gestures or sounds. | Eating slows down and hand motions or sounds are used. |
| 13-23 months | Eats most family foods, begins using utensils. Introduce full cream cow’s or fortified plant milk. | Balanced meals and milk support strong bones and development. Light seasoning may be introduced. | Tries naming food, uses words. | Shakes head and says “no”. |
| 3-5 years | Eats independently; develops preferences. | A balanced diet is essential. Limit sugar and monitor salt intake. | Typically communicated verbally or with gestures. | |
By understanding feeding patterns, parents can support your child’s nutritional needs while encouraging healthy eating habits to reach developmental milestones.
Every bite counts – let’s celebrate your child’s journey to nutritious eating, one spoonful at a time.
References
Centers for Disease Control. (11 Dec 2024). Signs Your Child Is Hungry or Full. Infant and Toddler Nutrition. CDC. www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/mealtime/signs-your-child-is-hungry-or-full.html
Health Promotion Board. Childhood-Healthy-Diet. HPB. www.healthhub.sg/programmes/parent-hub/baby-toddler/childhood-healthy-diet
Health Promotion Board. The-Beginners-Guide-To-Taking-Care-of-Your-Baby-0-6-Months. HPB. www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/the-beginners-guide-to-taking-care-of-your-baby-0-6-months
Health Promotion Board. Healthy Meals in Preschool Programme. HPB. https://www.hpb.gov.sg/schools/school-programmes/health-promoting-programmes-for-pre-schools/healthy-meals-in-pre-schools-programme
National Health Service. (2023, April 6). Types of formula milk. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/types-of-formula/
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