Babies start solids at 6 months of age. By the time they reach their 7th month, most babies have tested at least a couple of new solid foods. By the seventh month, they should start trying out more foods. This transition is not very easy for both the mother and the baby. So, what should a 7 month baby food consist of? This is a constant question among new mothers.
Till 6 months of age, babies are solely given breast or formula milk and this meets their nutritional requirements. However, the need increases after six months, and they need much more than milk. This is the right time to introduce solid foods. You can give your baby solid meals 2 to 3 times in a day and give breastmilk or formula at least 4 times in a day. This transition happens at a slow pace and single food should be given one at a time.
How Much Food Should a 7-Month Baby Eat?
Ideally, a 7-month-old baby should have seven meals spread throughout the day comprising of 4 breastfeeds or formula feeds and 3 solid meals. A 7-month-old baby needs a variety of foods, fruits, and vegetables which must be properly cooked, mashed, and blended so that the babies face fewer choking and digestive problems. Remember that your munchkin’s digestion process is still at the nascent stages, and it will take a couple of more months for your baby to adapt well to solids. The idea is to go slow and look for more adaptability to new foods and not quantity.
The quantity offered should be in small sizes to avoid choking hazards. The babies need to be given breast or formula milk till they turn a year old along with solid foods. It is also a good idea to include all types of food from different categories for a healthy and nutritional intake.
Top Five Best Foods For Your 7-Month-Old Baby
It is of utmost importance to check with a health practitioner if the baby is ready to have solids before starting any foods. Few indications that the digestive system is ready can be seen when the baby’s birth weight doubles by six months. Another sign that the baby exhibits is showing interest and opening its mouth wide when food is brought near to it. Apart from this. swallowing without any issue, sitting upright, protruding the tongue out, etc., all are signs that your baby is ready to enjoy solids.
Parents usually start the solid feeding cycle with one grain at a time, one vegetable, or one fruit that is well-cooked, blended, or mashed. When the baby is 7 months old and older, different foods from other categories can be given as well.
1. Vegetables
Vegetables like tomatoes, basil leaves, spinach, beetroot, and butternut squash contain minerals and other nutrients. All these can be given in pure form.
2. Fruit Puree
Another excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals is fruits. Fruits like custard apple, muskmelon, watermelon, pomegranate juice, peach, dates, raspberry, and plums are a great choice for snacks or a solid meal. Other fruits that can be given are Chikoo, banana, avocado, etc.
3. Egg
A great source of protein and fat, eggs are a must-include in your baby’s diet as long as they are not allergic. Eggs must be properly boiled and well-mashed before feeding babies.
[Read: Eggs For Babies]
4. Porridge
A porridge prepared from one single grain has many nutrients. Porridge mix can be prepared with wheat, puffed rice, makhana and sabudana, and others like rice, oats, barley, millet, and wheat which can be processed and kept in powder form or porridge mix. Such pre-prepared mixes can be a very convenient way of instantly feeding babies nutritious and filling meals.
5. Meat Puree
Babies can even be given carbohydrate-rich and high-protein foods in the form of purees.
Food Chart For a 7-Month-Old Baby
Introducing solid foods helps in proper and adequate weight gain for the baby. It is very important to encourage the child to have solids as milk alone is not sufficient. As they grow, the activities of the baby increase, and they need much more nutrients. It is important to introduce finger foods as soon as they show signs of being ready. Along with that, babies need to be breastfed or formula fed. You must give all other foods in mashed and pureed form. It is even important to offer them food and drink at a gap of two or three hours. The main nourishment source remains milk, you must give other solids in smaller quantities, for them to adjust to the texture, taste, and digestive ability.
- Fruits: Plum, Raspberry, Peach, Dates, Muskmelon, Watermelon, Pomegranate Juice, Custard Apple
- Vegetables: Beetroot, Spinach, Basil Leaf, Tomato, Butternut Squash, Garlic
- Grains/ Lentils: Makhana, Wheat, Sabudana, Puffed Rice, Green Gram, Millets
- Dairy Products: Yogurt, Butter
- Non Veg: Egg, Salmon
- Nuts: Almonds
You can start serving the above foods in the form of soups and khichdi. Your baby will be able to relish the foods and will also be able to digest them well.
List of Top Six Food to Avoid For a 7 Month Old Baby
The digestive system of the baby takes time to develop. Therefore, few foods, such as the ones given below, should be avoided for a 7-month-old.
1. Citrus Fruits
Fruits such as oranges and lemon are high in acidity and must be avoided for 7 month old babies. These fruits can also increase the risk of diaper rashes and skin rashes.
[Read : Benefits of Oranges For Babies]
2. Oils
Babies should not be given excess oil, especially in dals, curries, and other preparations. Excessive oil can cause digestion issues in babies.
3. Chokeable Foods
Mini foods like grapes can lead to choking hazards and must not be given to babies. Whatever you intend to give must be steamed or cooked and mashed well to avoid lumps and choking problems.
4. Sugar And Salt
A baby’s system is still not mature enough to handle sugar and salt. Excessive salt intake can damage kidneys while sugar intake can cause obesity. Both of these can be included in your baby’s diet once they are a year old.
5. Processed Foods
All types of processed foods must be avoided for babies since they contain an excessive amount of salt, sugar, preservatives and chemicals which are extremely unhealthy for babies and provide zero nutrition.
It is vital to remember that babies at this age have tiny stomachs and tiny appetites. Babies must be given nutrient-dense foods that fulfil their nutritional needs despite their small intakes.
7 Months Baby Food Schedule
- Morning: Breast milk or Formula (150-180 ml)
- Breakfast: 5-6 tablespoons of cereals mixed with milk (breast milk or formula)
- Mid-Morning Snack: Breast milk or formula (150-180 ml)
- Lunch: Half Bowl solid food
- Evening Snack: Breast milk or formula
- Dinner : Half Bowl Solid food
- Bedtime: Breast milk or formula (150-180 ml)
Sample Feeding Schedule For a 7 Month Old Baby
A seven-month-old baby is on the lookout for new things every day. Their energy is increasing manifold and so are their activities. It is very important to offer them strength by giving them foods that provide more bone and muscle strength. Babies of this age crawl almost the entire day, some even try and stand with support. To give them that confidence healthy and nutritious meals are a must. They should be made to taste foods of different tastes and textures as well. At this time, the babies take three proper meals, and milk (breastfed or formula) twice and sometimes mid-morning as well.
A sample meal plan for a 7-month-old baby is given as under.
Baby Meal Plan For Seven Month Week 1
Your baby has been eating solids for nearly a month now. Though some babies might struggle a little to transition into solids, it is important for mother to hold their ground and introduce as many new solids as possible as the baby continues to grow. Seventh month is a good time to introduce new varieties of foods to your baby.
Week 1, Day 1 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Carrot- Spinach Puree |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Ragi Moong Dal Soup |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Stewed Apple |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 1, Day 2 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Suji Upma |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Carrot Porridge |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Avocado Banana Mash |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 1, Day 3 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Makhana Mash |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Beetroot Puree |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Apple and Cinnamon Porridge |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 1, Day 4 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Egg Yolk Mash |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Palak (Spinach) khichdi |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Muskmelon Puree |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 1, Day 5 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Bajra Porridge |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Spinach Pumpkin Puree |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Bottle Gourd Rice Porridge |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 1, Day 6 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Mashed Watermelon |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Ragi Porridge |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Avocado Puree |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 1, Day 7 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Oats Porridge |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Rice-Beetroot Porridge |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Sabudana Khichdi |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Baby Meal Plan For Seven Month Week 2
As you keep introducing new foods, do not forget to watch out for any allergic reactions. It will be a good idea to invest in a baby high chair if your baby is able to sit well with support and shows readiness to sit and eat.
Week 2, Day 1 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Wheat Sheera |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Palak (Spinach)Khichdi |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Butternut Squash Bajra Mash |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 2, Day 2 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Banana Puree |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Rice – Carrot Porridge |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Avocado Mash |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 2, Day 3 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Suji Upma With Yogurt |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Bajra Moong Dal Khichdi |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Wheat Sheera |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 2, Day 4 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Tomato Soup |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Ragi Moong Dal Khichdi |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Apple and Cinnamon Porridge |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 2, Day 5 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Mashed Sweet Potato + Puffed Rice in Powdered Form |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Spinach Green Gram Dal Puree |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Rice and Beetroot Mash |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 2, Day 6 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Muskmelon Mash |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Millet Porridge |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Green Gram Dal Khichdi |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 2, Day 7 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Spinach-Pumpkin Puree |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Rice-Carrot Porridge |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Ragi Apple Porridge |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Baby Meal Plan For Seven Month Week 3
It is important to introduce a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains to the baby in the initial weeks of solid intake. Your baby is getting more and more active and is getting exposed to new threats in the form of germs, viruses, and bacteria. The food that they eat must be calorie-rich providing the much-needed energy levels. At the same time, they should include sufficient nutrients that will help them grow well and fight any threats that they are exposed to.
Week 3, Day 1 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Custard Apple Mash |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Bajra (Pearl Millet) and Moong Dal (Green Gram Split) Khichdi |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Sabudana Upma |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 3, Day 2 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Egg Yolk Mash |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Suji Upma With Boiled and Grated Veggies |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Tomato Yellow Moong Dal Soup |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 3, Day 3 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Spinach Yellow Moong Dal Soup |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Bajra (Pearl Millet) – Moong Dal (Green Gram Split) Khichdi |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Carrot Badam Kheer |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 3, Day 4 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Tomato- Yellow Moon Dal (Red Lentil) Soup |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Ragi (Finger Millet) – Green Gram Dal (Red Gram) Puree |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Beetroot Spinach Puree |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 3, Day 5 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Tomato- Yellow Moong Dal Soup |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Carrot-Spinach-Rice Mash |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Plum Porridge |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 3, Day 6 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Apple Puree |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Jowar (Sorghum) Puffs + Apple Puree |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Mashed Sweet Potato |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 3, Day 7 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Banana Mash |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Roasted Carrot Spinach Ragi Puree |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Bottle Gourd- Rice Porridge |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Baby Meal Plan For Seven Month Week 4
Congrats! Your baby has completed another month of age. By now, your baby will have explored more new foods which are helping them grow and develop. Keep encouraging your munchkin to try new foods. Enjoy every milestone they reach and every new skill they learn.
Week 4, Day 1 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Tomato Yellow Moong Dal Soup |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Wheat Sheera |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Oats Porridge |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 4, Day 2 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Banana Mash |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Rice- Carrot Porridge |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Butternut Squash Porridge |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 4, Day 3 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Carrot-Spinach Puree |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Bajra (Pearl Millet) – Moong Dal (Green Gram Split) khichdi |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Avocado Mash |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 4, Day 4 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Peach Puree |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Bottle Gourd Rice Porridge |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Green Gram Dal Tomato Soup |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 4, Day 5 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Mashed Avocado |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Egg Yolk Mash |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Sooji (Semolina) Upma With Boiled and Grated Boiled beetroot |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 4, Day 6 – Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Oats Porridge |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Roasted Carrot Spinach Rice Puree |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Makhana Puree |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
Week 4, Day 7– Seven Months Baby Meal Plan
| Feeding Time | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Breakfast | Jowar (Sorghum) Puffs + Apple Puree |
| Mid-Morning | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Lunch | Wheat Sheera (Soft) |
| Evening | Breast Milk or Formula |
| Dinner | Baby Brown Rice Cereal |
| Bedtime | Breast Milk or Formula |
List of Top 8 Easy Homemade Baby Food Ideas For a 7-Month-Old Baby
Homemade foods are the best for babies as they provide proper nutrition. One can give lots of variety and try different food textures and flavors. Some simple and healthy recipes that can be introduced to a 7-month-old baby are
1. Steamed Apple and Pear Puree
Both apples and pears are a good choice for babies. These fruits do not cause any allergies and have soluble fibers that aid in digestion. This puree offers Vitamin C to the baby.
2. Eggy Omelet Fingers
It is a good energy source and very good for bone strength. It is protein and vitamin-rich as well.
3. Hot Lentil Soup
Lentils have iron, fiber, and protein, and are good for bones. They are rich in folic acid and magnesium. All these nutrients help in fighting infections, aid in digestion, result in stronger bones, and are good for the heart. If you do not consume non-vegetarian food as a principle, do include lentils in some form or the other in your baby’s diet, lentil soups, for example.
4. Veggie Hotpot
This dish has Vitamin K, A, Thiamine, Vitamin C, phosphorus, lycopene etc. It is good for lungs and eye health, builds immunity, provides energy, good for mental health and the heart as well.
5. Pumpkin and Thyme Puree
This puree is an ideal fiber source and helps with digestion. It has beta-carotene that is beneficial for eye health. It helps in building immunity due to the presence of Vitamin A.
6. Beetroot and Spinach Puree
Spinach is rich beta-carotene, Vitamin C, iron, and folic acid. It is good for the eyes, building immunity and for providing immense energy which is important for a baby at this stage as they explore too much. Beetroot is extremely healthy and adds an attractive color to your baby’s food.
7. Avocado and Banana Mash
Both these ingredients give ample energy and are a great source of potassium, good for the muscle as well as the bones.
8. Root Vegetables Puree
Sweet potato and carrot both have Vitamin A which is good for the eyes of the baby. They have beta-carotene as well. Carrots are also immunity boosters so an excellent addition to a baby’s diet.
[Read: Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Babies]
Tips And Precautions For Feeding a 7-Month-Old Baby
A seven-month-old baby shows signs of readiness and gives cues that the parents and the caretakers need to understand. Certain actions like the ability to sit upright with no help, having head control, fingers grasping food, mouth opening when food is given, and trying to reach for food are indicators that the baby is ready to be fed.
Even though the baby is ready, it is important to follow certain precautions while feeding a 7-month-old baby and they are:
- Increase the quantity gradually, beginning with a small spoon size and then moving to a bigger one.
- Always introduce one food at a time and follow the 3-day rule. Till then do not introduce any new items and watch for any allergies.
- Finger foods can also be given to the baby if they can grasp the food.
- Never leave the baby alone with food.
- Always peel and deseed the vegetables and fruits before giving them to the baby.
- Keep the baby seated at a height and use a spoon to feed the baby.
- Follow a feeding routine and watch out for signs of hunger that the baby gives.
- Limit the mealtime to 10-20 minutes only.
- Never add sugar, or salt when preparing baby food.
- Avoid giving honey and cow milk till the baby turns a year old.
- Never force-feed a baby, try and wait and give again so that they can adjust well.
Thus, it is important to include foods from all categories for proper overall growth and development. With this, it is also important to be vigilant and look for any allergies and infections when introducing any new food to the baby. It is a strict no to include foods of different categories. It is to understand the preference of the baby and get a food palate ready as well.
