Let me start by saying this: babies aren’t copy-paste, they’re all unique. And if you’re reading this while trying to figure out the “perfect” 8 month old eating schedule, I see you. I am you. I have an 8-month-old daughter, and trust me—finding a rhythm between breastfeeding, solids and constipation has been a journey. (If your baby is dealing with constipation, check out my articles on foods that can cause it and how to treat it. They might just help you navigate this wild ride!)

We’ve landed on a schedule that’s working really well for us right now, and I wanted to share it—not as a one-size-fits-all solution, but as a real, mom-tested routine you can use as a base or inspiration.

🍼 Why the 8-Month Mark Matters

At 8 months, babies are doing so much. Teething, crawling (or scooting like little inchworms), babbling up a storm—and yes, developing more of an appetite for food beyond milk. It’s around this stage that many babies transition into having three solid meals a day, along with their regular breastmilk or formula feeds.

And that balance? It can be tricky.

✅ Our Real-Life 8 Month Old Eating Schedule

Here’s what a typical day looks like for us right now:

7:00 AM — Wake + Breastfeed

She wakes up bright and early, ready for cuddles and milk. Breastfeeding is still her main source of nutrition, so I make sure we never skip this feed.

8:00 AM — Breakfast (Solids)

Something soft and easy to digest—like banana (I offer banana as finger food for baby-led weaning), baby-friendly yogurt, millet porridge with a splash of breastmilk, or scrambled eggs (yolk included). She also adores avocado and mango, which I offer as finger foods too (you can read more about mango for baby-led weaning in another article, ). If you’re looking for more ways to serve avocado, I’ve got an article with 10 avocado puree ideas to try.

10:00 AM — Breastfeed + Nap

A shorter feed, usually right before her morning nap. Sometimes she just wants comfort, and I’m totally fine with that.

12:00 PM — Lunch (Solids)

We keep it colorful and iron-rich—think lentil puree, mashed sweet potatoes, or soft veggie patties. I usually sit down and eat with her so it feels like a mealtime we both enjoy.

1:30 PM — Breastfeed + Nap

Another nursing session to help her wind down for her second nap. She typically feeds and naps for about an hour.

4:00 PM — Snack or Small Breastfeed

If she’s fussy or seems hungry, I’ll offer a light breastfeed or a snack like fruit puree or a teething biscuit.

5:30 PM — Dinner (Solids)

This is usually the heartiest meal. She’ll have protein (like soft-cooked lentils, tofu, or chicken), veggies, and some grains like couscous or quinoa. I try to vary the textures to keep things interesting.

7:00 PM — Bath, Breastfeed, Bed

We end the day with a relaxing bedtime routine and a full breastfeeding session. Sometimes she nods off right after, other times she still wants to chat (babble) before bed.

🧠 Things I’ve Learned About the Feed Schedule for 8 Month Old Babies

• Solids are for exploration at this age—breastmilk or formula is still the MVP.
• Not every day will be the same. Some days she devours her veggie mash, other days she flings it on the floor like it personally offended her.
• Texture and variety matter. I’ve noticed she’s much more excited to eat when her meals aren’t the same every day.
• She tells me what she needs. I’ve learned to read her hunger cues instead of sticking rigidly to the clock.

💬 Real Talk: What If You’re Behind?

Maybe you haven’t started three meals a day. Maybe your baby still hates veggies. Maybe your schedule looks nothing like this.

That. Is. Okay.

The “perfect” eating schedule for 8 month old babies is the one that fits your baby and your life. Use this as a framework, tweak it, toss it—whatever works.

📌 Tips for Building Your Own 8 Month Old Eating Schedule

• 🕖 Start small. If you’re just moving from one to two meals a day, give your baby time to adjust.
• 🥄 Mix it up. Offer a combo of finger foods and spoon-fed purees to let baby explore.
• 💧 Offer water with meals. In small sips, to help practice using a cup and digestion.
• 💤 Work around naps. No one likes eating tired or cranky (babies included).

Final Thoughts

Finding the right 8 month old eating schedule felt overwhelming at first, but now it’s something I genuinely enjoy. Watching my daughter discover new flavors and textures has been so fun. Some days are smooth, some are messy (literally), but overall—we’re in a good groove.

If you’re figuring this out too, just know you’re not alone. Your baby is doing great. You are doing great.

And if your floor looks like a veggie crime scene after every meal… welcome to the club. 💛

❓FAQ: 8 Month Old Eating Schedule

Q: How many solid meals should my 8-month-old be eating?
Most babies can handle 2–3 meals a day by 8 months. Start with one and build up at your baby’s pace.

Q: Should milk feeds decrease when solids increase?
Yes—but gradually. Breastmilk or formula should still be the main source of nutrition at this age. Solids are a supplement, not a replacement just yet.

Q: What if my baby refuses meals?
It’s totally normal. Keep offering without pressure. Their appetite can vary daily based on growth, teething, and mood.

Q: How do I balance solids and breastfeeding?
Spacing them out helps. I usually wait about 45 minutes to an hour after a milk feed before offering solids so she’s not too full or too hungry.