Meal Patterns for Child Nutrition
There are two groups of meal patterns. The first group is for infants up to 12 months old. Foods in this group vary according to the infant's age. (Infants under 4 months of age are not served solid foods.) The second group is for children over 1 year of age.
Foods for Infants
Foods are appropriate for infants of different ages. Breast milk should be served to infants whenever possible. Solid foods are introduced gradually to infants 4 to 7 months old. Whenever possible, day care providers should consult parents concerning the introduction of solid foods.
0 Through 3 Months
- Breast Milk or Infant Formula (Iron Fortified)
4 Through 7 Months
- Breakfast
- Breast Milk or Infant Formula (Iron Fortified)
- When the infant is ready: Infant Cereal (Iron Fortified)
- Snack
- Breast Milk or Infant Formula (Iron Fortified)
- Lunch or Supper
- Breast Milk or Infant Formula (Iron Fortified)
- When the infant is ready: Infant Cereal (Iron fortified) and/or Fruit or Vegetable
8 Through 11 Months
- Breakfast
- Breast Milk or Infant Formula (Iron Fortified) or Whole Milk
- Infant Cereal (Iron Fortified)
- Fruit or Vegetable
- Snack
- Breast Milk or Infant Formula (Iron Fortified) or Whole Milk or Full-Strength Fruit Juice
- Lunch or Supper
- Breast Milk or Infant Formula (Iron Fortified) or Whole Milk
- Vegetables or Fruits
- Infant Cereal (Iron Fortified) or Meat or appropriate Meat Alternate
Foods for Children
Breakfast
- Milk
- Full-strength Fruit Juice, Fruit, or Vegetable
- Bread or Bread Alternate
Snack
Two of the following four foods. Juice may not be served when Milk is served as the only other food.
- Milk
- Meat or Meat Alternate
- Fruit, Vegetable, or full-strength Fruit Juice
- Bread or Bread Alternate
Lunch or Supper
- Milk
- Meat or Meat Alternate
- Vegetables or Fruits
- Bread or Bread Alternate
