8 Month Old On Three Meals a Day, When Do I Offer Snacks?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions during our Weaning Wednesday Q&A’s ( join in Weekly on Instagram). If your baby is 8 months old and you are unsure about when to introduce snacks we are here to help.

Remember, every baby is different, so it's important to watch your baby's cues and respond to their needs. At eight months old, babies can start having three meals a day, each consisting of about 4oz/120ml of food. You should continue to offer your baby milk feeds at midday and in the afternoon. These milk feeds should not be stopped until your baby is nine months old.

The advice on this can be confusing. According to the NHS, you should not offer snacks to babies until they are 12 months old. However, the HSE in Ireland recommends that babies can be offered snacks at nine months old if they are hungry.

It is important to remember that every baby is different. You should watch your baby's cues and respond to their needs. If your baby seems hungry between meals, you can offer them a snack. However, if your baby is not hungry, you should not force them to eat.

It is also important to make sure that snacks are healthy and nutritious. Avoid giving your baby sugary or processed snacks. Instead, offer them fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

For more on snacks check out my blogs:
When to introduce Snacks
Healthy Snacks For Baby 9-12M
 
If you're looking for some tasty healthy snacks for the whole family, including your weaning baby, check out my 50 Snacks Recipes EBook
 
Our Weaning Advice page provides information and advice on weaning your baby. It includes recipes, tips, and articles on a variety of topics related to weaning, such as introducing finger food, adding herbs and spices to baby food, and healthy snacks for your baby, and lots more