Quick Answer: Your 7-month-old needs 3 solid meals plus 2 small snacks daily, along with continued breastfeeding (maa ka doodh) or formula. Start with single-ingredient purees, then gradually introduce khichdi, dal, ragi porridge, and mashed seasonal fruits. Breast milk or formula (700-900ml) should still be the primary nutrition source. Every baby is different - some will eat more, some less. Don't worry if your baby doesn't finish every meal!
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Sample Daily Routine for 7-Month-Old
Watch: How to boost your baby's brain development. Here are list of foods one should give the baby
Time
Activity
**6:00-7:00 AM**
Wake up, breastfeed/formula
**8:00-8:30 AM**
Breakfast (solid food)
**9:00-10:30 AM**
Morning nap (1-2 hours)
**11:00 AM**
Breastfeed/formula
**12:30-1:00 PM**
Lunch (solid food)
**1:30-3:30 PM**
Afternoon nap (1-2 hours)
**3:30 PM**
Breastfeed/formula + small snack
**5:30-6:00 PM**
Dinner (solid food)
**6:30 PM**
Bath time, play
**7:30 PM**
Bedtime breastfeed/formula
**8:00 PM**
Sleep
**Night**
1-2 night feeds as needed
Reassurance: This is a sample routine. Your baby's schedule may differ - that's completely normal!
Remember: Your baby's stomach is the size of their fist. Small portions are enough!
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Golden Rules for Feeding
Do's
Wait 3 days between new foods - To identify any allergies
One new food at a time - Don't introduce multiple foods together
Add ghee - Healthy fat for brain development
Offer water - Small sips in sippy cup with meals
Make mealtimes happy - No force feeding
Sit with baby - Never leave baby alone while eating
Don'ts
Avoid
Reason
**Honey**
Risk of botulism until 1 year
**Salt**
Harmful for baby's kidneys
**Sugar**
Develops unhealthy taste preferences
**Cow's milk as main drink**
Not nutritionally complete, give as curd/paneer
**Whole nuts**
Choking hazard
**Spicy food**
Baby's tummy can't handle it yet
**Fruit juice**
Too much sugar, give whole fruit instead
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Signs Baby is Ready for More Texture
Around 7-8 months, watch for:
Chewing motions (even without teeth)
Picking up food with fingers
Interest in your food
Less tongue-thrust reflex
When you see these signs, gradually move from smooth purees to mashed and lumpy textures.
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem
Solution
**Baby refuses new food**
Try again after 3-5 days, may need 10-15 tries
**Constipation**
Add more vegetables, prunes, water
**Loose stools**
Reduce fiber, try BRAT (banana, rice, apple, toast)
**Gagging**
Normal while learning - don't panic, but supervise
**Eating less some days**
Normal! Appetite varies
**Only wants breast/bottle**
Keep offering solids without pressure
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When to Seek Help
Consult Your Pediatrician If:
Baby consistently refuses all solids after 8 months
Weight gain is poor
Severe vomiting or diarrhea after eating
Rashes, swelling, or breathing issues (allergy signs)
Baby gags or chokes frequently
No interest in any food textures
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My baby only wants breast milk and refuses solids. What should I do?
A: This is very common at 7 months. Keep offering solids without pressure. Try different textures and flavors. Offer solids when baby is slightly hungry (not starving or full). It may take weeks - be patient!
Q: How many times should I breastfeed now that solids have started?
A: Continue breastfeeding 4-6 times daily. Breast milk is still the main nutrition source. Solids are complementary at this age, not a replacement.
Q: Can I give my baby non-vegetarian food?
A: Yes! Start with egg yolk, then soft-cooked chicken or fish (boneless, mashed) after 7-8 months. Introduce one at a time with 3-day gap.
Q: Baby gags on food - is this normal?
A: Gagging is normal and different from choking. Gagging is baby's protective reflex while learning to eat. Stay calm, supervise closely, but don't stop offering appropriate textures.
Q: Should I add salt or sugar to make food tastier?
A: NO. Baby's taste buds are developing and don't need added flavors. Salt harms kidneys; sugar creates unhealthy preferences. Use natural flavors like fruit purees for sweetness.
Q: My baby has no teeth - can they eat solids?
A: Yes! Babies don't need teeth to eat soft solids. They mash food with their gums. Offer age-appropriate textures - soft, mashable foods.
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Key Takeaways
Breast milk/formula first - Still the primary nutrition source at 7 months
3 meals + 2 snacks - Gradually build up to this
Indian foods are perfect - Khichdi, dal, ragi are nutritious and easy
3-day rule - Wait between new foods to check for allergies
No pressure - Let baby enjoy food at their pace
Add ghee - Healthy fat for growing brain
Every baby is different - Don't compare with other babies
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This article was reviewed by pediatricians at Babynama. Last updated: January 2026
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